Pinnacles Track
Located in Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve in the Wairarapa region
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Introduction
Walk to the spectacular Putangirua Pinnacles or further for excellent views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke – the shorter options are suitable for kids.Dog access
Image gallery
Three routes lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles or the Pinnacles lookout.
Up the streambed
Time: 45 minutes
Walk up the streambed to where the Pinnacles tower overhead. Watch for falling rocks, especially after heavy rain and in strong winds. There are many stream crossings.
Pinnacles Track
Distance: 1.5 km one way
Time: 45 minutes
Take the easily-graded bush walk that starts around 10 minutes along the streambed from the car park. This leads to the junction connecting the Ridge Walk Track and Pinnacles Track. Going right at this junction takes you to the Pinnacles lookout.
Ridge Walk Track
Distance: 1.5 km
Time: 45 minutes
For a more direct route to the lookout, walk up the streambed to the base of the Pinnacles and turn left onto the Ridge Walk Track. This track climbs steeply to the lookout and meets up with the Pinnacles Track. The Pinnacles Track and Ridge Walk Track form a loop.
For a longer walk with excellent views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke, continue uphill from the lookout to a bulldozed track and turn left. It returns you to the coast 300 metres from the Pinnacles Road entrance. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the return trip.
This walk is in Aorangi Forest Park which lies between Martinborough in the north and Cape Palliser in the south. It starts in Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve which 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 m past DOC's bookable Te Kopi Lodges.
Part of the Pinnacles Track Carpark is damaged from a washout. Stay clear of the washout edge and temporary safety barrier.
Follow the signposted tracks if accessing the river and walks.
Stream crossings are required - don't cross when flooded.
There may be rockfall in the stream bed - keep a look out.
Contacts
| Kapiti Wellington Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 4 384 7770 |
| Email: | wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
18 - 32 Manners Street Wellington 6011 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 10420 The Terrace Wellington 6143 |
| Full office details | |
