Places to visit in Wairarapa
Family walks and day visits in the Wairarapa brochure
The two possible routes on this Castlepoint walk offer spectacular views as you climb above the lagoon along the boundary track to the base of Castle Rock. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min return
The walking track to Donnelly Flat passes through some of the best mixed podocarp/broadleaf forest in the Tararua Range. Category: Walking track Distance: 2.5 km Completion Time: 1 hr 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. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 3 hr 30 min - 4 hr round trip
The classic Holdsworth - Kaitoke tramp follows the Waiohine and Tauherenikau Rivers for 36 km between Holdsworth and Kaitoke. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Distance: 36 km Completion Time: 13-14 hr
Honeycomb Rock is a spectacular outcrop on the Wairarapa coast, so named because of the cell-like weathering pattern which gives the rock a honeycomb appearance. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 5 - 6 hr
This 30 minute loop walks takes you through a flooded forest remnant in the Wairarapa. Category: Short walk Completion Time: 30 min
This pleasant loop walk is well-graded and benched and passes through forest that has regenerated well after logging in the 1930s. Category: Tramping track Distance: 1 km Completion Time: 30 min
Look out for fossil shells in the rock as you follow the board-walk over the reef and past the lighthouse at Castlepoint Scenic Reserve. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 30 min return Alert: The Castlepoint causeway and wind fence leading to the lighthouse have been removed.
The Barra track follows the Waingawa River to Mitre Flats and Mitre Flats Hut. Category: Tramping track Distance: 8.2 km Completion Time: 8 - 9 hr return
The classic Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit is a two to three day tramp involving a climb through beech-podocarp forest to some of the best alpine tops travel in the Tararua Forest Park. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Distance: 24 km Completion Time: 12 hr
Three 2-3 hour walks lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles in Aorangi Forest Park. There is also a 3-4 hour walk with excellent views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 2 – 4 hr depending on route Alert: Watch for falling rocks on the streambed walk.
This tramp follows the Mount Holdsworth Track to Powell Hut. From the rocky outcrop below the hut you get a view of High Ridge and Totara Flats far below. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Completion Time: 5 – 6 hr or 7 – 8 hr, depending on route
Built in 1878, this rail route between the Hutt Valley and Featherston is now a gently graded 18 km walk, run or mountain bike ride, with opportunities for camping, swimming and fishing. Category: Walking track Distance: 18 km one way (Kaitoke to Cross Creek carpark) Completion Time: 3 hr walk or 1 hr bike ride one way, starting from Kaitoke
This easy 20 minute walk follows the boardwalk through the Carter Scenic Reserve, a recovering wetland in the Wairarapa Category: Short walk Completion Time: 20 min each way
Smith Creek - Tauherenikau River is a daytrip in the southern Tararua Range and the exit/entry to the Kaitoke-Holdsworth Tramp. Category: Tramping track Distance: 13 km Completion Time: 4 hr return
Experience stunning views and native bush on Te Arapiki o Tawhaki at Pukaha Mount Bruce. Category: Walking track Distance: 4 km Completion Time: 2 hr loop
There are a number of short tracks that descend from Waiohine Gorge Road into the gorge, giving access for picnicking, swimming, fishing and watersports. Category: Walking track
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Easy access walks - North Island
Easy access walks - South Island
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Read important notices about DOC managed areas in the Wellington region
Plan and prepare for your trip
The Great Walks
Wellington NZ website
Federated Mountain Clubs website
Stop the spread of didymoCheck, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
