← ReGear Journal

Hiking

Truman Track: rainforest and wild coast near Punakaiki

ReGear

A short guide to Truman Track near Punakaiki: 1.4 km return, rainforest, coastal viewpoints, parking and the sea conditions to check before descending.

The gravel Truman Track passing through coastal rainforest and nikau palms.

Truman Track packs rainforest and a dramatic stretch of coast into a short walk. The main reward is the view from the coastal platforms, with cliffs, surf and a waterfall dropping towards the beach.

Quick facts

  • About 1.4 km return on the same track; allow 30 minutes plus stops.
  • Easy short walk, with gravel and steps.
  • Start: SH6, about 3 km north of the Punangairi Visitor Centre in Punakaiki.
  • No dogs. No toilets or drinking water at the track.

Getting there

Park in the signed Truman Track car park opposite the entrance. Cross SH6 carefully: this is a 100 km/h road. If the car park is full, follow DOC’s official overflow-parking directions rather than stopping on the highway.

Location and route

Truman Track location relative to Punakaiki on real aerial imagery, with north up.
Truman Track mapped walking track highlighted orange on real aerial imagery, with its entrance marked and north up.

Open DOC’s track page and official map. Follow the signed route on the ground.

What the walk is like

  1. Follow the gravel path through coastal rainforest, with nīkau palms and tall native trees.
  2. Continue through flax to the upper coastal viewing area.
  3. Use the lower platform only when sea conditions are calm and it is safe to do so. Return through the forest on the same track.

This is a short outing, but wet steps need care. Choose shoes with grip and keep your hands free on the steps. Allow extra time for photos without extending your walk onto unsafe shoreline.

What I would bring

I would bring a rain jacket, water and a warm layer for the exposed coast. A small daypack is enough; keep loose items secure in windy weather.

Before you go

Use the visitor-centre toilets before driving to the track. Large waves can reach the lower platform. The beach has unstable cliffs, tides and dangerous swimming conditions, so this route plan finishes at the viewing platforms.

Check the current DOC alerts and weather before leaving. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Hokitika Gorge

Sources and photo credits

Source checks: 28 September 2026.

Maps: aerial imagery from LINZ Basemaps and its imagery contributors, CC BY 4.0; location labels and track highlights added. Track and road geometry: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Photo: Truman Track MRD 2022 03.jpg — Mike Dickison. CC BY 4.0. Resized for display.