Last Updated: 26th Apr 2024
Puketapu Hill Loop
Sir John MacKenzie memorial loop
Palmerston lookout
Submitted by Delphine Touzouli
Last Updated: 26th Apr 2024
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 22 ?
4.8km
370m
355m
Last Updated: 26th Apr 2024
Palmerston lookout
Submitted by Delphine Touzouli
Last Updated: 26th Apr 2024
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 22 ?
4.8km
370m
355m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.1%
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1:20
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:35
Fast
Puketapu hill is also called Sir MacKenzie memorial. It is a short loop but worth climb to the top to enjoy the view.
Start point is in front of the Waihemo lodge and cross the railway to get to Auskerry Street and turn right on Stour Street. This gravel road leads to the Palmerston lookout parking. You climb the stairs to get to the sheep fields and follow the track.
Another stairs to pass under the trees to get off the sheep fields and you will reach the beginning of the loop where there is a water reservoir. You can take the track on the left, easy to see and this leads you on the back of the hill. The climb gives you a nice reward. The view on the top gives you a 360° over Palmerston. Then, follow the track on your right . The grass is quite high, but you will find the path looking carefully where people walked/run.
When you are down the hill, follow the fence until you reach the water reservoir and take the same path as you did in the middle of the sheep.
This trail includes the peak Puketapu.
The view from the Puketapu hill at 360° and the memorial tower. This memorial to Sir John McKenzie, the minister of lands in the Liberal government of the 1890s, was put up in 1929 on Puketapu, just south of Palmerston in Otago. McKenzie had worked there soon after his arrival from the Scottish Highlands in 1860, and subsequently bought his first farm in the area. He won fame and the affection of many small farmers for his efforts in unlocking both the large estates and Māori land. Soon after McKenzie died, two memorials were erected to his name. One was a cairn on top of Pukehiwitahi, overlooking his first farm, and the second was at Cheviot in North Canterbury, recognising his role in breaking up 'Ready Money' Robinson's large Cheviot Hills estate. The cairn collapsed and the memorial on Puketapu was initiated by Sir Joseph Ward as a replacement.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
There is a parking in front the lodge or you can also reach the Palmerston lookout parking by taking the gravel road.
No
No
Easy.
Follow the flattened grass to be sure to be on the track.
Generally good.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Only on the start.
Closed from September to November.
Might be muddy when wet.
Waihemo Lodge Hotel
13 Runbrake Street, Palmerston 9430, Nouvelle-Zélande
Had a really good burger
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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