What to do and see in Wairarapa, North Island: The Best Hiking Trails

May 14, 2022 Roger Rusk

Lush Wairarapa, in the southeast of New Zealand's North Island, is about an hour from Wellington. It’s a scenic train ride past Lake Wairarapa to Palliser Bay and the Aorangi Ranges. Explore the forests with birdsong and babbling creeks as a soundtrack. Bask on sandy shores with fur seals. Visit country fairs, pick cider apple and tour vineyards. Day spas, hot air balloon rides and quirky rural golf courses are other relaxing options. Quad biking and rafting offer more up-tempo diversions.
Restaurants in Wairarapa

1. Castlepoint Lighthouse

Masterton Castlepoint Road Castlepoint Scenic Reserve, Castlepoint New Zealand +64 6-377 0700 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/019228ac56674d5fa7bda7156381db6e.aspx
Excellent
78%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 179 reviews

Castlepoint Lighthouse

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Judave - Tauranga, New Zealand

A place that has been on our bucket list for a while an amazing spot, wild and wonderful scenery. Make the most and climb up to the lighthouse, really worthwhile the scenery is amazing from the vantage spots around the lighthouse.

2. Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit

Mount Holdsworth Road Tararua Forest Park, Masterton New Zealand +64 4-384 7770 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/8b0a3c6c2f21497b8ad36715b5d206d0.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.

3. Powell Hut & Mount Holdsworth Track

Mount Holdsworth Road Tararua Forest Park, Masterton New Zealand +64 6-377 0700 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/f54bf17d5b0f4a0aac2106fbb0947af9.aspx
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Powell Hut & Mount Holdsworth Track

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.

Reviewed By 20carolj - Palmerston North, New Zealand

There are many day and overnight treks.Main carpark is usually full by 9am but there is still plenty of parking and camping areas.The Atiwhakatu trek is Awesome trek 6 hrs return moderate pace. Uphill through native bush but it does level out in places.Boardwalks and swing bridges , stairs. slushy areas after rain.Take good footwear and layer the clothing as weather can change.Toilets at hut but bring toilet paper and liquid to drink. Overall track is very good.Toilets at car park area as well. The Gentle Annie trek and rock lookout is worth the extra hour climb.There are many other tracks and huts to test your fitness.

4. Greytown Woodside Trail

Cotter Street, Greytown 5712 New Zealand http://greytownrailtrail.org.nz
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Greytown Woodside Trail

Reviewed By KarenT465

Love this walk through farmland, especially when the llamas are out. It can be a bit exposed in summer so hat and sunblock required. Also wish people would keep dogs on leads!

5. Kiriwhakapapa Loop

Kiriwhakapapa Road Tararua Forest Park New Zealand +64 4-384 7770 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/23bac1624c3247ec9da131144eb947ab.aspx
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Kiriwhakapapa Loop

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip

6. Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

Mount Holdsworth Road Tararua Forest Park, Masterton New Zealand +64 4-384 7770 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/ac0b15b92de146ff88bc860676ec7a7a.aspx
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Missy_Odowd

You can experience the mountain areas and rivers on this lovely walk. Kid/dog friendly, easy trekking. Absolutely beautiful scenery to enjoy, full immersion into the greenery. The river views are also nice and you can always stop and enjoy coolness.

7. Te Arapiki o Tawhaki

Pukaha Mount Bruce New Zealand +64 6-377 0700 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/d0476943e2b5498ba65a649c761ad94f.aspx

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

8. Rapaki Walk

Shooting Butts Road, Martinborough 5784 New Zealand

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