A must-do adventure!
Kia ora. My name is Connor de Gier, and this is my story. I was born in Auckland and lived there until moving to the Coromandel in 2021. I am 17 years old and have now developed a love for nature and exploring anywhere my legs can take me. I only just started hiking and adventuring this year.
I got into exploring and hiking by starting with little side quests, just little weekend missions to find a new or existing place to chill and hang out with my mates. I quickly got attached to the perfection nature provides. Whether exploring on or off tracks, my appreciation for everything expands. When I’m out exploring, I mentally feel happier, healthier and incredibly accomplished afterwards. The self-accomplishment and my appreciation for nature is a huge reason why I do the things I do.
With a background in social media, making videos about nature is also what I like doing in my spare time. I enjoy inspiring people to get out and enjoy the views just as much as I do. I make videos and take photos for TikTok and Instagram. These platforms allow me to post my content and share my experiences with an audience. Inspiring people to start appreciating nature more makes me feel really good about myself, so it gives me another purpose to get out there and go. I truly believe that everyone should go out and enjoy what’s been gifted to us.
Track #1: An incredible accomplishment – Pinnacles Summit
The Pinnacles Summit is located in Thames Coromandel with stunning views throughout the whole track. The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk) is a 6-8 hour return hike, but definitely worth it. The sense of accomplishment as I finally reached the summit was an unexplainable feeling I hadn’t felt before. The day I climbed the Pinnacles Summit, I woke up and had a strong gut feeling that I should do it. I had been wanting to do the Pinnacles Walk since moving to Whitianga. The day was pretty unplanned; after doing some jobs, I called a mate. Neils was keen, so I picked him up.
We underestimated the time it took to get from Whitianga to Thames but then, having reached the start of the Billygoat track, we set off for the summit. Throughout the whole walk, we couldn’t stop thinking of how good the feeling would be once we reached the summit. This was my first proper hike, so I was more than just excited. As we climbed, nature truly showed its beauty, from the lush greenery of the trees creating a canopy over our heads to the other vibrant colours adding to the kaleidoscope of beauty. Along the way, there were many lookouts that were truly breathtaking. It was impossible not to stop and admire the views.
As Neils and I got three-fourths of the way to the summit, we decided to start running as we wanted to reach the summit to have enough time up there to enjoy it, and enough time to reach the bottom before it was dark. The closer I got to the summit, the more excited I was, knowing I would achieve my goal and see the spectacular view. Going past Pinnacles Summit Hut, the views kept getting better and better. This gave me a good sense of accomplishment even though I had not reached the top yet.
Finally, after about three hours of hard hiking, we reached the summit. The thrill I felt as we reached the summit is unexplainable. Lots of mixed emotions were running through my head at the top but all good emotions. I never thought that nature would give me such a high sense of self-accomplishment. Standing at the top gazing over the view, I felt like Da Man; I felt as if I had climbed Mt Everest, although I hadn’t. I remember feeling immensely fulfilled as if all the hard work and effort had finally paid off. I felt a deep sense of pride knowing I had achieved something significant. It was also a feeling of contentment and satisfaction, knowing I had reached my goal. Overall, I felt empowered and highly motivated to continue to strive for even greater accomplishments.
Not only did my achievement feel spectacular but the view from the summit was truly breathtaking, from every angle. It was incredible to be able to see so far into the distance, I felt as if I was dreaming. There are many photos and videos online to back up what I’m saying.
Tips:
- Plan your day appropriately and make sure all your timing is good.
- Make sure to bring plenty of water.
- Nuts and muesli bars are a really easy and nutritious way to fuel yourself when hiking.
- Prepare to climb when approaching the summit. Easy climb with ladders and bars.
- Prepare for temperatures to get much colder at the top.
- Recommended head torch just in case.
- Billy Goat Track offers more views and is more scenic than the Webb Creek Track, however it takes an hour more.
Area: Coromandel Forest Park
Distance: I chose to do the Billy Goat Track, Up & Down: 28 kms (Return)
Grade: Intermediate- Difficult
Access: From Kauaeranga Road end (unsealed road)
Note: Pinnacle summit/ Kauaeranga Kauri Trail Via Billy Goat Track, Coromandel Forest Park.
Words by Connor de Gier
To know more about the Pinnacle Walk access the DOC page
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