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View overlooking the Putangirua Pinnacles, in New Zealand’s Wairarapa district. Photo by Touko Maksimainen on

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Putangirua Pinnacles

Putangirua Pinnacles also known simply as The Pinnacles, are a geological formation and one of New Zealand’s best examples of badlands erosion. They consist of a large number of earth pillars or hoodoos located at the head of a valley in the Aorangi Ranges, on the North Island of New Zealand, in the Wellington region.

Major erosion probably began 7000 years ago and accelerated in the last 1000 years with the deforestation of the area.The current erosion rate is approximately 1 cm per year. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting facts about it;

1.Filming of some of the most famous movies has been done on the Pinnacles

Filming of some of the most famous movies has been done on the Pinnacles including 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, and the opening sequence of the movie Braindead. 

The Pinnacles is one of the best scenes for movie shooting and there are several film projects lined up to be done on it in the coming years. In December 2019, the approved official geographic name of the rocks was gazetted as “P奴tangirua Pinnacles”.

2.The Pinnacles were formed erosions caused by heavy rains over the past 120,000 years

A view of sunlit pinnacles with several strata visible. Photo by TimClicks on

The ‘badlands erosion’ of Putangirua Pinnacles is a spectacular landscape feature. The majestic pinnacles were formed over the past 120,000 years by heavy rain which gradually eroded an ancient gravel deposit, eventually forming spectacular individual pinnacles or ‘hoodoos’. 

They were formed by the erosive forces of rain and floods; high slabs of rock known as Kupe’s Sail.The ‘badlands erosion’ of Putangirua Pinnacles is a spectacular landscape feature.It is one of a kind. 

3.The pinnacles is one of the most challenging places to get to

It’s definitely one of the more challenging locations to get to, as it involves a bit of a scramble to reach the exact filming spots. From the top end of the car park, walk along the stream bed for about 10 minutes.

From here, you can either turn left onto the steep bush track up to the lookout, or continue along the creek.At the point where the two tracks join up again, continue upriver for another few minutes before heading up the side valley on your left. It is just two hours east of Peter Jackson’s home town of Wellington. 

4.The Putangirua Pinnacles have one of a kind shape that exists nowhere in the world 

Putangirua Pinnacles from lookout in late afternoon sunlight. Photo by Pseudopanax on

The Putangirua Pinnacles have one of a kind shape that exists nowhere in the world. They are often called hoodoos, which are irregularly shaped rock spires. Often they have a cap that looks like a mushroom, and much of its column has been eroded away.

The Putangirua stream was exposed. The cool rock formations appeared as sedimentary layers were washed away. Some washed away completely, and others concreted together to make the interesting shapes today. 

5.There are three routes that lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles 

There are three routes that lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles or the Pinnacles lookout. They include;Up the stream bed which takes 45 minutes, which one takes a walk up the stream bed to where the Pinnacles tower overhead.

Pinnacles Track which is 1.5 km one way and takes 45minutes also. one takes the easily-graded bush walk that starts around 10 minutes along the stream bed from the car park. Ridge Walk Track which is also 1.5km away and takes 45 minutes. This track climbs steeply to the lookout and meets up with the Pinnacles Track. The Pinnacles Track and Ridge Walk Track form a loop.

6.The Putangirua Pinnacles has a campsite

P奴tangirua Pinnacles pillars, warning sign. Photo by Sarang on

Sited beside the Putangirua Stream with views of Cook Strait and a pebbly beach across the road. Walk from here to the impressive Putangirua Pinnacles, or drive to the seal colony near Cape Palliser lighthouse.

Permission to have a campfire at this site is determined by the Wairarapa Rural Fire District fire season status. Campfires are allowed during open seasons but a permit is required during a restricted season. Campfires are banned during a prohibited season and extreme care must be taken with camp fires.

7.While visiting the Pinnacles there are several equipments one needs to have

While visiting the Pinnacles there are several equipments one needs to have including; water, food, full set of clothes to change into, including shoes, hats and sunblock, and toiletries. This are some of the basic requirements one need to have for safe visiting the Pinnacles. 

If there鈥檚 been rain in the days before your visit, you鈥檒l need to decide at each river crossing, the best path through the water. Take it slowly, cross at the narrowest parts and remember stones and other things protruding out of the water are likely to be slippery if wet. Some might be wobbly too.

8.The view of the Pinnacles is amazing, beautiful and impressive

P奴tangirua Pinnacles pillars. Photo by Sarang on

The formations are gorgeous, even when viewed from afar and regardless if you are a LOTR fan or a fan of beautiful hiking, you will love this place.The view from the top was amazing and the pinnacles are really impressive. 

The hike is pretty easy and really short and also a lovely walk through bush to see the most amazing feature of rocks. This is a hidden gem reached in about 1 hour of uphill climb. The Lovely selection of trees and birds to see along the way are spectacular. 

9.There are several hotels and restaurants near the Pinnacles

There are several hotels and restaurants near the Pinnacles including; Wharekauhau Country Estate Hotel which is 9.8 miles away, Waimeha Camping Village (8.22 mi), Whangaimoana Garden Retreat (2.84 mi), 1876 Heritage homestead (2.71 mi), and Kawakawa Station which is 7.23 mi away from the Pinnacles. 

Restaurants near the Pinnacles include; Rock Yard Restaurant, Goldmine Co, Satay Kingdom, Fisherman’s Plate, Oriental Kingdom Cafe and Punjabi Prata and many more. 

10.The Pinnacle area is so peaceful

P奴tangirua Pinnacles pillars, bush covered. Photo by Sarang on

The Pinnacle area is so peaceful and rewarded with the most incredible formations. Could be on another planet (or Middle Earth as it happens), it is regarded as a true natural wonder.They look like a giant castle and the experience is unbelievable .

The 鈥渂adlands erosion鈥� of Putangirua Pinnacles is a really spectacular landscape. The Putangirua Pinnacles is among the most visited geographical sites in the New Zealand and among nature’s several wonders. It is also one of the most recommended sites to visit.