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 Islands. 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. This cape Captain James Cook's point of departure from New Zealand 1 April 1770.

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