Leave the hubbub of the Pinnacles Track and enjoy this intrepid out-and-back, complete with basic campsite. 

This intriguing tramp has all the backcountry trimmings, like river crossings and slip avoidance, but is only a couple of hours from Auckland. 

The track starts at the end of Kauaeranga Valley Road from the same car park as the popular walk to Pinnacles Hut. Any map suggesting you can loop round to Pinnacles Hut is out of date. The eastward track that used to join with Rangihau Track is long closed, making this adventure an out-and-back. Though technically still open, the side mission to Mt Rowe appears unmaintained and will satisfy those with a penchant for cutty grass bashing.

Start on Webb Creek Track: pass through the kauri dieback spray-station and follow the gravel path to cross the bridge over the Kauaeranga River at Billy Goat Landing. Continue on the track for another 1km until you reach the junction at Webb Creek. Take the left turn, signposted ‘Moss Creek backcountry campsite’, and follow it down to cross the creek. Now noticeably more rugged, the track climbs briefly into the forest before descending back to the Kauaeranga River.

The wire bridge that once assisted trampers over the river no longer exists, so take care with the crossing. Once on the river’s true right, follow Moss Creek Track upriver and cross the two side creeks. The second features a small and picturesque waterfall that tumbles down a channel carved through a huge boulder.

After another 200m, a large sign marks the intersection with a side route to the Kauaeranga Gorge. Take the left fork, which begins to climb the foot of Mt Rowe. After approximately 1km of steady climbing and some 200m altitude gain, the track flattens off at the 420m contour. Keep a lookout for werewere-kōkako blue mushrooms.

The track now winds through an enchanted section of forest and crosses two streams in quick succession before beginning to climb again – gradually at first then more steeply. At the gigantic slip, enjoy the views across the valley towards The Pinnacles, then follow the orange trail markers to negotiate the edge of the slip and climb beyond it.

The track’s gradient begins to max out, and several near-vertical climbs over tree roots, mud and stone are required. A glance at the topo map shows the 600m and 700m contour lines are very close here: it’s those 100m you are now climbing.

The track levels out abruptly before a sign to the left to Mt Rowe. Continue straight on the main path, which becomes noticeably more boggy with a side dish of moss. 

About 500m after the junction a small opening on the left reveals where a two-bunk DOC hut stood until 2021 – a miniature tribute to the 24-bunker that once stood at Moss Creek before a 1993 fire put paid to it.

Continue down the track to the old kauri dam and cross the creek, which doubles as the campground’s water supply. Climb out of the creek bed and you’ve arrived at the campsite. Walk to the end of the clearing for a view of Whitianga and the east coast beyond. 

Enjoy a night at the camp or retrace your steps on the same day.