About the walk

• Dramatic West Coast views
• Nīkau palms and rātā and rimu trees
• Well-formed gravel track with some steps

Truman Track leads from the highway just north of Punakaiki down to the Tasman Sea. 

As you descend, you’ll pass through three distinct plant zones:

• subtropical rainforest
• New Zealand flax/harakeke
• a rare coastal turf ecosystem.

At the bottom of the track, you’ll find two viewing platforms.

From the upper platform, enjoy spectacular views of the wave-eroded coastline to the north, and south to the Pancake Rocks.

The walk ends at the lower viewing platform. You’ll look out over the wild, rock-strewn beach, where a waterfall plummets from sandstone cliffs.

Return to the carpark the same way you came.

Directions

Truman Track is signposted off SH6, 3 km north of the Punangairi Visitor Centre in Punakaiki. DOC’s Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre is located here.

If you’re coming from Punakaiki, the car park is on your right, opposite the track entrance.

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Travel times (by car)

• Punakaiki (5 min)
• Greymouth (45 min)
• Westport (1 hr)

Parking

Truman Track car park has:

• limited free parking for cars and campervans
• no marked mobility spaces.

Take care when crossing the road. It’s a 100 km zone.

Alternative parking

If Truman Track car park is full, do not park on the highway.

Instead, use the gravel shoulder 600 m (10 min walk) to the south, on the coastal side of SH6. Follow the shared pedestrian and cycling path to the track entrance. 

Mana whenua

Ngāti Waewae holds mana whenua or customary authority over this special place.

Safety and hazards

Truman Track ends at the lower viewing platform. There are serious hazards if you choose to explore the beach.

• Beach unsafe for swimming: River mouths and beaches along this coast have dangerous tidal currents and rips. They are not patrolled by lifeguards. 
• Unstable cliffs and overhangs: Cliffs are made of soft sandstone that waves erode constantly. Rocks may fall or cliffs collapse without warning. Do not linger around cliff faces or overhangs.
• Tidal access: Access to the beach is unsafe at high tide, and the far cove is cut off. Take care not to get trapped by the rising tide.
• Rough seas: The beach is unsafe in rough seas, and waves can wash across the lower viewing platform. Only descend to the lower platform and beach in calm conditions.
• Sudden waves: Large waves can wash onto the beach at any time. Keep children close, don’t get too close to the water and watch out for rogue waves.

When to go

• Visit at low tide and when the sea is calm if you plan to explore the beach.
• New Zealand weather changes quickly. Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared.

Check tide times

View weather forecast

Plan your visit

• Bookings are not required for Truman Track.
• Toilets are not provided. The nearest toilets and accessible toilets are at the Punangairi Visitor Centre in Punakaiki (5 min by car).
• Drinking water is not available. Bring your own.
• Seating is provided by the upper viewing platform. There is no seating at the car park.
• Limited food options can be found in Punakaiki. Petrol and other services are available in Westport and Greymouth.
• Mobile cell phone coverage can be unreliable.

What to take

Short Walks gear list

Care for nature

• Rubbish bins are not provided. Take your rubbish with you.
• Stay on the track to protect critically endangered coastal turf.
• The beach at the end of Truman Track is part of Punakaiki Marine Reserve. All marine life here is protected.

Protecting nature in Aotearoa