Pinnacles Ridge Track

Pūtangirua Pinnacles are spectacular earth pillar formations. This area was a Lord of the Rings filming location.

The track starts at the car park off Cape Palliser Road, then follows Pūtangirua Stream. Follow the signposts as the track then leads up the hill to a ridge above the pinnacles.

The track ends at a lookout with excellent views of the pinnacles.

There is no track to the base of the pinnacles or up the stream beyond the ridge track turnoff. This is due to the risks from landslides and falling rocks.

For your safety, stay on the track. The best way to view the pinnacles is from the lookout.

This walk is in Pūtangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve. It is around 40 mins from Martinborough to Pūtangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve.

Drive from Martinborough to Whāngaimoana, then follow Cape Palliser Road around the coast. The turn-off to the track and Pūtangirua Pinnacles Campsite is 500 m past DOC's bookable Te Kopi Lodges.

There is parking, a toilet and a shelter at the track entrance.

Stay on the track, this is a naturally unstable landscape

There is a high risk of rockfalls and landslides in this area, including in the stream bed, along Pinnacles Ridge Track and around the pinnacles themselves

Always stay on the marked track. Do not walk close to the cliffs or to the base of the pinnacles.

Stream crossing needed, go in dry weather

There is a stream crossing on this track. Pūtangirua Stream can rise quickly after heavy rain and there can be flash floods.

Check the weather forecast before heading out, pick a dry day for the walk, and be prepared to turn back if the weather changes. Do not cross Pūtangirua Stream during or after heavy rain, or when the stream is flooded.

Bring sturdy shoes, warm clothes and water

Wear sturdy footwear with good grip and pack warm clothing.

There is no water on the ridge and the area can be very hot in summer, so carry a water bottle.

The Pūtangirua Pinnacles are some of the best earth pillar formations in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Pūtangirua Stream has eroded deep gullies into the soft gravel. Rainwater flows down these gullies vertically and washes away the gravel, but large boulders protect the gravel immediately below them, creating the pinnacles. Many of the pinnacles have now lost their capping rocks and so are eroding.