Pinnacles Hike and the Kauaeranga Valley

Day 3: Wednesday, February 5 – Beach day/Overnight at Pinnacles Hut

Explored New Chum Beach- fun 30 min hike to secluded beach. Beautiful, serene, peaceful.

Fish and Chips for lunch in Thames. Grocery Store Pak’nSave – great breakfast food aisle. Packed our backpacks and ready for hike in Kauaeranga Valley, Cormandel Forest.

2 hour/3.7 mile “moderate” hike to the Pinnacles Hut

The first of many swing bridges!
2317 ft ascent
Pinnacles Hut: 80 bunks and communal kitchen. Warm and comfortable but a little loud with the snoring hikers.

Day 4: Thursday, February 6 – Sunrise Hike, Karangaheke Gorge, Mt. Maunganui

5 AM start to catch the Sunrise at the peak.

Breakfast and 2 hour hike back to the car (legs a little tired).

Big Kiwi Breakfast in Thames for some much needed energy

1.5 hour drive to Karangaheke Gorge – old gold mine with cool tunnels.

Happy Waitangi Day or New Zealand Day -no fireworks or big parades just day off and beach day.

Detour at Mt. Maunganui for delicious fresh fruit ice cream

Drive to Hamurana Airbnb. Welcomed by a ram, a pig, 5 pooches, a cat, and some chickens

Misty and another pooch (3 not pictured)
Indian “takeaway” for dinner at Hamurana Reserve park. Be careful! Ducks are vicious and bit Carla’s finger!

Watching the news on coronavirus – first case detected in Dane county! Remember to wash your hands!

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Carla Garces-Redd

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