Pinnacles Track
Alert/Important notice
Watch for falling rocks on the streambed walk.
The top bush walk track to the viewing platform above the Pinnacles formations has been closed for safety reasons. Access to the viewing platform is still available via the track near the base of the Pinnacles.
Track category
Walking track
Time:
2 - 4 hr depending on route
Description
Walkers at the Putangirua Pinnacles
Two routes lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles. Allow 2 - 3 hours for the return trip.
- Walk up the streambed to where the Pinnacles tower overhead (watch for falling rocks, especially after heavy rain and in strong winds).
- Take the more direct loop track from near the stream junction up to the lookout.
For a longer walk, with excellent views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke, continue uphill from the lookout to a bulldozed track. It returns you to the coast 300 metres from the Pinnacles road entrance. Allow 3 - 4 hours for the return trip.
Lord of the Rings filming location
The eerie scenes in The Return of the King as Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli ride along the Dimholt Road to meet the Army of the Dead were filmed against the surreal backdrop of the Pinnacles.
Protecting the area during filming
Weed-free fodder was fed to horses used in the Lord of the Rings before they were filmed at the Putangirua Pinnacles. The risk of introducing weeds was addressed through a condition in filming consents required horses to be fed products that could not regrow and were free of seed. The production company also ensured the horses came from gorse and broom-free stables. After the horses had been walked through the reserve to be filmed from a helicopter, their hoof prints were raked over to avoid any impact on the ground.
Getting there
This walk is in Aorangi Forest Park which lies between Martinborough in the north and Cape Palliser in the south. Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve is 13 km along Cape Palliser Road from the Lake Ferry turn-off, approximately one hour's drive from Martinborough. The turn-off and campsite are 500 metres past the Department of Conservation caretaker's residence.
Plan and prepare
Watch for falling rocks on the streambed walk.
back to top
Guides and commercial tourism providers