nut.in.a.hut · CC BY-SA · Source: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
DOC track

Pillar Point Lighthouse Track

1.1km45 min one wayEasy

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Notice

Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.

A walking and mountain biking track to Pillar Point Lighthouse.

Elevation

Climb
115m
Drop
31m
Highest point
144m
Lowest point
57m
100m00.5km1km
Move over the chart to read the height.
Scrub
Longest open stretch
1.1km

Cover mapped summer 2023/24.

Description

From a small car park off Wharariki Road, the walk climbs steadily up a 4WD track to the lighthouse. Only authorised vehicles are allowed to drive the track.

At the lighthouse, the track connects with the Pūponga Hilltop Walk. From here you have the option to walk to Wharariki Beach or the car park at Triangle Flat.

Getting there

From Collingwood, follow Collingwood-Puponga Main Road toward Pūponga. This road becomes Wharariki Road when it leaves the coast.

Continue down Wharariki Road for approximately 5 min (3 km) and the track will be signposted on your right.

Know before you go

General visiting rules

  • No dogs or other pets are allowed.
  • Firearms are prohibited.
  • Camping is not permitted on both Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and the Pūponga Farm Park.
  • Take your rubbish away with you when you leave.
  • Do not light fires or smoke.
  • No fishing in the nature reserve.

Visiting Pūponga Farm Park

Seemingly harmless acts, such as leaving a gate open or taking a pet for a walk can have drastic consequences for farm management. Follow these rules when visiting the farm:

  • Cars and motorcycles must stay on formed roads and car park areas.
  • Leave gates as you find them; don't be tempted to close an open gate - it's open for a purpose!
  • Hay and bull paddocks, and the airstrip (during operations), are off limits to visitors.
  • Livestock, birds and plants are not to be disturbed or interfered with.

At times the farm may be closed to the public. This is usually during lambing or calving, or when the fire risk is extreme. During such times, visitors are asked to keep to roads and car parks.

Weather

Forecast at the start of the track