Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve

The Putangirua Pinnacles, also known colloquially simply as The Pinnacles, are a striking geological formation consisting of a large number of earth pillars located at the head of a valley in the Aorangi Ranges. The “badlands erosion” of Putangirua Pinnacles is a spectacular landscape feature attracting many visitors to the southern Wairarapa.

Part of the Paths of the Dead sequence in the film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was filmed on location here.

Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve is 13 km along Cape Palliser Road from the Lake Ferry turn-off, approximately one hour’s drive from Martinborough. The turn-off and campsite are 500 metres past the Department of Conservation caretaker’s residence.

Three routes take you to the spectacular Pinnacles,- along a streambed, through the bush, or on a loop track. See full walk descriptions on the carpark signboard. Walks range from 1-4 hours return.

Image credit: Touko Maksimainen - Wikipedia.