Whitecliffs Walkway

Allow about five hours to complete this wonderful walk across the sheer cliffs and bluffs of northern Taranaki.

The walkway takes you over farmland to Mount Davidson, the Whitecliffs Conservation Area and the Waipingau Stream. Depending on the tide, you can return to your starting point by following the stream to the coast and walking along the beach.

Major scenic features include the dramatic white cliffs (Paraninihi), the Three Sisters rock formations and the historic Te Horo stock tunnel.

Route options

Pukearuhe to Wai Pingao Stream, returning to Pukearuhe via the beach (low tide only): 3 - 4 hours
Pukearuhe to Mt Messenger: 6 - 7 hours
Pukearuhe to the stock tunnel (return): 6 - 8 hours

Getting there

The walkway starts at the end of Pukearuhe Road, off State Highway 3 north of Urenui.

Need to know

• The beach between the WaiPingao Stream and Pukearuhe (a walk of around 1 ½ hours) is accessible only at low tide. 
• Check tide times before crossing.
• You need to reach Pukearuhe no later than two hours after low tide.
• The Whitecliffs Walkway is closed during the lambing season - 1 July to 30 September.

Warning: there is active cliff erosion along the beach section - extreme caution required as rocks may continue to fall.