Last updated November 2026
The Pukaka Valley Track is a bush tramp up a forested valley in Mt Robertson Scenic Reserve, about 16 km from Blenheim. It starts at the car park reached by the unsealed Pukaka Road, off Pembers Road between Tuamarina and Rārangi. DOC grades it as an intermediate tramping track and gives 3–5 hours, depending on how far you go.
The track follows Pukaka Stream with several unbridged crossings before climbing to the Mount Robertson Loop Track, giving an alternative route to Whites Bay and the Mt Robertson summit. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s track page said the track has “flood-damaged areas that are passable with care”, so allow extra time and check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Pukaka Valley Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park reached via Pukaka Road, off Pembers Road (between Tuamarina and Rārangi)
- Distance from the city
- About 16 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- 3–5 hr (DOC: about 3 hr to Whites Bay, 5 hr to the Mt Robertson summit)
- Track length
- 3.6 km one way (valley track)
- Grade
- Intermediate (DOC: intermediate tramping track)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track, with unbridged stream crossings
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Pukaka Valley Track
The Pukaka valley is part of Mt Robertson Scenic Reserve, whose tracks link through to Whites Bay and the Mt Robertson summit. DOC describes the valley as offering good tramping and hunting, and the track is the back-door route onto the Mount Robertson loop and summit tracks.
From the car park the track heads up Pukaka Stream, crossing it a number of times. None of these crossings are bridged, so expect wet feet. Further up, the track leaves the stream and climbs to meet the Mount Robertson Loop Track, where you choose your onward route.
DOC’s timings from the car park are about three hours to Whites Bay and about five hours to the Mt Robertson summit. That makes the valley a solid half-day or full-day outing rather than a short stroll, and it suits trampers who are comfortable on an intermediate track with stream crossings and a sustained climb.
DOC’s notes on the flood damage are addressed to both walkers and mountain bikers, and both are asked to allow extra time for their trip.
Getting There
DOC’s directions are to take the unsealed Pukaka Road, which leaves Pembers Road about halfway between Tuamarina and Rārangi. DOC puts the car park 17 km from Blenheim. Severe weather has damaged many roads in Marlborough, and DOC asks visitors to check the Marlborough District Council road updates before travelling.
Track Conditions and Safety
The flood-damaged sections are passable with care, but they slow you down, so build extra time into your plans. The unbridged crossings of Pukaka Stream can change after rain; if the stream is up, turn back rather than push on.
Weather in the hills can change quickly. Pack warm layers, a raincoat and extra food, check the forecast, and tell someone your plans before you leave. DOC also recommends carrying a distress beacon. For a longer route over to Whites Bay or up to the summit, Plan My Walk is a useful way to prepare and share your trip.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Pukaka Valley Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Blenheim area: other DOC tracks near Blenheim, including the Mt Robertson and Whites Bay walks.
Plan My Walk: a free planning tool for checking conditions, packing the right gear and sharing your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Pukaka Valley Track take?
DOC gives 3–5 hours. From the car park, allow about three hours to Whites Bay and about five hours to the Mt Robertson summit.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an intermediate tramping track. It involves several unbridged stream crossings and a climb out of the valley.
Is the track open?
It was open when we checked on 18 October 2026, with no DOC alerts. DOC’s track page said there are flood-damaged areas that are passable with care, so allow extra time. Check DOC before you go.
Where does it start?
At the car park reached by the unsealed Pukaka Road, which leaves Pembers Road about halfway between Tuamarina and Rārangi.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is no dogs.
Can I get to the Mt Robertson summit this way?
Yes. The track climbs to the Mount Robertson Loop Track, which links to the summit track. DOC allows about five hours from the car park to the summit.
How far is it from Blenheim?
About 16 km in a straight line, and DOC puts the car park 17 km from Blenheim.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.