Black Jack Track

From Whites Bay, the track climbs to a superb viewpoint on the edge of a bluff where Te Whanganui/Port Underwood, Cook Strait and Cape Campbell can be seen. Children need to be closely supervised here. Return the same way or complete a longer, loop option by winding slowly down through regenerating forest.

The bridge at the start of the track has been removed. Take care crossing the creek, its waterflow is changeable. There are several slips – all are passable with care.

Mountain biking

Grade: 3/Intermediate, 4/Advanced
Distance: 1.9 km section of Black Jack Track
Time: 20 min approximately

Mountain bikers are allowed to use part of the Black Jack Track to access the Mount Robertson Loop Track. You must only travel uphill on the left hand branch (looking up the hill from the Whites Bay end) of the track.

Follow SH1 to Tuamarina (9 km north of Blenheim or 20 km south of Picton). Turn off and head east via Hunter, Pembers and Rarangi Roads to Rarangi, before climbing steeply over rugged hills to where a short side road leads down to the cable station.

Whites Bay is 15 km from Tuamarina. Alternative access involves a 41 km drive from Picton along the historic and spectacular but winding and unsealed Port Underwood Road.

• Hot, dry conditions and strong, cold winds are common in this area.
• Open fires are not permitted at any of the East Coast reserves and only portable stoves should be used for cooking.
• Watch out for wasps, especially in late summer and autumn.