Putangirua Pinnacles

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If you've seen the Lord of the Rings movies, you'll no doubt be aware of 'the way is shut' and the scene which features the Dead Men of Dunharrow and 'The way is shut. It was made by those who are Dead. And the Dead keep it. The way is shut.' 

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Even without the site having a connection to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, these ancient rock formations - dating back some 12-14 million years - are a sight to behold. You certainly feel tiny and insignificant as you follow the stream-bed between the giant towers. 

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It's even possible to climb up about 2km and get a view over the top of the Pinnacles. I have to admit, I did prefer being down on the ground looking up. They were just so huge. Watch out for falling rocks. When you've been around a couple of million years, things aren't as stable as they may once have been.