Walks

A walk in the Wairarapa can be anything from a short lakeside stroll to a multi-day tramp along the coast or in the bush-clad Tararua Ranges. 

Pick up maps, tips and DOC Hut Passes from an i-SITE Visitor Centre.

Planning on exploring trails around the region? Take a look at the Wellington Regional Trails. Your safety is your responsibility, please be prepared before hitting our tracks.

Castle Rock walk at Castlepoint

Catered & Guided Walks
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These walks will get you to places otherwise inaccessible to the public. This private access also means you get views and experiences most people will never have.

  • Tora Coastal Walk has spectacular scenery, gourmet food and great hospitality. Enjoy a 3 day walk among private hill-country farms, river valleys, native bush, streams, hilltop ridges and the magnificent Tora coastline. To top each day off you will enjoy homemade food and a well earned rest in stylish and comfortable accommodation.
  • Whareama Coastal Walk is a fantastic 2 or 3 day walking experience over private farmland and isolated Wairarapa coastline. Accommodation is in an historic homestead or cottage and large hunting and fishing lodge, with all meals provided.
  • Orui Coastal Walk is a fantastic three-night, three-day walking experience over farmland and Wairarapa coastline. The walk begins and ends at Orui Station located at Riversdale Beach (45 minutes drive east of Masterton).
  • Kawakawa Station Walk is a 1 or 3 day through farmland, river valleys and native bush. Views of Cook Strait and South Island, cool comfortable accommodation and great food are highlights.
Family Walks
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This selection of family walks are easy and sometimes educational walks everyone can enjoy.

Near Masterton

Henley Lake in Masterton has a network of flat walking tracks winding through 43 hectares of wetlands and native plantings with Henley Lake as the star. Viewing towers over the lake and wetlands allow for a different perspective of the reserve.

Lansdowne Recreational Trail in Masterton has groomed lime-chip tracks allowing views of Masterton, Tararua Range and a hidden lake which looks spectacular in autumn and a great place to have a picnic with the kids. 

Mount Holdsworth is near Masterton and has two particularly good walks for families. Donnelly Flats is an easy flat walk through bush while Rocky Lookout is a slightly more challenging walk through bush to excellent views up and down the valleys.

Kiriwhakapapa 15 minutes north of Masterton is a well-graded walk passing through forest that has regenerated well after being logged for its rimu in the 1930s. Another attractive feature is the many planted redwoods.

Rewanui Forest Park is a series of loop walks through a 334 hectare farm with a significant stand of native bush and areas of forestry production. Towards the tops there are some wonderful views of the taipo terrain.

Deliverance Cove at Castlepoint, 60 minutes from Masterton is a spectacular coastal walk with excellent views of the famous Castlepoint Lighthouse and Castle Rock.

 

Near Carterton

Waiohine Gorge near Carterton is a spectacular gorge carved by the Waiohine River. The largest bridge of its kind in New Zealand crosses the gorge and makes for a spectacular start and finish to any walk.

Carter Scenic Reserve near Carterton follows a boardwalk through a recovering wetland and remnant of flooded forest, returning via a loop track through the drier forest section. Kahikatea trees dominate the forest with a root system that extends snake-like over the surface of the swamp.

Fensham Reserve near Carterton is a large loop track which takes you through a variety of terrain from low lying wetlands to wind swept hill tops and through some towering native trees. Labels on the trees and bushes make the walk all the more interesting.

Near Greytown

 

The centre of the extended continental shelf of New Zealand is pinpointed in the Tararua Range on Mt Reeves Track, a moderately difficult walk not far from Greytown, that takes around 5-7 hours. Mt Reeves Track starts on the Waiohine ‘Valley’ Road, about 10km from Greytown. Learn more about the Centre of New Zealand Walk here. 

Near Featherston

Featherston Reserves Walkway is a series of four short walking tracks all within an easy walk of Featherston. Two of the walking tracks stand out for variety and access, with one offering good views across Featherston and the Wairarapa and the other being a short loop track through native bush.

Wairarapa Moana is a series of walks around Lake Wairarapa and forms the largest wetland in the southern North Island, covering over 9,000 hectares. The area has traditionally been important to local Maori as an area for the gathering of food and plant material.

Near Martinborough

Rapaki Walk, Martinborough is a loop track across farmland with spectacular views of the Wairarapa valley and Martinborough vineyards. Near the highest point, a stile takes walkers to an optional viewpoint over the scenic Te Muna Valley.

Palliser Vineyard Walk, Martinborough takes you around Palliser Vineyard towards the river and back through the centre of the vineyard.

Town Walks
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To take a break from the towns and see a bit more of the surrounding area, here are a few easily accessible walks right in town.

In Masterton

Henley Lake in Masterton has a network of flat walking tracks winding through 43 hectares of wetlands and native plantings with Henley Lake as the star.  Viewing towers over the lake and wetlands allow for a different perspective of the reserve.

