Truman Track

With forest trails and coastal views, this is an easy West Coast walk with excellent information panels.

Where is it?

From SH 6, the track starts 3kmnorth of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre in Punakāiki.

NO DOGS

TIME & DISTANCE: 30min; 1.4km return

FITNESS: Basic fitness required

TERRAIN: Well-formed and maintained easy walking paths.

Track Overview

The short but delightful Truman Track takes walkers through pristine subtropical forest where flourishing stands of rātā loom above the path and nīkau palms are found. If the forest alone wasn’t pretty enough, eventually you will pop out on to the fabulous cliff-lined coast with caves, a blowhole and a waterfall that thunders onto a rocky beach. Go down the stairway to gain access to the beach, but know this is a very boisterous coastline so keep your wits about you as you explore. And be respectful of the wildlife; you’ll see all sorts down here from petrels to fur seals, weka to Hector's dolphins and, when the kōwhai are in flower, the birds flock to this neck of the woods. If it’s low tide and you’ve time to explore the rock pools, look out for the magnificent starfish who also live here.

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels

Main Image: Lake Moana, Getty Images