Explore the Attractions of Aorangi Forest Park
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)
Aorangi Forest Park is located in the Wairarapa region, and is popular with recreational hunters and trampers.
The park and the surrounding area features some of New Zealand's most striking landforms, including the Putangirua Pinnacles, the coastal Whatarangi Bluff and Cape Palliser.
Aorangi Forest Park also offers short walks with spectacular views.
Aorangi Forest Park and the Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve are managed by the Department of Conservation.
See the Seals and the Sights at Cape Palliser
Cape Palliser is located on the southern coastal boundary of Aorangi Forest Park and is home to the largest breeding colony of fur seals in the North Island.
Cape Palliser also includes an historic lighthouse and archaeological sites.
For spectacular views of the coast and South Island, climb 250 steps to the top of the Cape Palliser lighthouse.
Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve
Wairarapa, New Zealand
The Putangirua Pinnacles are earth pillars 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.
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'.
The Pinnacles were used as a backdrop for the filming of Dimholt Road in the Lord of the Rings, Return of the King.
Access to the Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve is 13 kilometres along Cape Palliser Road from the Lake Ferry turn-off. The turn-off and campsite are about 500 metres past the Department of Conservation caretaker's residence.
Three routes lead to the Pinnacles. Allow two to three hours for a round trip. For a longer walk, with excellent views of Palliser Bay, allow three to four hours for a round trip.
