Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

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

Walking time

1 hr

Length

1.3km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

20m climb
-20m descent
348m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
The native bush surrounding the path in the Donnelly FLat loop walk.

Bev Bacon

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 Ranges. 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.

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

Bev Bacon

The trail begins at the entrance to Tararua Forest Park on Mount Holdsworth Road. To get there, 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.

There are regular train services from Wellington to Masterton. Timetables are available from the Metlink website. However, you will need to drive from Masterton to Tararua Forest Park.