White Cliffs Track Walkway

Whitecliffs Walkway, Taranaki

This scenic walkway on private land requires respect for the environment. Stay on the track and use the stiles provided. The beach section below the Whitecliffs is only passable around low tide—plan your trip carefully using tide times from Metservice. The track is closed from 1 July to 30 September during lambing season. Note that the Te Horo stock tunnel is currently closed due to safety concerns.

Access: Located 6.7 km northeast of Urenui. Turn into Pukearuhe Road and follow it to the end. The walkway starts along a signposted farm track near the river mouth. Park roadside near the bridge.

The Track: Begin by crossing a stile and following the farm track uphill for about 45 minutes across farmland. At the grassy plateau near Mount Davidson, head left toward the low point in the ridge. Once in the Whitecliffs Conservation Area, the path winds through forest, following the route of a gas pipeline. A long series of wooden steps leads down into the Waipingau Stream basin. Follow the stream for 30 minutes (often wet and muddy) to reach the beach. Beware of strong winds at the stream mouth. From there, walk north along the beach below the cliffs for about 1 hour back to Pukearuhe Road.

Geology: The striking Whitecliffs reveal layers of papa rock formed in an ancient shallow marine basin. Fine sediments from rivers built up over time, while storm events deposited large boulders. Tectonic uplift later exposed these rocks, which the sea continues to erode.

History: The cliffs formed a natural barrier, making Pukearuhe Pa a strategic stronghold for Ngāti Tama from the early 1600s. In European times, British forces occupied the pa in 1865, building a blockhouse. A tragic attack in 1869 killed several people, including Reverend John Whiteley. The site was later used by the Armed Constabulary until 1885. The Te Horo stock tunnel, completed in 1887, allowed sheep and cattle to pass safely. At its peak in 1915, over 18,500 animals travelled through it annually.

No mountain biking or cycling allowed.

Mt Messenger to the Coast takes about 4 to 5 hours. 13km  

White Cliffs track Walkway up to 8 hours.  22km return trip.  

DOC track information