Loading...
Pukatea/Whites Bay
3.7 km
1 hour 30 minutes
192 metres
If you are looking for a classic Marlborough coastal escape that combines rugged hills, fascinating history, and views that will leave you breathless, look no further than the Black Jack Track. Tucked away in the stunning Pukatea/Whites Bay, just a short, scenic drive from Blenheim, this 3.74-kilometre loop is a local favourite that offers a perfect slice of the South Island’s coastal magic.
Whether you are a local looking for a weekend leg-stretcher or a visitor exploring the top of the South, this track delivers a high reward for a relatively modest effort. It is an invigorating journey through time and nature, taking you from the sands of a historic bay up into the lush, regenerating forest of the Marlborough hills.
The adventure on the Black Jack Track begins at the Whites Bay campsite, a spot that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Before you even set foot on the trail, the sound of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the shore sets a tranquil tone. The track is a loop, which is always a bonus for hikers who love to see something new at every turn.
To get started, head toward the car park area near the public toilets. A quick heads-up for your planning: the original bridge at the start of the track has been removed. This means your walk starts with a bit of a "choose your own adventure" moment as you carefully cross the creek. Depending on recent rainfall, the water flow can vary from a mere trickle to a more energetic stream, so take your time finding the best stepping stones. It adds a touch of rugged charm right from the get-go!
Once across, the trail begins its steady ascent. You’ll find yourself climbing through beautiful regenerating native bush. This forest is a living testament to the resilience of the New Zealand landscape, as it slowly recovers from the land-clearing days of early European settlement. The air here is often thick with the scent of damp earth and manuka.
As you navigate the 192 metres of elevation gain, you’ll encounter several slips along the way. While these are entirely passable with a bit of care, they remind you that this is a natural, evolving environment. The terrain is a mix of forest floor and slightly more technical sections, earning its moderate difficulty rating. It’s enough to get your heart rate up and make that picnic at the top feel well-deserved, but it remains a fantastic option for families and those with a reasonable level of fitness.
A car park with public toilets is conveniently located at the trailhead, just above Whites Bay beach and through the camping ground. Access to Whites Bay is typically from Blenheim, driving north on SH1 to Tuamarina, then heading east via Hunter, Pembers, and Rarangi Roads to Rarangi, before climbing steeply to the Whites Bay turn-off. Alternatively, a more scenic but winding and unsealed route is available from Picton along Port Underwood Road.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
17km away
A family-owned cafe in the heart of Blenheim, serving single-origin coffee, honest food made from scratch (including homemade breads), and catering to various dietary requirements in a vibrant atmosphere.
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Loop
The absolute crown jewel of this hike is the spectacular viewpoint perched on the edge of a dramatic bluff. As you emerge from the bush, the world suddenly opens up. From this vantage point, you are treated to a sweeping panorama of Te Whanganui/Port Underwood, the vast, blue expanse of the Cook Strait, and the distant, rugged silhouette of Cape Campbell. On a clear day, the contrast between the deep blue water and the verdant green hills is nothing short of spectacular.
To make things even better, there is a perfectly placed picnic bench at this viewpoint. It’s the ultimate spot to sit, catch your breath, and soak in the scenery. If you are hiking with little ones, do keep a very close eye on them here, as the area is quite exposed and the drops are significant.
Beyond the views, the track is steeped in a layer of history that makes every step more meaningful. The bay itself is named after Black Jack White, an American who famously deserted his whaling ship in 1828 to settle with local Māori. It’s incredible to imagine what life was like in this isolated bay nearly 200 years ago.
Additionally, history buffs will appreciate that Whites Bay was the South Island terminus for the first inter-island telegraph cable in 1866. The original cable station still stands nearby, serving as a silent reminder of the days when this quiet bay was a high-tech hub of Victorian communication.
Whites Bay is easily accessible from Blenheim, making it a great half-day trip. The most common route is to drive north on SH1 to Tuamarina, then follow the signs east via Hunter, Pembers, and Rarangi Roads. Once you reach the coastal settlement of Rarangi, the road climbs steeply over the hill—be prepared for some tight bends and stunning coastal glimpses—before descending into the Whites Bay turn-off.
If you are coming from Picton and fancy a more adventurous route, you can take the Port Underwood Road. Be warned, though: this route is winding and largely unsealed. While it offers incredible views of the sounds, it’s a much slower journey and better suited to those who aren’t in a hurry.
There is a dedicated car park with public toilets located just above the beach and through the camping ground, providing a convenient base for your walk.
The Black Jack Track is a fantastic place for bird watching. As you move through the regenerating forest, keep your ears open for the melodic chime of the Bellbird (Korimako) and the rhythmic "whoosh-whoosh" of the Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) flying overhead.
The most common companion you’ll likely encounter is the cheeky Weka. These flightless birds are famously inquisitive and have no qualms about approaching hikers to see if you’ve dropped any snacks (though please don't feed them!). You’ll also see plenty of Fantails (Pīwakawaka) flitting about the undergrowth, often following hikers to catch the insects disturbed by your footsteps. Down near the water's edge, keep an eye out for the Variable Oystercatcher with its distinctive orange beak, often seen patrolling the shoreline.
The Black Jack Track is truly a year-round destination, but each season brings its own flavour:
Whites Bay, or Pukatea, holds a special place in the cultural landscape of Marlborough. For Ngāti Toa and other iwi, the area has long been a place of significance for its resources and strategic location. The transition from a site of Māori occupation to a whaling hub and later a telecommunications centre reflects the layers of New Zealand’s history.
The regeneration of the bush on the Black Jack Track is part of a wider regional effort to restore the natural biodiversity of the Marlborough coast. By walking this trail, you are witnessing the slow but steady return of the forest to its former glory—a process that local conservation groups and the Department of Conservation work hard to support.
After you’ve tackled the hills and soaked in the history, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Head back over the hill to Blenheim (about a 20-25 minute drive) to refuel at some of the local favourites:
The Black Jack Track is more than just a walk; it’s a journey through the heart of Marlborough’s coastal heritage. From the cheeky Weka to the hauntingly beautiful views of the Cook Strait, it’s a trail that will stay with you long after you’ve brushed the salt and dust off your boots.
Haematopus unicolor
Coastal wading bird with a distinctive long orange-red bill. Found on beaches and estuaries around New Zealand.
Best time: Year-round
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
17.5km away
A welcoming and relaxed space in Blenheim offering a great menu, craft beer on tap, New Zealand wines, cocktails, and live music on weekends, with dog-friendly outdoor areas.
17.5km away
Located in Blenheim, Frank's offers a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on local ingredients, specializing in oysters and clever snacks, paired with excellent martinis and a selection of wines.