Pinnacles Track
Pinnacles Track
4.5
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Duration: 2-3 hours
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Oscar Preuss
Wellington, New Zealand25 contributions
Jul 2020
Once you arrive at the carpark, you have to choose between the Streambed trail, or the Bush trail.
The first thing you need to know if you choose the Streambed trail, is that the trail isn't well marked, safe, or even an actual trail. Rather, you literally walk alongside a small river, which includes having to cross it multiple times. When I was there, I saw several groups struggling to cross the river, and a few groups had to turn around and go back to the carpark. While this trail might sound terrible, there's some pretty scenery, and some nice birdlife.
The bush trail is much steeper, but anyone with a moderate fitness level should be fine. However, it can be also very muddy, so take care if it has been raining recently.
Despite these obstacles, I would still recommend taking the Streambed trail over the Bush trail.
Once you actually get to the Pinnacles, the 2 tracks meet up and there's an excellent lookout, but this still pales in comparison to the actual Pinnacles. I was genuinely shocked by how big they were!
So in conclusion, allow for a few hours and a big bottle of water!
The first thing you need to know if you choose the Streambed trail, is that the trail isn't well marked, safe, or even an actual trail. Rather, you literally walk alongside a small river, which includes having to cross it multiple times. When I was there, I saw several groups struggling to cross the river, and a few groups had to turn around and go back to the carpark. While this trail might sound terrible, there's some pretty scenery, and some nice birdlife.
The bush trail is much steeper, but anyone with a moderate fitness level should be fine. However, it can be also very muddy, so take care if it has been raining recently.
Despite these obstacles, I would still recommend taking the Streambed trail over the Bush trail.
Once you actually get to the Pinnacles, the 2 tracks meet up and there's an excellent lookout, but this still pales in comparison to the actual Pinnacles. I was genuinely shocked by how big they were!
So in conclusion, allow for a few hours and a big bottle of water!
Written August 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathrin
5 contributions
Dec 2019
We walked to the pinnacles via the uphill track to the lookout, and then went down into The Valley to have a closer look. I would recommend taking the loop this way around as the climb is less steep. The views from the lookout were great and it was very interesting to see the pinnacles from the bottom of The Valley as well (the way they were mostly depicted in the lord of the rings). I would highly recommend going here, even if you are not a lotr fan.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LBMM77
Chicago, IL115 contributions
May 2020
We walked along the river bed to the Pinnacles. We were here in mid May 2020. Not many people around, the hike was not technically challenging but a lot of the way you are walking on a rocky river bed. Was happy to have my poles with me, and definitely recommend sturdy boots/shoes, The trail is not very clearly marked all the way through. You should expect to be crossing over small streams periodically, so waterproof footwear would be a good idea. The Pinnacles are such interesting geological formations, well worth the hike there.
Written May 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg F
Auckland Central, New Zealand1,167 contributions
Dec 2020
Walked this track twice, once in fine weather and the other in ... well the opposite. It was beautiful either way with the towering rock formations all around. The board at the parking lot shows 3 different routes all taking 45 minutes each. In my opinion, if your short on time the one up the stream bed is the best. Though no the best when it comes to trail markings, you basically make your own way up the stream bed and bear in mind you may get your shoes wet, crossing the very sall stream on several ocassions. It's hard to really get lost as the stream bring you to the pinnacles in 30-40 minutes. If you decide to go to the lookout, there is a turn off to the left which is marked about 2/3 of the way .
The amount of time really depends on how long you spend taking photos once you get to the base of the pinnacles.
Overall a great experience to view this natural wonder and it's mainly it's remote location that keeps it a bit of a local secret and away from the main tourist trail. Several LOTR fans do find their way to this location though.
Must visit if you have a spare day in the Wellington region and in search of a day trip.
The amount of time really depends on how long you spend taking photos once you get to the base of the pinnacles.
Overall a great experience to view this natural wonder and it's mainly it's remote location that keeps it a bit of a local secret and away from the main tourist trail. Several LOTR fans do find their way to this location though.
Must visit if you have a spare day in the Wellington region and in search of a day trip.
