6 FUN COROMANDEL HIKES/WALKS

If you’re looking for Coromandel hikes and walks, this post is for you.

I’ll add to it as I do more hikes on the Coromandel Peninsula overtime. That’s if weather cooperates, seemingly everytime I’m there it’s raining cats and dogs.

Let’s get into it.

6 COROMANDEL HIKES

1. Cookson Kauri Walk
2. Wentworth Valley Hike
3. Pinnacles Hut
4. Wharekirauponga
5. Success Track
6 Cathedral Cove

Before continuing, zoom in on the Coromandel Peninsula to see where the hikes I’ve written about are.

1. COOKSON KAURI WALK

• Distance: 6km
• Elevation Gain: ~255 metres

The Cookson Kauri Walk is a neat wee hike that fills in a couple of hours, perhaps you can do it if you’ve got time the day before your Pinnacles hike. Or if you’ve just taken a drive up the valley and want to see a Kauri tree up close it works a treat!

The elevation is solid enough, and a good wee workout. Especially as much of it is stairs, which if you’re like me, you won’t be a fan of!

2. WENTWORTH VALLEY WATERFALL WALK

• Distance: 6 – 7km return
• Elevation Gain: ~180 metres

A popular camping area on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, the Wentworth falls walk is a lovely maintained trail that takes you to the two-tired Wentworth Valley Waterfall. You’ll see plenty of bush along the way, on a place where mining used to take place.

There’s plenty of swimming holes along the way. While this isn’t a marquee walk, if you are craving a river dip and are staying at the campground or nearby, you won’t regret this track.

3. HIKING TO PINNACLES HUT

• Distance: 13km
• Elevation Gain: ~675 metres

Pinnacles Hut is one of the most popular huts in the country (that’s not a Great Walk)! So while there are heaps that do it as an overnighter, you can also do the hike as a day hike.

For such a popular hut, I was suprised by how technical some parts are. It’s not a hike I’d go on as my first hike, but if you’re looking for a challenging and interesting hike…this is the one. If you want to go to the Pinnacles (you should), you’ll need to add a little distance to the above numbers. And pick a good weather day!

4. WHAREKIRAUPONGA

• Distance: 12km return
• Elevation Gain: ~175 metres

The Wharekirauponga Track is underrated! The first two thirds of the track to the waterfall is straightforward on well maintained tracks, before it starts getting a little more technical with some obstacles that keep you honest, but shouldn’t be a barrier (it used to be a horse-drawn tram track for the mining company).

There’s a sweet tunnel to explore, and the suspension bridge above the waterfall is perfectly placed to take it all in. And then you’ve got the option of taking a swim if the conditions are safe. On a warm sunny day, this is a great Coromandel hike option. And it won’t be too busy.

5. SUCCESS TRACK

• Distance: 9km
• Elevation Gain: ~580 metres

With the trailhead on the outskirts of Coromandel Town (which has some easily accessible walks), the Success Track is a bit of a grunt, but if you want to get the heart rate up this is for you.

It’s not for you if you want views, there’s very few on the way to the summit, and even once you reach the trig there’s none. But the greenery is lovely. The track is maintained enough that it’s easy enough to follow so it’s perfect if you’re relaxing in the area for a few days. You can also link it together with other tracks for a longer hike if need be.

6. CATHEDRAL COVE WALK

• Distance: 4km (you can add ~2km more)
• Elevation Gain: 200 – 380 metres

One of the most recognisable tourist destinations in the country, Cathedral Cove I find does live up to the hype. Sure, it’s popular but if you start at first light you can avoid the majority of the crowds.

And while most people will follow the shortest route to the Cove and back, there’s a few side trips to lesser known coves to visit as well.

Yes, it’s busy, but this is a really spectacular spot. Do it.

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There are a lot more hikes in the Coromandel area, and the DOC website is a good starting point for that. Overtime I’ll get to more of the hikes in the area.

If you’ve got any questions or suggestions about any/all Coromandel hikes, send me an email jub@churnewzealand.com or leave a message in the comments below.

Chur,
Jub