Lansdowne Recreational Trail in Masterton has groomed lime-chip tracks allowing views of Masterton, Tararua Range and a hidden lake which looks spectacular in autumn and a great place to have a picnic.

 

In Greytown

Woodside Trail is a walking or cycling trail which effectively links Greytown with the nearest railway station, Woodside. The trail takes you through quiet farmland, native plantings and heritage trees to Woodside Station with great views of the Tararua Ranges.

 

In Featherston

Featherston Reserves Walkway is a series of four short walking tracks all within an easy walk of Featherston. Two of the walking tracks stand out for variety and access, with one offering good views across Featherston and the Wairarapa and the other being a short loop track through native bush.

 

In Martinborough

Martinborough vineyards are so close to town and each other that they make a great walk. Just pick up a map from the Martinborough i-SITE Visitor Centre.

Rapaki Walk, Martinborough is a loop track across farmland with spectacular views of the Wairarapa valley and Martinborough vineyards. Near the highest point, a stile takes walkers to an optional viewpoint over the scenic Te Muna Valley.

Palliser Vineyard Walk, Martinborough takes you around Palliser Vineyard towards the river and back through the centre of the vineyard.

Mountain Walks
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A tramp in the Tararua Ranges can be as easy or as challenging as you choose to make it. Either way it can be an exhilarating experience.

MOUNTAIN ALERTS should always be checked here before departing on a tramp into the mountains.

Hut Tickets are essential for an overnight stay in a back country hut. Purchase your hut tickets and hut passes from the Masterton i-SITE Visitor Centre.

Topographical Maps of the back country are available at i-SITE Visitor Centres.

Personal Locator Beacons effective to 62m and monitored by the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre. Just $5 a day! Bookings essential +64 6 370 0155

 

Near Masterton and Carterton

Tararua Forest Park provides an outstanding variety of tramping, hunting and walking opportunities in a wild, natural landscape. At 116,535 hectares it is the largest conservation park managed by the Department of Conservation in the North Island.

 

Near Greytown

The centre of the extended continental shelf of New Zealand is pinpointed in the Tararua Range on Mt Reeves Track, a moderately difficult walk not far from Greytown, that takes around 5-7 hours. Mt Reeves Track starts on the Waiohine ‘Valley’ Road, about 10km from Greytown. Learn more about the Centre of New Zealand walk. 

 

Near Featherston

Remutaka Forest Park walks don't reach the alpine heights of the Tararuas but still has an excellent walk across the Remutaka Rail Trail. Talk to Rimutaka Car Relocation about getting your vehicle to the other end of the trail.

 

Near Martinborough

Aorangi Forest Park has probably one of the more memorable walks through the badland rock formations of the Putangirua Pinnacles.

Coastal Walks
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The rugged Wairarapa coast is spectacular for scenery and wildlife and its ever-changing landscapes. Even in a roaring southerly the coast takes on a whole new look; rug up and be amazed at the power of the Southern Ocean.

Catered & Guided Walks

  • Tora Coastal Walk starts with an overnight stay in renovated shearers accommodation before setting off across private coastal farms and river valleys. A highlight is the Tora coastline with a ship wreck and empty beaches. The food is as famous as the walk; ask for a copy of the cook book.
  • Whareama Coastal Walk is a fantastic 2 or 3 day walking experience over private farmland and isolated Wairarapa coastline. Accommodation is in very comfortable rustic cottages, with all meals provided.
  • Orui Coastal Walk is a fantastic three-night, three-day walking experience over farmland and Wairarapa coastline. The walk begins and ends at Orui Station located at Riversdale Beach (45 minutes drive east of Masterton).

 

Near Masterton

Deliverance Cove at Castlepoint, 60 minutes from Masterton is a spectacular coastal walk with excellent views of the famous Castlepoint Lighthouse and Castle Rock.

Honeycomb Rock at Glenburn Station near Flat Point, 60 minutes from Masterton, is an amazing outcrop on the Wairarapa coast, named for its remarkable cell-like weathered pattern which gives the rock a honeycomb appearance.

 

Near Featherston

Ocean Beach is on Palliser Bay and walking these shores provides good beach combing.

Walks through the Wairarapa Moana wetlands of national significance at Lake Ferry range from 20 minutes to two hours

