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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.22288, 173.86931. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 2 km one way
- Walking time
- 30 min - boat access only
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere and Kenepuru Sound area
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. 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 walking track in Pelorus Sound is boat access only.
This DOC directory entry covers Putanui Point Track in Marlborough, within Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere and Kenepuru Sound 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: 2 km one way
- Walking time: 30 min - boat access only
- DOC grade: Easy
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
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
A track over a forest-covered point to a lookout. Access is from either side of the point.
Getting there
To get to Pelorus Sound, turn off the main road just past Havelock, onto Queen Charlotte Drive. Queen Charlotte Drive is the main road in the Sounds, other roads are narrow, winding, and most are unsealed.
Water taxi services are available from Havelock to parts of Pelorus Sound.
The jetty at Jacobs Bay campsite and picnic area has been damaged by tree fall and is unusable. Do not attempt to use the jetty. Access to Jacobs Bay Campsite, picnic area, and track to Fairy Bay is now only possible via the beach.
Know before you go
The weather in the Sounds is generally mild, but conditions can change quickly, especially on the water. Ensure that you have adequate equipment and experience, and, if you are going out on the water, check the marine weather forecast.
Light fires only in designated areas.
Boil, filter, or treat water for drinking. On some tracks you must carry water.
In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if allergic to wasp stings.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
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.
