Puponga Hill Top Track

Before setting out on this walk, it is a good idea to sort out return transport. There is no mobile phone service in the area. If you can find a bicycle, the return by road is just under 6km. The track is easily walked in either direction.

From the Wharariki Road end, cross farm paddocks and a patch of coastal forest to the beach. Offshore are the beautiful Archway Island. Head up the beach to the right and a deep bend in the river. Cross over to a sign on the opposite bank. A poled track leads from here uphill over grass, edging around cliffs to reach Cape Farewell.

From here the track continues over farmland, before crossing into kanuka scrub and climbing up onto the Old Man Range, toward the signal light at Pillar Point. 

A smooth and easy track offers panoramic views, and descends then climbs to the trig at 155m. From here, the track drops quickly toward Farewell Spit. At a junction, take the Triangle Flat route down to the base of the spit or continue on the Hill Tops route: both options take 30 minutes to reach the Puponga car park and information centre.

Walking times: 

• Wharariki car park to beach: 20 min
• Beach to Cape Farewell: 1 hr
• Cape Farewell to trig: 1 hr 20 min
• Trig to Puponga: 1 hr