Last updated November 2026
The Rarangi-Whites Bay Track is a one-way track over the hill between Rārangi and Pukatea/Whites Bay, about 16 km from Blenheim.
DOC times it at about 1 hour one way and grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track. It zig-zags up through a pine plantation from Whites Bay, follows Port Underwood Road for a short stretch, then drops down to Rārangi near the Monkey Bay track.
Unless you arrange transport at the other end, you’ll need to walk it both ways. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but 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 Rarangi–Whites Bay Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Pukatea/Whites Bay or Rārangi (near the Monkey Bay track)
- Distance from the city
- About 16 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- 1 hr one way
- Track length
- 2.5 km one way
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track, one way (return the same way unless transport is arranged)
- 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 Rarangi-Whites Bay Track
This track links Pukatea/Whites Bay with Rārangi. Starting at the Whites Bay end, it climbs in a series of zig-zags through a pine plantation until it reaches Port Underwood Road. From there you follow the road for about 500 metres before the track leaves it again and descends to Rārangi, finishing close to the Monkey Bay track.
DOC describes the track as exposed in places and asks walkers to keep to the formed track. The climb from Whites Bay is the main effort, so it suits walkers with reasonable fitness who are happy with a steady uphill.
Because it’s one way, most people either walk there and back, which roughly doubles the time to about 2 hours, or arrange a car at the far end.
Getting There
DOC’s directions to Rārangi are to follow State Highway 1 to Tuamarina, 9 km north of Blenheim, then head east on Hunter, Pembers and Rarangi Roads. DOC puts Whites Bay 15 km from Tuamarina, over steep, rugged hills.
The other way in is from Picton, a 41 km drive along Port Underwood Road, which DOC describes as historic and spectacular but winding and unsealed. Severe weather has damaged many roads in Marlborough, so check the Marlborough District Council road updates before you travel.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Rarangi-Whites Bay 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 walks and campsites around Rārangi, Whites Bay and Mt Robertson.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Rarangi-Whites Bay Track take?
DOC gives about 1 hour one way. Allow about 2 hours if you walk back to where you started.
Is it a loop?
No. It’s a one-way track, so you either walk it both ways or arrange transport at the other end.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track. The zig-zag climb from Whites Bay is the steepest part, and the track is exposed in places.
Where does it start?
You can start at either Pukatea/Whites Bay or Rārangi, where the track comes out near the Monkey Bay track.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is no dogs.
Does the track use the road?
Yes, for a short section. DOC says the track follows Port Underwood Road for about 500 metres between the two track sections.
How far is it from Blenheim?
About 16 km in a straight line. Tuamarina, the turn-off from State Highway 1, is 9 km north of 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.