Last updated October 2026
The Tirohanga Track is a steep bush walk in Picton that climbs to Hilltop View, a lookout over the town, Waikawa and the Marlborough Sounds. It has two ends, one at Garden Terrace and one at Newgate Street, and Marlborough District Council’s Picton brochure grades it moderate at 45 minutes and 2,021 m.
Part of the track crosses private property: the Marlborough Walkers Guide says the track passes through private property and asks walkers to respect this. The council material we found does not show which section is private, so keep to the track the whole way.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check with Marlborough District Council for updates on Tirohanga Track on the day you walk.
More from Marlborough District Council
Practical Information
- Start
- Garden Terrace car park or Newgate Street, Picton
- Distance from the city
- About 24 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- 45 min to Hilltop View from either end; about 2 hr 15 min for the whole track, returning through Picton streets (Walkers Guide)
- Track length
- 2,021 m (council brochure)
- Grade
- Moderate
- Private land
- The track passes through private property; stay on the track and respect it
- Dogs
- No rule given in the council’s walking guides; check the Dog Exercise Areas on the council’s Smart Maps
- Managed by
- Marlborough District Council
- Status
- Check Marlborough District Council’s alerts page before you go.
About Tirohanga Track
From either end the track climbs steeply through regenerating native forest to Hilltop View. The Marlborough Walkers Guide describes extensive views from the top over Picton, Waikawa and the Sounds.
The Picton walking and cycling brochure map shows the track as a single line from the Garden Terrace car park, up over the hill to the lookout and down the other side to Newgate Street.
You can climb to the lookout and return the way you came, or carry on to the other end and walk back through the streets of Picton to make a loop.
Marlborough Online notes that the climb from the start to the summit lookout is about 1.2 km, and that fit walkers can easily halve the estimated 45 minutes. It also mentions predator traps along the track, set by Picton Dawn Chorus, an incorporated society of Picton residents that controls predators so native birds can flourish.
Private Property on the Track
This is not entirely public land. The Marlborough Walkers Guide states that the track passes through private property and asks walkers to respect this. None of the Picton brochures or other official material we checked says where the private section is, so treat the whole route with care: stay on the formed track and don’t wander off the path.
Combining with Esson’s Valley
The Garden Terrace car park is also the start of the two Esson’s Valley tracks, which head up the valley beside the Waitohi River to Humphries Dam and Barnes Dam.
Marlborough Online suggests that it is easy to walk those tracks and the Tirohanga Track in one outing. The Walkers Guide warns that the Tirohanga Track is slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough District Council: Picton by Foot or Bike brochure and map (PDF): the Tirohanga Track’s grade, time and map.
Marlborough District Council: Marlborough Walkers Guide (PDF): times for the whole track and the private property note.
Marlborough District Council: Alerts: current track, reserve and road closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Tirohanga Track start?
At either end: the Garden Terrace car park or Newgate Street in Picton.
How long does it take?
About 45 minutes to Hilltop View from either end. Allow about 2 hours 15 minutes to walk the whole track and return through Picton streets.
How hard is the Tirohanga Track?
The council grades it moderate. It is a steep climb, and the track is slippery when wet.
Does the track cross private land?
Yes. The Marlborough Walkers Guide says it passes through private property. The official material we found doesn’t mark which section, so stay on the track throughout and respect the landowners.
Can I take my dog?
The council’s walking guides don’t give a dog rule for this track. Check the Dog Exercise Areas on Marlborough District Council’s Smart Maps before you bring a dog.
What will I see from the top?
Views over Picton, Waikawa and the Marlborough Sounds from the Hilltop View lookout.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check Marlborough District Council’s alerts page before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track line and facts: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0). Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.