Written January 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helenjen
Brisbane, Australia896 contributions
Feb 2020
Why hadn't we heard of The Pinnacles before? It seems to be a well kept secret.
They are located not far from either Wellington or in our case, we travelled from Martinborough to see how they would compare with other hoodoos, such as those in Bryce Canyan Utah USA or the ones in Cappadocia Turkey that are fondly referred to as Fairy Chimneys. Yep....quite similar monoliths, but not nearly as many and the colour more beige and browns unlike the pink/orange hues of Bryce Canyon. Definitely worth the walk as so many other TA have described so well and the location beside Palliser Bay is very picturesque too. Nice break from wine tasting in Martinborough, if you have the time :)
They are located not far from either Wellington or in our case, we travelled from Martinborough to see how they would compare with other hoodoos, such as those in Bryce Canyan Utah USA or the ones in Cappadocia Turkey that are fondly referred to as Fairy Chimneys. Yep....quite similar monoliths, but not nearly as many and the colour more beige and browns unlike the pink/orange hues of Bryce Canyon. Definitely worth the walk as so many other TA have described so well and the location beside Palliser Bay is very picturesque too. Nice break from wine tasting in Martinborough, if you have the time :)
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodman100
Wellington, New Zealand755 contributions
Oct 2021
About a 50 minute drive from Featherston and 35 minutes from Martinborough.
There are 2 walks in the park. The first one is a 45 minute walk one way through a dry streambed to get in amongst the pinnacles (good walking shoes recommended) and also a 45 minute walk one way uphill to a viewing platform overlooking the Pinnacles.
There is ample parking onsite. This was the setting for when Aragorn, Gimli & Legolas exited from under the mountain of the King of the Dead in tow.
There are 2 walks in the park. The first one is a 45 minute walk one way through a dry streambed to get in amongst the pinnacles (good walking shoes recommended) and also a 45 minute walk one way uphill to a viewing platform overlooking the Pinnacles.
There is ample parking onsite. This was the setting for when Aragorn, Gimli & Legolas exited from under the mountain of the King of the Dead in tow.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VolcanoLover9
Wellington, New Zealand17 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This place is amazing! We drove over from Wellington to the start of the track. At the car park there is a big map explaining the two route options. We did the shorter track of the two. It starts off flat as you walk along a little stream, then it starts to go up a relatively steep hill which leads you to the bottom of the pinnacles which gives you really good views. About not quite half way up the hill theres a sign saying there is only 10 minutes to the end/main point in the pinnacles. There wasn't. Well at least not for us who aren't the most fit people out there. So I would say it took as maybe another half an hour or so up hill to get to there. Once your there it is totally worth it, the views are amazing and theres a bit of space to do some exploring - but just be careful as the rock the pinnacles are made of can be unstable if distubed majorly. We stopped for lunch a little bit back down the hill in a little bit of shade. I would definitely advise to bring sunblock and a sun hat as on a sunny day there isn't a lot of shade (on the shorter track). I would also recomend good walking shoes as the ground is a small rocky type surface for most of the walk (especially the uphill part). For this walk, the way you walk up is the same way you walk back down (not a loop). Along the walk there are lots of great views of little pinnacles for your enjoyment as you walk, but the best is at the end. I would definitely recomend this coming here!
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike W
124 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
The Pinnacles Track was a real winner. Don’t be put off that it is a little out of the way as it is a real treasure-there is a camping area at the start of the walk. The Pinnacles, used in the 3rd Lord of the Rings trilogy, are a 90 minute return walk from the car park along the stream bed which was easy to walk through. There is little or no shade so be careful if it is sunny-make sure to take plenty of water. The Pinnacles are a stunning natural attraction and a definite must see attraction. Make sure you combine the Cape Palliser lighthouse and the rock pools close to the lighthouse where hundreds of seals and their pups were playing in the surf.
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SilicoJack
Wellington, New Zealand487 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
I really enjoyed this walk.
My wife and I did the “loop” which is recommended 3-4 hours. We are pretty fit and it only took us 1 and a half hours.
