The Putangirua Pinnacles

Putangirua Pinnacles can be found in the Aorangi Forest Park on Cape Palliser Road. Astonishing on account of their geological formations, the finest example of “badlands erosion” you’ll find in New Zealand, visiting this natural wonder will make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.

With sturdy footwear and plenty of food and drinking water, please be aware that it can be very hot here in summer when you come and see why this spot appealed to Peter Jackson for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in the scenes for the ‘Paths of the Dead’.

With three routes leading to the pinnacles your easiest option is walking up the streambed where you’ll be dwarfed by the pinnacles. Otherwise, take the easy bush track that starts about 10minutes from the car park. This trail will take you to the junction of the loop track and up to the lookout above the pinnacles. And for the longest of all the walking options, where you’ll also enjoy views of Lake Onoke and Palliser Bay, continue on after reaching the lookout, turn left and you’ll be led back to the coast, about 300 metres from the Pinnacles Rd entry point. And always look out for rock fall especially after heavy rain and when it’s been windy. And if this looks like your cup of tea, why not camp out here as the Department of Conservation have got a very pleasant and rarely crowded campsite for visitors with tents.