The walking trails on the Coromandel Explorer walk are of moderate difficulty with short sections rated as hard. We tend to do easier days on Day’s 1 and 4, with more challenging days on Day’s 2 and 3. We’ve paced things carefully and we plan time for plenty of short, strategic breaks to rest and hydrate.
The trails range from well-formed paths to tracks broken with tree roots, rocks, mud and small stream crossings. Some of the walks can be varied slightly to provide easier options. The most challenging walk on this trip is the Pinnacles in the Kauaeranga Valley, which we normally tackle on Day 3. There are plenty of stairs to negotiate, as well as a short, steep section in the final 30 minutes where we access the summit proper via a network of steel rungs and ladders.
For a more in depth look at the Pinnacles Track, check out our blog post ‘A Step-By-Step Guide to the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail/The Pinnacles.’
On average you should be able to walk for 6 – 7 hours a day and carry a daypack with your lunch, water, raincoat and warm layers. In preparation for completing the Coromandel Explorer, it’s a great idea to start a training program beforehand that includes tracks with stairs. Perhaps complete a few shorter multi-day walks in the months beforehand to satisfy yourself that your fitness is adequate.
Every evening, over dinner, your guide will give you a detailed briefing on what to expect for the following day. We like to keep things relaxed so the faster walkers can go on ahead and the ‘plodders’ can take their time at the back without worrying about holding anyone up! If you have any issues with heights, please let us know beforehand and we can alert you to the specific areas of each track that you may find challenging.
Ready to book? Visit the Coromandel Explorer booking page to select your preferred date and lock it in.