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

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

Walking time

1 hr

Length

3.6km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

20m climb

-20m descent

348m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

This short flat trail is suitable for the whole family. It passes through some of the best mixed podocarp and broadleaf forests in the Tararua Range. You’ll see rimu, miro and northern rata, along with kamahi, red beech, and silver beech.

There’s access to the Atiwhakatu Stream along the way, as well as a picnic area and campsite. From the campsite, the track continues to Atiwhakatu Track junction. You can loop back to the car park via Gentle Annie Track.

The native bush surrounding the path in the Donnelly FLat loop walk.

Getting there

The trail begins at the entrance to Tararua Forest Park on Mount Holdsworth Road, near the camp area. Turn off State Highway 2 into Norfolk Road and follow the signs to Tararua Forest Park. Once you arrive, cross the Atiwhakatu footbridge and follow the track to Donnelly Flat.

What to expect

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk has three bridge crossings, including a swing bridge and occasional sections of exposed rock. It passes through some of the best mixed podocarp and broadleaf forests in the Tararua Range, and the area is abundant with bird life.

A child stands on rocks by the Te Whakatūrākau Stream on the Donnelly flat loop walk.

Know before you go

  • Plan your route before you leave, and let someone know where you’re going.
  • Visit Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
  • Check the track status on the Department of Conservation website.
  • Get an up-to-date weather report from the MetService website before setting off.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sun protection, food and water.

Looking for more?

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Two adults and two kids cross a bridge surrounded by trees on the Gentle Annie Track to Mount Holdsworth in Tararua Forest Park.

Gentle Annie Track

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

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Two adults and two children are at the Rocky Lookout, on Mount Holdsworth in the Tararua Forest Park.

Rocky Lookout

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

A person walking along a swing bridge on the Atiwhakatu track in Tararua Forest Park.

Atiwhakatu Track

Walk alongside the Atiwhakatu River and return the same day, or rest at Atiwhakatu Hut overnight.

Three people each dressed in pink, green and blue walking in green forest next to a wooden directional sign that reads Totara Loop.

Tōtara Loop

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Three people dressed in pink, green and blue walking in a dense forest of tall trees and native ferns.

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Three people sitting on a grassy hill dressed in pink, green and blue. They are looking out across the landscape of rolling hills and farmland.

Mt Clyde Track

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

A dark red farmhouse surrounded by green farmland and rolling hills in the background.

Exotics Loop

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Tauwharenīkau Trail

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