The Putangirua Pinnacles
The Dimholt Road
One of New Zealand's most distinctive and remarkable geographical landscapes reachable by car is the Putangirua Pinnacles, located along the southern coast of the Wairarapa region. To fully immerse yourself in the experience of this area, it's highly recommended to spend a night in the charming town of Martinborough. This quaint town is surrounded by flourishing vineyards and olive groves, while its Victorian architecture houses a collection of excellent restaurants, allowing you to savor the local culinary delights.
For a more authentic encounter with the locale, consider a night's stay at the historic Martinborough Hotel, a venue that hosted not only Cate Blanchett but also other members of the cast during filming at the nearby Fernside.
Journeying to the Putangirua Pinnacles takes approximately 45 minutes, heading south on Pirinoa Road and then veering left towards Cape Palliser. Once you reach the rugged coastal area, a brief drive brings you to the Department of Conservation (DOC) car park. For those with a penchant for camping, there's also a camping ground available, offering a chance to extend your stay and relive a fragment of Aragorn's epic odyssey.
Embarking on the exploration of the pinnacles encompasses three distinct walking paths. Among these, one of the most breathtaking routes (and the optimal approach to reach the filming sites) is the trek up the Putangirua streambed. While not overly strenuous, it's wise to allocate 2-3 hours for the return journey, necessitating a supply of provisions.
The unique allure of the landscape stems from the phenomenon known as 'badlands erosion,' a result of the streambed's gradual exposure of gravel layers to the elements of rain and floods. Over time, certain rocks display a greater resistance and give rise to towering formations called pinnacles, often referred to as 'hoodoos.'
Within the shadows cast by these eerie columns, Legolas recounts the spine-chilling tale of the Army of the Dead in The Return of the King, contributing to the otherworldly aura that envelops this captivating location.
For a more authentic encounter with the locale, consider a night's stay at the historic Martinborough Hotel, a venue that hosted not only Cate Blanchett but also other members of the cast during filming at the nearby Fernside.
Journeying to the Putangirua Pinnacles takes approximately 45 minutes, heading south on Pirinoa Road and then veering left towards Cape Palliser. Once you reach the rugged coastal area, a brief drive brings you to the Department of Conservation (DOC) car park. For those with a penchant for camping, there's also a camping ground available, offering a chance to extend your stay and relive a fragment of Aragorn's epic odyssey.
Embarking on the exploration of the pinnacles encompasses three distinct walking paths. Among these, one of the most breathtaking routes (and the optimal approach to reach the filming sites) is the trek up the Putangirua streambed. While not overly strenuous, it's wise to allocate 2-3 hours for the return journey, necessitating a supply of provisions.
The unique allure of the landscape stems from the phenomenon known as 'badlands erosion,' a result of the streambed's gradual exposure of gravel layers to the elements of rain and floods. Over time, certain rocks display a greater resistance and give rise to towering formations called pinnacles, often referred to as 'hoodoos.'
Within the shadows cast by these eerie columns, Legolas recounts the spine-chilling tale of the Army of the Dead in The Return of the King, contributing to the otherworldly aura that envelops this captivating location.