Atiwhakatu Track in Tararua Forest Park

Walking time

3 hr

Length

11km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

200m climb

-220m descent

668m highest point

Dogs

Three people and a dog walking on a narrow wooden path in the forest.

About the trail

Meander along the Atiwhakatu River track to Atiwhakatu Hut. It’s perfect place for families and first-time trampers to park up for a night in the stunning Tararua Forest Park.

Pack a picnic and follow the beautiful river on gentle terrain, then either stay the night or return the same day.

The hut sleeps 26 people and is in great condition with modern facilities. Bookings are essential during the busy summer months.

Getting there

The trail starts from the entrance to Tararua Forest Park on Mount Holdsworth Road.
Turn off State Highway 2 onto Norfolk Road which turns into Mount Holdsworth Road. Follow the signs to Tararua Forest Park.
There are regular train services from Wellington to Masterton. Timetables are available from Metlink. You will need to drive or pre-book a taxi from Masterton to Tararua Forest Park.
Parking is available at the entrance to the park.

Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse in the Wairarapa region.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

In a region full of wonderful vistas, this short trail along a wild, rugged coastline leads to one of the most recognisable landmarks in New Zealand.

A drone shot of two adults and two kids standing on a bridge over a river in Tararua Forest Park.

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

An easy walk for the whole family among mature podocarp and broadleaf native trees in the Tararua Range.

Gentle Annie Track

Climb up to Mountain House Shelter along one of the most popular half-day trails in Tararua Forest Park.

Putangirua Pinnacles Track

Get up close and personal with ancient rock formations that are featured in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’.

Rocky Lookout

An easy trail to a viewing platform with extensive views over Tararua Forest Park and the Wairarapa Plains.

Tōtara Loop

Rewanui Forest ParkAn easy walk that is a good warm up before connecting to the Matai Loop track.

Matai Loop

Rewanui Forest ParkA bush walk with steep sections, historic Matai trees and plenty of variety along the way.

Mt Clyde Track

Rewanui Forest ParkWalk to the highest point in the park and see outstanding views from the Tararua Range to Castlepoint.

Exotics Loop

Rewanui Forest ParkEnjoy the forestry side of the park that offers a connecting route from Mt Clyde back to the Access Track.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

Atiwhakatu Track