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Cape Palliser Road, Wairarapa
3.6 km
1 hour 30 minutes
250 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a landscape that feels less like New Zealand and more like the surface of a distant, dusty planet, the Putangirua Pinnacles Track is calling your name. Tucked away on the rugged, wind-swept coastline of the Wairarapa, this hike offers one of the most dramatic geological displays in the country. Whether you are a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan wanting to walk the 'Paths of the Dead' or a family looking for an adventurous weekend outing, this trail delivers a heavy dose of "wow" factor for relatively little effort.
The journey into this ancient landscape begins at the Pūtangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve car park. From the moment you step out of the car and hear the roar of the nearby Palliser Bay surf, you know you’re in for something special. The track is classified as moderate, and while it is only a 3.6km return trip, it packs a lot of variety into that distance.
The adventure starts on the Pinnacles Ridge Track. Initially, you’ll find yourself wandering alongside the Pūtangirua Stream, surrounded by lush native bush that provides a cool, green canopy. It’s a gentle start, but don't get too comfortable—the track soon begins a steady, honest climb as it leaves the valley floor and heads toward the ridge. You’ll gain about 250 metres in elevation, which is enough to get the heart rate up, but the well-formed path makes it manageable for most fitness levels.
As you ascend, the bush begins to thin, and the true scale of the area reveals itself. The path winds along the ridge, offering glimpses through the trees of the towering earth pillars below. The real "mic drop" moment happens when you reach the dedicated lookout platform. Standing there, you are perched high above a labyrinth of grey, jagged spires that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a dark fantasy novel.
It is important to note that while older guides might mention walking up the streambed to stand directly beneath the pillars, the streambed route is now permanently closed. The area is incredibly active geologically, and the risk of rockfall, landslides, and sudden flash flooding is very real. Sticking to the ridge track is the only safe way to experience the Pinnacles, and honestly, the panoramic views from the top are far superior anyway!
The return journey follows the same ridge track. Walking back down gives you a completely different perspective of the Wairarapa coastline, with the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching out toward the horizon. It’s a great walk for active kids who enjoy a bit of a climb, and because it’s dog-friendly (on lead), your four-legged friend can join in the fun too.
Ample parking is available at the Pūtangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve car park, located off Cape Palliser Road. The car park also provides access to toilets and a shelter. Please be aware that the bank along the southern edge of the car park has been undercut, so maintain a safe parking distance. No vehicles, including motorbikes, are permitted beyond the car park into the Pūtangirua streambed or onto the track itself, to protect the environment and prevent the spread of invasive weeds.
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
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
The undisputed stars of the show are the Pinnacles themselves. These are a world-class example of 'badlands erosion'. Roughly seven to nine million years ago, when the Aorangi Range was an island, huge amounts of gravel were dumped by rivers into the sea. Over time, these layers were uplifted. The Pūtangirua Stream has since spent millennia carving deep gullies into this soft ancient gravel.
Look closely at the 'hoodoos' (the tall columns). You’ll notice many have a large boulder sitting right on top. These boulders act like umbrellas, protecting the softer gravel beneath them from the rain, while the surrounding material is washed away. It’s a slow-motion architectural feat by Mother Nature.
Beyond the geology, the Lookout Platform is the ultimate photo spot. From here, you can see the sheer scale of the formations and how they contrast with the rugged bush of the Aorangi Forest Park. On a clear day, the views out over Palliser Bay are spectacular, offering a sense of the wild, isolated beauty that defines this corner of the North Island.
For film buffs, the highlight is simply being in the presence of cinematic history. This is where Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rode to meet the Army of the Dead in The Return of the King. Even without the CGI ghosts, the atmosphere is undeniably eerie and majestic.
The Putangirua Pinnacles are located off Cape Palliser Road, about an hour’s drive south of the famous wine village of Martinborough. The drive itself is a highlight, hugging the coast and offering views of craggy cliffs and wild beaches.
Ample parking is available at the Pūtangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve car park. You’ll find basic toilets and a small shelter here. A quick word of caution for drivers: the bank along the southern edge of the car park has been undercut by erosion, so please maintain a safe distance when parking. To protect the delicate environment and prevent the spread of invasive weeds, no vehicles or motorbikes are allowed past the car park.
While the landscape looks barren in the gullies, the surrounding bush is teeming with life. Keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like call of the Tūī and the deep, rhythmic "whoosh-whoosh" of the Kererū (New Zealand pigeon) flying overhead. Both are very common year-round.
The friendly Pīwakawaka (fantail) will likely follow you along the ridge track, flitting about to catch the insects you stir up as you walk. If you’re lucky, you might hear the chime of the Korimako (bellbird) or see a Variable Oystercatcher near the coast if you head down to the beach after your hike. Because the track moves through different habitats—from stream-side bush to high ridges—the birdlife is surprisingly diverse.
The Aorangi Forest Park is a place of deep significance. For Māori, the Aorangi Range and the surrounding coastline provided rich resources for centuries. The area is part of the ancestral lands of Ngāti Kahungunu, and the rugged coast was a vital source of kaimoana (seafood).
Geologically, the Pinnacles are a reminder of New Zealand's violent and shifting tectonic history. They are relatively young in geological terms, but they represent millions of years of sediment being pushed up from the ocean floor. The fact that they are still being actively shaped by every rainstorm makes this a "living" landscape.
Once you’ve finished your hike, don’t just head straight back to the city. Continue driving south for about 20 minutes to reach Cape Palliser. Here, you can climb the iconic striped lighthouse and visit the North Island’s largest permanent fur seal colony. Just remember to keep a safe distance (at least 20 metres) from the seals!
If you’re feeling hungry, stop in at the tiny fishing village of Ngawi, famous for the colourful tractors used to haul fishing boats into the sea. For a proper "post-hike" refuel, head back toward Pirinoa and stop at The Land Girl. This quirky, rustic cafe is a local favourite, offering great coffee, hearty pies, and a lovely garden setting.
Alternatively, if you’re heading back through Martinborough, you are spoilt for choice. The Martinborough Brewery is a fantastic spot for a craft beer and a burger, or grab a table at one of the many cafes around the village square to toast a successful day in the Wairarapa wild.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Haematopus unicolor
Coastal wading bird with a distinctive long orange-red bill. Found on beaches and estuaries around New Zealand.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus
This native New Zealand gull is a common sight in coastal towns, easily identified by its bright red bill, eye-ring, and legs.
Best time: Year-round