Tararua Forest Park

At Waiohine Gorge there are two abseiling platforms with secure anchor points situated near the shelter at the entrance to the park. Wairarapa Outdoor Pursuits (WOP) is approved to use the platforms. Anyone else who wishes to abseil must seek approval from DOC Masterton Office.

Trout fishing licenses are required. You can get these from any Fish and Game Council office or sports equipment store. The fishing season is from 1 October to 30 April.

Most rivers and streams in the Tararua Range contain brown trout. The best fishing is considered to be on the eastern side of the range where anglers can have a very satisfying back-country fishing experience. The Waingawa River has a maximum size limit of 550 mm to protect large old trout that would otherwise be easily depleted.

River trips

Pack-floating is the traditional method of travel down the many gorged rivers in the park in summer during times of low flow. Several of the rivers are particularly suited to the use of flotation equipment such as ‘li-los’ and inner tubes. Popular full day trips are the lower Tauherenikau and Hutt gorges, the Ohau River below Blackwater Stream, the Waingawa River below Mitre Flats and the Waiohine River from Totara Flats to the end of Waiohine Gorge Road. However, the mid-Otaki Gorge, from Waitewaewae Hut to Otaki Forks, is a demanding river trip and usually requires an overnight camp.

Rafters and canoeists can run the easier waters of the lower Otaki and Waiohine gorges. The Mangahao Gorge is subject to alternating low flows and flooding due to power generation activities and should only be attempted by parties with knowledge of the weather and intended power generation actions.

The Hutt River Gorge between Pakuratahi Forks and Te Marua in Kaitoke Regional Park is suitable for whitewater rafting and kayaking during times of moderate flow. The gorge can be dangerous and extreme care is needed as grade 3+ rapids will be encountered. Experience is necessary since the trip can vary from 2 - 6 hours depending on the craft and water flow, so it is advisable to start no later than 10:00 am.

River levels are recorded at various points along the main Tararua Range rivers by Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils. You can also call their Freephone on 0800 496 734.