White Cliffs Track Walkway: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This walkway uses the Kapuni to Auckland gas pipeline route for a considerable distance. The laying of the pipeline opened up walking access to the dramatic forest and coastal country of the region.

This DOC directory entry covers White Cliffs Track Walkway in Taranaki, within White Cliffs and Mount Messenger Conservation 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: 22 km return via same track
• Walking time: up to 8 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.

• Caution needed on White Cliffs Track Walkway; First published on 2 April 2026. Last reviewed on 14 September 2026.

• Predator control for Parininihi/Mt Messenger; First published on 29 June 2026. Last reviewed on 22 July 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

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.

Most of the walkway crosses private land, including farmland. Be respectful of the private property.

The track has several steep climbs and descents and can be muddy, slippery and rutted at times. It is recommended for people with a good level of fitness and experience. Good footwear is essential.

No mountain biking or cycling is allowed on this walkway.

The northern section to Tongaporutu is closed. The northern end of the walkway between the stock tunnel and Clifton Road at Tongaporutu is closed. There is no access to the walkway from Tongaporutu.

There are two walking options along the Whitecliffs Walkway:

Pukearuhe to Wai Pingao Stream, returning to Pukearuhe via the beach (low tide only)

Distance: 6.5 km loopTime: 3–4 hr

From the boat ramp the walkway crosses open farmland towards Mt Davidson. It then follows the pipeline route along the ridge tops before descending to the Wai Pingao Stream. A section of the track along the Wai Pingao Stream between the swing bridge and the beach has washed out. The track remains open but the washout may be challenging to cross.

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.

Beach section hazards

You can only walk along the beach at low tide (between Wai Pingao Stream mouth and Pukearuhe). Do not attempt unless you can reach Pukearuhe while the tide is still on its way out. Check the tide timetable before you go.

Due to changing sand conditions the beach section may not be passable even at low tide. Be prepared to turn back.

There is a large active cliff slip just south of the Wai Pingao Stream. Beware of falling rocks and take extreme caution.

Pukearuhe to Mt Messenger

Distance: 12 km one wayTime: 7–7 hr 30 min

Continue on the walkway across the Wai Pingao Stream bridge before climbing to the Parininihi Ridge high point and descending to the junction with the Mt Messenger Track. From here, although the track follows a defined ridgeline it may be overgrown in places and navigation may be difficult.

Turn right to climb toward the summit of Mt Messenger before descending to the track exit at SH3.

Getting there

White Cliffs Walkway Track begins at the Pukearuhe boat ramp at the end of Pukearuhe Road, north of Urenui.

Make sure you park to allow access to the boat ramp and farm property and be considerate of other visitors needing to park at the road end.

Know before you go

• Be prepared for changes in the weather. Take warm clothes, including hat and gloves and waterproof raincoat.

• Respect private land, use the stiles and keep to the track.

Note: There is no mountain biking or cycling biking allowed on the White Cliffs Walkway Track.

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.