Takaka Hill
Takaka Hill is part of the Pikikirunga Range, which translates to “climb up high”. The hill is well-known to New Zealanders because of the spectacular, long and windy road. A road trip over the hill is unforgettable. The hill is also known locally as “marble mountain” and the marble rock has weathered over millions of years into a karst landscape with unusual shapes, caves and sink holes. The geology and high elevation has given rise to a unique landscape and sub-alpine ecosystem. The karst landscape and its ecosystems were given legal protection in 1985 through an Open Space Covenant. These landscapes feature in the Lord of the Rings movies.
Ngata nui (giant land snail). Photo courtesy of the Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust
Travelling over Takaka Hill 1925
Fergus Holyoake Photograph Collection 65911, Motueka Historical Association.
History
Takaka Hill has played an important role in the local history as a physical barrier between the people of Golden Bay and those of the Motueka area. In pre colonial times and early colonial times the two peoples could only use waka and then European boats to connect and trade.
The desire to move farm animals to and from Golden Bay lead to the building of a stock route over the hill, which was later upgraded for horse and cart, and then for motor vehicles. Although the two areas are now connected by a road, the difficult nature of the road has preserved the sense of identity and some cultural differences.
Nelson Green Lizard. photo courtesy of the Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust
Environmental care
We don’t just take you to see this unique place, we actively protect and restore the environment. Care for the environment is baked-in to every part of our operation and we always strive to go further and do better. One way we help protect and restore the natural environment is by supporting the fantastic work of the Takaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust.
They take a Whole Ecosystem approach with projects such as predator control, pest plant control, visitor facilities, species monitoring, research, recycling depot, and habitat restoration. You will see examples of their work.
Trips run all year
Weather forecasts are checked 9pm the evening before and 7am on the day. If we decide to cancel we will phone, text or email you.
If the weather turns bad after the trip has started we will switch from climbing to caving and bush walking.
Via Ferrata explained
“Via Ferrata” is an Italian name and translates to “iron way”. The term is commonly used in the European Alps for a rock climbing route with a series of iron steps and a fixed steel rope that climbers can attach themselves to for safety. It allows anyone with a decent level of fitness to scale cliffs normally accessible only to experienced rock climbers.
The Takaka Hill via ferrata is a free public facility created by Via Ferrata Aotearoa Incorporated. It was constructed to European standards and overseen by a Chartered Professional Engineer. To organise your own self guided trip see their website for more information www.viaferrata.org.nz
A guided trip with Takaka Hill Adventures provides the extra benefits of local knowledge, safety and the right equipment. Our guides know the routes, the best ways, the side trips, and the emergency exits. They know the local geography, weather, history, plants and animals. They are expert climbers and mountaineers. They are trained in first aid and rescue techniques. You get to feel safe and confident and enjoy the experience.
The "Cliff Traverse"
The Cliff Traverse climbing route opened in December 2024. It carries a Difficult (C) grade with steep, exposed sections that demand strength and mental focus. The foot rungs and fixed wire let you climb without rock-climbing experience, although you should still expect a solid challenge.
The "Cliff Conqueror"
The Cliff Conqueror climbing route opened in December 2025. It carries a Difficult (C-D) grade with steep, exposed sections that demand strength and mental focus. The Cliff Conqueror is a harder climb than the Cliff Traverse. We climb the easier route first so we can assess your ability to climb the harder route.
