It was one of those pack up and go type of trips. Again, proving to be the best kind of trips, the Pinnacles 1-day adventure was a brilliant idea. 

Where: Coromandel Forest Park

Duration: 6 hour return

Travel from Auckland: 2 hour drive

Stuff to pack: Pair of good shoes, water, snacks, camera, head torch and sleeping bag if you decide to stay the night in the hut up top. 

Leaving Auckland mid morning Scotty, Chris and I arrived just after lunch. With new boots, a bag filled with supplies and head torches in hand we started the climb which we knew would take us into the night. Having had Scotty done the walk twice before (once in bare feet I must add) we knew his arrival at the summit for sunset idea was going to be killer. 

All sporting different brands of head torches, Scotty's gaining the most range was at the front of the pack. Chris's with the brightest was at the back illuminating the path for the lot of us and leaving my torch proving useless sandwiched in the middle, the safe zone.

If you are yet to experience this walk, I suggest you do it the same way we did. The walk alone is epic. The track is well maintained and with so much to see you barely recognise your legs burning. There are many rivers to drink from and loads of old suspension bridges to play on. It's only ten minutes in that you are welcomed by the grandaddy of bridges. The bush is dense with many New Zealand natives and massive kauri trees. The views are mind blowing, the mountains high and the drops sheer. This walk will not disappoint anyone looking for a challenge and burning thighs. 

With a few pit stops and adventures off from the track we were making good time. As we got higher the sun got lower and we reached the last leg of the walk as the sun started to turn gold. 

The last leg is the steepest and took some concentration. Mind you, Scotty and Chris didn't seem to notice the chains, the narrow slippery channels and vertical climb. Running from the track and climbing rigid peaks with sheer drops either side, I choose a safe flat rock to perch my butt on and take in the view.

Reaching the summit for golden hour was beautiful. 360 degree view of the Coromandel and further. With the clearest of days you could see far north to Auckland, far south to Hamilton and east to the coastal towns of Tairua and Pauanui. 

Again, adrenaline filled Scotty and Chris jumped the fence and found their way through bush to another daring peak. With gained confidence from nailing the steepest section, the summit climb, I followed suit and joined for a team hug. 

Perching ourselves between trees and rocks we fired up the gas cooker. Between each of us taking turns to thaw out our finger tips we cooked tacos. Into the night we ate tacos, sipped on red wine and laid back taking in the trillions of stars.

With full stomachs and three hours ahead of us we made our way down. Sandwiched between Scotty and Chris we weighed up the pro's and con's of each others head torches and powered through the descent. 

Heading up the Pinnacles in daylight so to take in the beautiful scenery then descending in darkness with only a head torch and the moonlight guiding your way creates for one hell of a journey. I suggest you do it and see for yourself.