Exploring the Pinnacles, Lord of the Rings filming location, Wairarapa
The Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve in Aorangi Forest Park is a stunning 1 hour drive from Martinborough, Wairarapa.
The Pinnacles were chosen by Peter Jackson and his team to represent the Paths of the Dead in the third Lord of the Rings film, Return of the King. Tolkien and film fans visit the area to put themselves in the shoes of Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas as they travelled along the Dimholt Road to wake the army of the dead.
These striking rock formations are the result of erosion of an ancient island. Scree and gravel were washed down to the coast, where they became sediment. During the last 120,000 years, the Putangirua Stream, floods, wind and rain eroded the gravel away to create the gigantic pillars of jagged rock we see today.
We were lucky enough to visit on a bright sunny day. The spooky and awe-inspiring atmosphere was definitely still present despite the clear blue sky and vibrant yellow gorse flowers.
We took the (relatively steep) walk up to the lookout before then descending down into the valley to walk amongst the pinnacles. The view from the lookout reveals the grandeur of these ancient monoliths, but it's once you get up close to them that you really begin to appreciate their magnificence. The loop is completed by following the rocky stream bed back to the car park. Overall, it's about a 3-4 hour steep hike allowing time for appreciation and photos.
Would you love your adventurous spirit captured by me? Let's take my camera on a tramp, have a laugh and create some adventure photos just for you. Feel free to check out Lucalia Photography Wairarapa engagement portraits and family portraits.
Would you love your adventurous spirit captured by me? Let's take my camera on a tramp, have a laugh and create some adventure photos just for you. Feel free to check out Lucalia Photography Wairarapa engagement portraits and family portraits.
Lots of love, Sarah x