v2.webp){kind=logo}
- The Pinnacles — The headline draw: dramatic rocky spires reached by a classic multi-day or long day hike through beech forest. The ridge and summit give sweeping views back over the Kauaeranga Valley and out toward the Hauraki Gulf, and the DOC Pinnacles Hut makes an overnight trip a proper backcountry experience.
- Kauaeranga Valley — Lush river valley that acts as the park’s gateway. You’ll find swing bridges, gravel riverbanks, campsites and the trackheads for most walks. It’s a great place to see the forest change from riverside scrub to tall native canopy as you climb.
- Ancient kauri groves — Pockets of big, old kauri trees tucked into the park’s gullies. They’re impressive and fragile, so you’ll notice boardwalks and cleaning stations — please use them to help stop kauri dieback.
- Waterfalls
- The Pinnacles — The headline draw: dramatic rocky spires reached by a classic multi-day or long day hike through beech forest. The ridge and summit give sweeping views back over the Kauaeranga Valley and out toward the Hauraki Gulf, and the DOC Pinnacles Hut makes an overnight trip a proper backcountry experience.
- Kauaeranga Valley — Lush river valley that acts as the park’s gateway. You’ll find swing bridges, gravel riverbanks, campsites and the trackheads for most walks. It’s a great place to see the forest change from riverside scrub to tall native canopy as you climb.
- Ancient kauri groves — Pockets of big, old kauri trees tucked into the park’s gullies. They’re impressive and fragile, so you’ll notice boardwalks and cleaning stations — please use them to help stop kauri dieback.
- Waterfalls and swimming holes — Short walks deliver lovely cascades and clear pools that are perfect for a cooling dip in summer. They’re an easy way to get into the park’s damp, ferny feel without committing to a big tramp.
- Ridgeline lookouts and coastal vistas — Many tracks climb to open ridgelines where the forest drops away and you can see out to the coastline and islands. Sunrises and late-afternoon light here are worth the climb if you like wide views and fewer people.
- Native birdlife and forest ecology — The forest is noisy in a good way: tui’s wheeze, kererū (wood pigeon) thumps, fantails flitting about. Bring binoculars — you can also spot native ferns, nikau palms and the odd skink if you’re quiet.
- Backcountry huts and tramping culture — Small DOC huts like Pinnacles Hut and a network of tracks let you stitch together 1-3 day trips. It’s basic, social, and very much part of the Kiwi tramp experience — bring a sleeping liner, water treatment and respect hut etiquette.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.