Pinnacles Track

Walking track

Time:  

2 – 4 hr depending on route

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.

Description

Walkers at the Putangirua Pinnacles

Three routes lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles. Allow 2 – 3 hours for the round trip.

1. Walk up the streambed to where the Pinnacles tower overhead (watch for falling rocks, especially after heavy rain and in strong winds).
2. Take the easily graded bush walk that starts approximately 10 minutes along the streambed from the carpark
3. 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.

Plan and prepare

Watch for falling rocks on the streambed walk.

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required

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