3145 Whitecliffs (Taranaki)

Weekend 5th - 6th October 2024

Saturday allow about 4-5 hours to complete this wonderful walk across the sheer cliffs and bluffs of northern Taranaki.

This walkway uses the Kapuni to Auckland gas pipeline route for 11 km. The laying of the pipeline involved an immense amount of heavy construction work. These operations opened up walking access to the dramatic forest and coastal country of the region. The entire walkway is across private land.

Major scenic features include the dramatic white cliffs (Paraninihi), the Three Sisters rock formations and the historic Te Horo stock tunnel. The northern end of the walkway between the stock tunnel and Clifton Road at Tongaporutu is closed. There are 2 walking options along the Whitecliffs Walkway:

Pukearuhe to Wai Pingao Stream, returning to Pukearuhe via the beach (low tide only) along a 6.5km loop, taking 3-4 hours.

The walkway crosses open farmland to Mt Davidson, where it enters Ngati Tama private land. It then follows the pipeline route along the ridge tops before descending to the Wai Pingao Stream. 

Here you can divert from the main track and return to Pukearuhe by following the stream to the coast and walking south along the beach.

Yes, you can get to the Te Horo Stock Tunnel – start at Pukearuhe Road end, walk up the beach as soon as the tide is low enough, keep walking past the Wai Pingao Stream and under the White Cliffs.  At the end of the Whitecliffs you will see the tunnel from the beach. It is faster to walk up the beach, but you can also take the inland track to the Wai Pingao stream, then you have to walk under the white Cliffs to get to the tunnel.

(Ed comment: It is also possible to walk from the Mt Messenger tunnel down to the Wai Pingao stream to camp. This can take 5.5hrs along a ridge and in some parts, is on a boardwalk down to the beach).This means you start the walk at the north end. A Pukearuhe road start north of Urenui means you start from the south end of the beach.

This is an interesting tramp with the combination of bush, west coast beach, towering cliffs, an historic tunnel and coastal views.

I have contacted Onaera Bay Holiday Park 06 261 8324 - they have plenty of tent and caravan sites available but no cabins. There is a possibility of rooms at the local pub and also at Waitara which is 10min further south. This is looking like a better option - have nice places to eat and only about 15 min from Pukearahe road to do Whitecliffs walkway. If you don't have a tent - I am sure we can make a plan! We have a tent for 4-6 people. Please book your own accommodation.

Leader:	Madeleine Fiddes	Phone:	021 2512772
Grade:	Easy / Medium	Email:
Transport:	Senior member	$40 - 50	Senior non-member	member +$10
Accommodation:	Seaview Holiday park

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