Truman Track

Truman Track is a short hiking trail through coastal lowland forest south of Punakaiki, where nikau palms and native podocarp trees grow densely together. The path descends to a rocky cove where a small waterfall drops directly onto the beach.

The location lies within the Paparoa region on the West Coast of the South Island, where coastal erosion and wave action continuously reshape the beach. Access to the area was developed to connect visitors with the meeting point of forest and sea.

The track features interpretive signs explaining the ecological relationships between native plants, including the mata tree and its symbiotic northern rata companion.

The trail is short and slopes downward, so most visitors can complete the walk in around 30 minutes round trip. Sturdy footwear is useful since the ground can be muddy and the steps are steep.

A striking feature is how freshwater from the hillside drops into the salty bay air, creating rainbows in the waterfall mist on sunny afternoons. These fleeting light effects occur only during certain weather conditions and times of day.

Location: Buller District

Elevation above the sea: 40 m

Length: 600 m

GPS coordinates: -42.09415,171.34329

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41