9 October 2026
Cloud about the tops.
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1 / 1Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and Pūponga Farm Park
Pūponga Farm Track / Green Hills Route
Superb farmland, lakes, cliffs and wind-carved moorlands are features of this track.
Distance
11 km
Walking time
3 hr return
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Nelson Lakes National Park forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
10 October 2026
Cloud increasing with showers developing in the morning, becoming rain at night with snow to 2000 metres.
11 October 2026
Rain, clearing in the evening. Snow to 2000 metres until afternoon.
12 October 2026
Partly cloudy.
13 October 2026
Cloud increasing.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Pūponga Farm Track / Green Hills Route on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Pūponga Farm Track / Green Hills Route
From the Wharariki car park, follow the vehicle track west through farmland. After passing a dune lake (40 min, 1.6 km) you will reach a junction with a side track to Wharariki Beach. At low tide, for a shorter option, you can walk back along Wharariki Beach to connect with Wharariki Beach Track . Continue on the track past another dune lake to the Green Hills Stream. The track crosses the stream, then forms a loop through the hills. Return to Wharariki car park along the same track, or via Wharariki Beach at low tide. There are viewing points and patches of forest along the track. Mountain biking is allowed on this track. It is an Intermediate: Grade 3 track.
Essential information for Pūponga Farm Track / Green Hills Route
General visiting rules No dogs or other pets are allowed. Firearms are prohibited. Camping is not permitted on both Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and the Pūponga Farm Park. Take your rubbish away with you when you leave. Do not light fires or smoke. No fishing in the nature reserve. Visiting Pūponga Farm Park Seemingly harmless acts, such as leaving a gate open or taking a pet for a walk can have drastic consequences for farm management. Follow these rules when visiting the farm: Cars and motorcycles must stay on formed roads and car park areas. Leave gates as you find them; don't be tempted to close an open gate - it's open for a purpose! Hay and bull paddocks, and the airstrip (during operations), are off limits to visitors. Livestock, birds and plants are not to be disturbed or interfered with. At times the farm may be closed to the public. This is usually during lambing or calving, or when the fire risk is extreme. During such times, visitors are asked to keep to roads and car parks. Stay at least 20 m from seals There are a group of seal pups that use pools on Wharariki Beach to play in. Please respect their home by following these rules: Keep a respectful distance (at least 20 metres) Do not follow or chase the seals. It is an offense under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to harass seals. What to do if you find a seal . Wharariki is not a swimming beach There are strong currents and rips at Wharariki Beach, swimming not recommended.
Getting there for Pūponga Farm Track / Green Hills Route
From Collingwood, follow Collingwood-Puponga Main Road toward Pūponga. This road becomes Wharariki Road when it leaves the coast. Follow Wharariki Road to the car park at the end. Use this location o n Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Pūponga Farm Track / Green Hills Route
No dogs.
Before you walk Pūponga Farm Track / Green Hills Route
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.