Putangirua Pinnacles

Highlights: Fascinating rocks, Lord of the Rings filming location

Length: 2 - 4 hours

Where: 1.5 hours by car from Wellington CBD

What to take: Active wear, water, snacks, camera

Over the years, the Putangirua Stream has carved its way down the Aorangi ranges, exposing prehistoric conglomerate layers of rock formed 6-7 million years ago and, with the help of torrential downpours and flooding, eerie towers and pillars have been left in its wake.

Getting there: The Putangirua Pinnacles are located on the way to Cape Palliser, an hour and a half from Wellington. Head over the Rimutakas and, shortly after Featherston, turn right onto Kahutara Rd. Follow Kahutara Rd all the way to the end and turn right onto Lake Ferry Rd. Take the Cape Palliser Rd turnoff, and about 13km along, just after you have come down the hill to the sea, you will see the Putangirua Pinnacles track signposted on the left. It's worth noting that the last petrol station is 40 min away in Featherston (or in Martinborough if you decide to detour via there), so make sure you have enough petrol to get there and back.

There are two routes to the pinnacles, but you can do them both as a loop. Start by walking a short way up the river and, where the track splits, take the turn off to the left to get to the ridge line. From there, it's about a 40 minute walk to the main lookout (pictured above). Once you've taken your snaps from above, follow the stairs down to the riverbed and take a left to find yourself surrounded by the huge pinnacles. Allow yourself some time to walk up among them and explore, before returning to the car park straight back down the riverbed.

More info available here.

Note: During heavy rainfalls or stormy conditions be aware of falling rocks or debris.