Truman Track

About 3 km north of Punakaiki is the Truman Track. The effort-enjoyment ratio is very hard to beat. An easy 15-min walk leads initially through thick native forest. The influence of the sea becomes apparent as the vegetation rapidly changes closer to the coastline and finishes in barren sandstone cliffs complete with blow holes. The unvegetated cliff tops are extremely fragile and slippery and should not be walked on!! A small staircase allows easy access to the pebble beach and huge caverns. Fossilised remains of sea creatures are easily found embedded in the sandstone cliff face. Definitely no safe swimming here! While exploring along the waterline pay attention to the incoming tide, it may cut off your only way out.