Aorangi Crossing: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Cross the Aorangi Range from Putangirua Pinnacles to Cape Palliser.

This DOC directory entry covers Aorangi Crossing in Wellington, within Aorangi Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 30 km one way
• Walking time: 2-3 days
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

• Putangirua Pinnacles car park closed; First published on 21 February 2026. Last reviewed on 3 September 2026.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Cape Palliser Road to Washpool Hut

Via Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite

Time: 4–5 hrDistance: 10 km

Start on the Pinnacles Ridge Track about 10 min from the campsite carpark, then continue an old bulldozed track around and above the Pinnacles rock formations to the main bush edge. From there, follow the main ridge between the Huripi and Putangirua streams, turn sharply to the right along the Mt Surf ridge to a gradual spur down into the Makotukutuku (Washpool) valley, before dropping steeply to Washpool Hut.

Washpool Hut to Pararaki Hut

Time: 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr 30 minDistance: 4.7 km

The track starts 100 m upstream from Washpool Hut, on the opposite bank. It climbs steadily over a high dividing ridge into the next valley and Pararaki Hut.

Pararaki Hut to Kawakawa Hut

Time: 2–3 hrDistance: 4.5 km

Find the track 100 m downstream and on the opposite bank from Pararaki Hut. It climbs steadily into a low saddle, then sidles down the true left of Murphys Creek to the true right fork of the Kawakawa (Otakaha) Stream. From there it's an easy walk to Kawakawa Hut at the major confluence.

Kawakawa Hut to Mangatoetoe Hut

Time: 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr 30 minDistance: 6.2 km

Tthe track starts in front of Kawakawa Hut and follows up the true left fork of the Kawakawa Stream. After 1 hour in the stream bed, it climbs steeply at first through a saddle and down into the true right hand fork of the Mangatoetoe Stream. It meanders down stream to the hut.

Mangatoetoe Hut to road end

Time: 1 hr 30 minDistance: 4.5 km

From the hut, follow an unmarked route down the true left of the Mangatoetoe Stream to Cape Palliser Road.

Getting there

The track starts 45 km south of Martinborough, at Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite. Follow Lake Ferry Road for about 32 km, then turn onto Cape Palliser Road and follow this for a further 14 km to the campsite.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.