Putangirua Pinnacles is one of New Zealand’s best examples of badlands erosion. They consist of a large number of earth pillars or hoodoos located at the head of a valley in the Aorangi Ranges, on the North Island of New Zealand, in the Wellington region.
Some 7 to 9 million years ago when sea levels were much higher, the Aorangi ranges were an island. As this landmass was eroded over time, large alluvial fans formed on its southern shores. Within a few million years however, sea levels rose again and the island was submerged. Since the ice ages, sea levels have receded, and the old alluvial fans have been exposed to the erosive forces of wind and water which have weathered away the conglomerate. In some places this conglomerate is protected from erosion by a cap of cemented silt or rock; this has resulted in the formation of spectacular pinnacles, many of which have prominent fluting caused by rainwater running down their sides during major storms.
Their shapes are as diverse as they are captivating. Some stand stark and slender, like petrified spears thrust skyward. Others cluster together, their eroded surfaces resembling honeycombs or weathered teeth. Still others twist and contort, their silhouettes etched against the horizon like silent sentinels.
The palette of colors adds to the otherworldly atmosphere. The limestone ranges from a pale, almost bone-white to a warm ochre, with streaks of grey and even hints of verdant green moss clinging to the sheltered crevices. At dawn and dusk, the pinnacles are bathed in a golden light, their shadows stretching long and dramatic across the valley floor.
But the Putangirua Pinnacles are more than just a geological oddity. The area around the pinnacles has long been important to the Maori people, who have lived in this part of New Zealand for over 800 years. To the Maori, the pinnacles are a sacred site, imbued with powerful cultural significance and woven into countless legends and stories. Also, Part of the Paths of the Dead sequence in the film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was filmed on location here, as was the opening sequence of Braindead.
Today, the Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve attracts visitors from around the world, drawn by their unique beauty and cultural significance. Hikers traverse well-maintained tracks, winding through the labyrinthine formations and marveling at their close-up grandeur. Photographers capture the ever-changing light and shadow play, while nature lovers revel in the diverse flora and fauna that find refuge in the sheltered nooks and crannies.
According to the Internet