Orui Walk, Riversdale
The Orui Walk is a fantastic two or three day walking experience over private farmland and Wairarapa coastline. The walk begins and ends at Orui Station located at Riversdale Beach (45 minutes drive east of Masterton).
Waiohine Gorge
The Waiohine River has carved out a spectacular gorge, bisecting the landscape and setting an attractive backdrop. The suspension bridge spanning the gorge forms a spectacular gateway to the Tararua Forest Park.
Featherston Reserves Walkway
The Featherston Reserves Walkway is a series of four short walking tracks all within an easy walk of Featherston.
Palliser Vineyard Walk, Martinborough – 50 minute loop
This walking track takes you around Palliser Vineyard towards the river and back through the centre of the vineyard.
Carter Scenic Reserve - 30 minutes
Follow the boardwalk through a recovering wetland and remnant of flooded forest at Carters Reserve just outside on Carterton.
Fensham Reserve – 1-2 hours return
Just outside of Carterton Fensham reserve is large loop track that takes you through towering native trees and it's one of the best walks in the Wairarapa for families.
Lansdowne Recreational Trail
The Lansdowne tracks has great views of Masterton, the Tararua Ranges and a hidden lake; a great place to have a picnic with the kids. The Fourth Street entrance just off State Highway 2 is the closest to Masterton. Check out other interconnected Recreational Trails. 
Tararua Forest Park
The Tararua Range provides Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua and Manawatu with an outstanding variety of tramping, hunting and walking opportunities in a wild, natural landscape.
Gentle Annie Loop Track – 3-4 hour round trip
One of the most popular day trips in the park is the climb to Mountain House Shelter along the easy grade of the Gentle Annie Track.
Totara Flats – 2 day return or through
Totara Flats Hut is in a beautiful setting at the confluence of the Waiohine River and Totara Creek. At one end of the tramp the track crosses the Waiohine Gorge suspension bridge, the largest of its kind in New Zealand.
Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit – 2-3 day loop
The Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit is a two to three day tramp to some of the best alpine tops travel in the Tararua Forest Park. The bush tracks are all well marked and signposted and streams are bridged.
Putangirua Pinnacles
The Putangirua Pinnacles are some of the most amazing rock formations you’ll ever see. Allow at least two hours return and take food and water. One of the most incredible walks in the Wairarapa.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is across Lake Onoke from Lake Ferry but can be accessed down Western Lake Road from Featherston in about 40 minutes and from Martinborough in about 50 minutes. This part of the coast is close to one of the world’s top ranked lodges at Wharekauhau Country Estate.
Tora Coastal Walk
Spectacular scenery, gourmet food and warm Wairarapa hospitality – the Tora Coastal Walk has it all! An amazing 3 day walk among private hill-country farms, river valleys, native bush, streams, hilltop ridges and the magnificent Tora coastline. To top each day off you will enjoy homemade food and a well earned rest in comfortable accommodation.
Barra Track
The Barra Track to Mitre Flats is excellent as that first, slightly more challenging family tramp. The tramp is just 15 minutes from Masterton at the end of Upper Waingawa Road; in the Tararuas.
Kawakawa Station Walk
Kawakawa Station walk is a 1- or 3 day, 3 night walk through farmland, river valleys and native bush. Views of Cook Strait and South Island, cool comfortable accommodation and great food are highlights.
A Family at War
This self guided tour follows the story of two brothers and a sister who each saw very different sides of World War I. You will need to allow at least 60 minutes.
Amalgamated Helicopters
The best way to get a view of and access the Wairarapa's Tararua and Rimutaka Forest Parks, rivers, gorges, lakes, valleys and remote huts is by air.
Martinborough Wine Walks
Martinborough Wine Walks offer a range of tours to take you off the road and walking the vines.
Marty Mural Trail
Check out the eight vibrant murals around Martinborough as you walk or cycle around the village.
Remutaka Cycle Trail
The Remutaka Cycle Trail connects Wellington with Wairarapa, winding through a variety of stunning landscapes: a river valley, rolling foothills, bush-clad ranges, old railway tunnels, lake-sides, farm land and a rugged coastline. Choose to ride parts of the trail in one day or ride the whole trail over several days.
Remutaka Cycle Trail day rides
The Remutaka Rail Trail is one of the region’s most rewarding off-road trails. It can be ridden end to end (allow 4-5 hours) or broken up into two smaller sections - beginning and finishing on the Wellington side of the Remutaka Ranges or beginning and finishing on the Wairarapa side of the ranges. 
Remutaka Rail Trail
The Remutaka Rail Trail is a gently graded 18 km bike ride close to Wellington - it's also a hugely popular walk. 
Remutaka Cycle Trail whole
Riding the entire Remutaka Cycle Trail gives you a bike ride packed with variety, terrific scenery and neat places to stay - all so close to Wellington. 
Rimutaka Car Relocation
Drop your vehicle at one end of a trail and have it waiting for you at the other! Remutaka Car Relocation specialises in delivering vehicles for riders and walkers doing the Kaitoke to Cross Creek section of the Remutaka Rail Trail; in either direction.
Centre of New Zealand Walk
The centre of the extended continental shelf of New Zealand is pinpointed in the Tararua Range on Mt Reeves Track, a moderately difficult walk not far from Greytown, that takes around 5-7 hours. 
Kaituna Riverside Cottages
Whareama Costal Walk
The Whareama Coastal Walk is a fantastic 2 or 3 day walking experience over private farmland with isolated Wairarapa coastline views, for groups of up to 16 people.