Putangirua Pinnacles EarthCache
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Dramatic rock formations and an
outlandish natural landscape, the Putangirua Pinnacles are a
spectacular geological feature, and one of the best examples of
"badlands" erosion and earth pillar formation in New
Zealand. Situated at the head of the Putangirua stream in the
Aorangi Forest Park access to the Pinnacles is via the
Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic reserve which is approx. 13km
along Cape Palliser Road from the lake Ferry turnoff and
approx. one hours drive from Featherston. Lord of the
Rings film fans will recognise the eerie landscape which
featured as the fictional Dimholt Road, Approach to Paths of the
Dead in "The Return of the King"
Seven to nine million years ago
when sea levels were much
higher, the Aorangi ranges were an island and as this
landmass
was eroded over time large alluvial fans formed on it's
southern
shores. Within a few million years however, sea levels rose
again
and this island was also submerged. Since the ice ages sea
levels
have receeded and the old alluvial fans have been exposed to
the
erosive forces of wind and water which have weathered away
the
conglomerate.
In some places this conglomerate is protected from erosion
above
by a cap of cemented silt or rock resulting in the formation
of
spectacular pinnacles or "hoodoos", many of which have
prominent
fluting caused by rainwater running down their sides during
major
storms. It is not known exactly how long the pinnacles have
been
forming but they are thought to be less than 125,000 years
old
with major erosion probably beginning 7000 years ago and
accelerating
in the last 1000 years with the deforestation of the
area.
There are a number of walks in the area as shown on the signage in
the Scenic Reserve camping
area. The most direct route, and to the published
co-ordinates, is to walk up the
normally dry streambed to the base of the pinnacles.
From the end of the camping area take the obvious
track which quickly takes you into the streambed. Follow the
streambed all the way to the published
co-ordinates. In some parts of the streambed there are blue poles
marking the route. Keep an
eye out for the many fossilised shells present in the rocks along
the way.
The return jouney
from the car park will take approx. 1.5hrs at a comfortable pace
and allowing for photo
taking. If you are in a hurry you could easily reduce this to an
hour, or even less. Conditions in
the streambed can be very hot and dry so make sure to take a
good supply of fluids and
sun protection. Sturdy footwear is also essential as there is no
formed track, the whole
route is along the broken rocks in the streambed.
On your return
journey you may also like to take a sidetrip up to the lookout to
view the pinnacles from
above. It will take about 15mins to walk up a steep but well formed
track on the bushwalk section of the loop track.
Access from the streambed is from either S41 26.982
E175 14.550 or S41 27.025 E175 14.419. From the lookout you
can either return to the
streambed or continue the buskwalk back to the
carpark.
I
n order to log this earthcache please verify your visit by emailing
the answers to these questions to
me.
1/
Standing at the published co-ordinates and facing down stream, look
to the left (approx SE). What additional feature of erosion not
seen anywhere else amongst the pinnacles can you
see?
2/
From your GPSr, what is the altitude in metres of the published
co-ordinates?
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For more
information about geocaching in New Zealand, visit the New Zealand
Recreational GPS Society Inc.
(http://www.gps.org.nz). |
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