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Key facts
- Distance
- 3.6 km one way
- Walking time
- 3-5 hr
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Blenheim area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This forested valley is part of Mt Robertson Scenic Reserve and provides good tramping and hunting opportunities and gives alternative access to the Mount Robertson loop and summit tracks.
This DOC directory entry covers Pukaka Valley Track in Marlborough, within Blenheim area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 3.6 km one way
- Walking time: 3-5 hr
- DOC grade: Intermediate
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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
To access the loop and summit tracks from the carpark, follow the track up Pukaka Stream crossing it in several places (unbridged crossings). Eventually the track leaves the stream and climbs up to the Mount Robertson Loop Track.
From the carpark allow three hours to Whites Bay and five hours to the Mt Robertson summit.
Pukaka Valley Track has flood-damaged areas that are passable with care. However walkers and mountain bikers should allow extra time for their trip.
Getting there
Access is via the unsealed Pukaka Road that leaves Pembers Road about halfway between Tuamarina and Rarangi. The car park is 17 km from Blenheim.
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.
