• The start of the track is clearly marked from the ‘far’ end of the carpark.
• The hike starts off crossing the Kauaeranga River (there is a swing bridge for those who value dry feet J) and then climbs steeply along an old packhorse route. The track crisscrosses Webb creek and there are nice views back down the valley. It takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach the Hydrocamp clearing which was used by bushmen who logged this area in the past. From here the track continues to climb briefly before leveling out. There are grand views down to the East Coast. It is 1 hour from the Hydrocamp to the Pinnacles Hut.
• Unpack your sleeping bag and leave it on a bed – this is the traditional kiwi way of claiming your spot. Alternatively head down to the stream and pitch your tent.

Decision time!

From the hut you have two options (both of which you should definitely do at some stage):

• Climb the Pinnacles.
• Check out the Dancing Camp Dam.

Climb the Pinnacles

• A steep climb leads to the summit of the Pinnacles (759 metres). It takes about 45 minutes to climb up a series of steps and ladders to the jagged peak. The views from the top are spectacular making the effort and sweat to get there worthwhile. It can be pretty cold up here so take something warm to put on – after all the effort to get up it would be a pity to have to go down because you were cold. The descent (back the same way) is quick albeit hard on the knees.

Check out the Dancing Creek Dam

• From the hut there is a short 5 minutes walk down to the Dancing Creek Dam. Built in 1924 the dam has been partially restored (in 1994) and provides an indication of how the 100 dams built in the Kauaerenga valley actually worked. For those of you camping the designated campsites are down here as well.

• Chill out in the morning before a leisurely pack up (remember to take all your rubbish with you). Return to the Hydrocamp before taking the Billygoat track. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to get back to the carpark from here. Forget those dreams of an easy downhill walk however – the first thing the Billygoat track does is to climb steeply over a saddle. There are nice views from the top before the track drops down into a basin and crosses Billygoat stream. You will pass through another designated campsite before a small sign on your left indicates the long trestle lookout (5 minutes). 
• Continue on the main track past a track junction and keep your eye out for an overgrown track heading back to your right. If you spot it follow it down to the stream. This is a nice place to hang out and for those of you who are keen try walking downstream. You will need to do a bit of clambering and climbing before the stream drops from under you. We would suggest stopping here as it is 180 metres to the bottom of Billygoat falls. If you would like to go further then check out CANYONZ who run a canyoning trip down this stream which will see you abseiling down this waterfall – it is truly awesome.
• Shortly after returning to the main track there is a good viewpoint of Billygoat falls. From here the track continues along the ridge before dropping down to the Kauaerenga River. Relax and have a dip in the river because once you reach the road on the other side it is only 250 metres (back up the road to the right) to the carpark.

• Either return to Auckland the same way or once you have gone back across the Kopu bridge follow the alternative route below.

Alternative route

• If you are like us and don’t like going home the same way you came then turn right and follow the signs to Miranda along the coastal road.
• This area has been made famous by birdwatchers who come to the Miranda bird sanctuary to see the thousands of birds that migrate here from the Artic every year.
• Kaiaua has a legendary award winning fish and chip shop and provides the perfect place for an easy Sunday feed.
• From here the road continues along the coast before heading inland and taking you back to Auckland (just follow the signs).