Wellington Regional Trails
Image of the Pūtangirua Pinnacles. Taken from a drone, looking down on the large stalagmite structures, with Palliser Bay in the background.

Flood damage

The bank along the southern edge of the car park has been significantly undercut — maintain a safe parking distance. Markers and signs along the streambed have been washed away and the path to access the track has changed. Take extra care along the path and when crossing the stream at the beginning of the track. There is no access to the Pinnacles site via the riverbed.

Find out more

Last updated: 13 May 2025

Hike to a lookout with sweeping views over the ancient rock formations featured in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’.

Walking time

90 minutes return

Length

3.6km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

250m climb

-250m descent

227m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Take a trip to the Wairarapa coastline. Cape Palliser is a stunning location that will take your breath away. Just a short walk from the sea is the Pūtangirua Pinnacles, large stalagmite structures that feature in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’. 

Walk up the Pinnacles Ridge Track to a lookout with dramatic views over the pinnacle formations. The track starts at the car park off Cape Palliser Road, then follows Pūtangirua Stream. Follow the signs up through native bush to a ridge above the pinnacles.

Bring sturdy walking shoes and allow 90 minutes to do the return trip. Due to the risks from landslides and falling rocks, there is no track to the base of the pinnacles or up the stream beyond the ridge track turnoff. 

Image of the Pūtangirua Pinnacles. Taken from a drone, looking down on the large stalagmite structures.

Getting there

  • The trail starts in Pūtangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve, 13 kilometres along Cape Palliser Road from the Lake Ferry turn-off. It’s about a one-hour drive from Martinborough.
  • Public transport is not available.

Know before you

  • There are toilets, water and camping facilities at the Pūtangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve.
  • Parking is available. 
  • After heavy rainfall, take extra care along the path and when crossing the stream.
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  • For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails, check out our before you go section.

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