It’s pretty steep at times and has a lot of slippery gravel.
The walk up the pinnacles themselves is steep too. I highly recommend sturdy shoes and a good level of fitness and ability.
My wife and I did the “loop” which is recommended 3-4 hours. We are pretty fit and it only took us 1 and a half hours.
It’s pretty steep at times and has a lot of slippery gravel.
The walk up the pinnacles themselves is steep too. I highly recommend sturdy shoes and a good level of fitness and ability.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff B
Brentwood, UK706 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a place where you could walk for a long time. The weather was poor when we were here but it is still an awesome place. The main route looks a bit like a dry river bed and is not the easiest to walk on. The wooded tracks are better. You need good shoes. The scenery is well worth the effort.
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I do the trek solo? Is it safe?
Written November 19, 2019
Yes. There are loads of people on the track and we met a few girls on the way that was doing it solo. Do not use the Billy Goat track down or up if solo. Not so much traffic on that one and a bit harder and if something happens might not get helped as quickly. :-)
Written November 24, 2019
Do you need a map of the area before hiking here or are the trails well marked?
Written September 25, 2019
It's quite a popular walk so there are always people to follow. A map isn't essential but if you want one call into the i-site at Martinborough and they should be able to help
Written September 25, 2019
How far and long was the walk return.
Written December 28, 2018
Hi. I have a question. If I will bring my car from Wellington to Pinnacles and going to Cape Palliser, how's the road from Wellington? I haven't tried driving in zigzags before so I am quite nervous with the road. :( and can I drive from Wellington straight to the Pinnacle? Thanks. :)
Written December 26, 2018
Sorry, I was thinking of somewhere else ref driving past the car park. The road from Wellington to the Pinnacles are very good paved roads
Written December 28, 2018
Steph K
Melbourne, Australia
Hi, I'll be hiking the pinnacles in a few days time & I read up on the internet that there is 2 tracks (2 hours or 4 hours) but I got rather confused while reading because I read somewhere that the 2 hours track can be continued with the 4 hours track. Can someone explain to me in regards to the tracks & how to go about it?
Written November 13, 2017
The two hour track is along the stream and the four hour track is if you want to climb/hike up to the "lookout" so that you look down on the pinnacles from the top. Hope this make is clearer.
Written December 28, 2018
What if the walking distance from the car park to the pinnacles along the stream bed? We have 3 little kids and would love to do it but wondering if manageable?
Written May 19, 2017
It is quite a long walk and you have to cross the stream several times using rocks people have thrown into the stream. I actually lost my footing and fell into the stream and cut my leg on a rock, so need to be careful. Also as you get nearer to the pinnacles, it is quite steep.
Written December 28, 2018
Hello! Could you tell me how long the drive is from Wellington? I wanted to take a day out of the city to drive to Wairarapa and take my son to Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre...then I found this. Could both be done in a full day? And which direction would be best, if so...from Wellington to Mount Bruce and down to the pinnacles, or to the pinnacles and back up through Mount Bruce...? Am I looking at waaaay too much driving? No idea of the area : )
Oh, and which of the walks gets you closest to the Pinnacles? And which is shortest? If that makes sense.
Written July 15, 2016
I think it is achievable, but would suggest you get a fairly early start from Wellington. You definitely need a good day to do the pinnacles. Are you aware that as well as the pinnacles there is a seal colony a bit further on and the Cape Palliser Light House. Then just a stones when you've done with all that for a nice drink and fish and chips at Lake Ferry hotel....if you want to fit all of that in, definitely to Mount Bruce on a different day.
Written July 21, 2016
Does anyone know the altitude of the lookout overlooking the pinnacles?
Written June 12, 2016
Hi everyone!
What is the cheapest way to get there from Wellington? Is there any train or bus? (I don't have a car)
Thanks!
Violeta
Written December 4, 2015
Unfortunately there's no public transport there so you will have to get as close as you can say to Martinborough and from there arrange private transport in the form of a taxi. You may find someone who does arranged tours there if you go onto the Martinborough information website or call them, otherwise it's going to be pricey getting there.
Written December 6, 2015
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