St Patricks Head lookout was named on 17th March 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux. This Rock Pinnacle dominates not only the town of St Marys but can be seen from the ocean and is used as a land-mark by Mariners.
The turn-off for St Patricks Head is to the right onto Gillies Road, before entering St Marys Pass. The road becomes gravel after 1km. You will find parking for your your car at the end of this gravel road 3km from the tar where it turns sharp left uphill and becomes more of a lane. Don’t drive up the lane.
The view from the summit of St Patricks Head is panoramic. Looking south-east is Bicheno, you can follow the shoreline north to St Helens with a view of the Tasman Sea breakers crashing ashore. The Fingal Valley is to the west, the pastoral tranquility of your approach. Follow the valley with your eye to the the Ben Lomond plateau behind. Even further west are the layers of the Great Western Tiers.
It is a vigorous climb to the pinnacle and several steel ladders and hand lines in place to assist the climber. The total walk is approximately 5km and should take no more than 2-2.5hrs with the descent taking a little longer than the ascent.
A good description of the climb can be found on Summitpost.org (https://www.summitpost.org/st-patrick-s-head-pinnacle/200339)