Wellington Regional Trails
A family points at the view from Fensham Reserve in Wairarapa.

Walk among 700 year old podocarp trees at a 48-hectare native bush reserve, only a few minutes drive from Carterton.

Walking time

1 hr

Length

2.6km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Profile

120m climb

120m descent

164m highest point

Dogs

No
Two people standing on a wooden boardwalk in a lush forest at Fensham Reserve in Wairarapa, reaching up to touch the fronds of a large tree fern. The surrounding area is filled with green foliage and tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the canopy.

About the trail

Containing a stunning remnant kahikatea swamp forest, Fensham Reserve is one of the best places for a bush walk near Carterton. The 48-hectare native bush reserve is only a few minutes’ drive from Carterton and offers all-weather, well-maintained trails that are great for families and joggers.

The trails take you through a variety of terrain, including wetland boardwalks and native bush. Some of the podocarp trees you’ll encounter are believed to be between 400 and 700 years old. Head up to the top of a hill for views of rolling farmland.

Make sure to pack a picnic for one of the resting spots along the way. There is also a picnic table near the second entrance off Upper Belvedere Road.

Person sitting on a wooden bench along a forest boardwalk at Fensham Reserve in Wairarapa, surrounded by towering native trees and lush greenery.
A family runs along the path of Fensham Reserve in Wairarapa.
Two people standing at an information board at Fensham Reserve in Wairarapa, surrounded by lush green foliage. One person is pointing to a map of walking tracks.
Person sitting on a bench surrounded by native bush at Fensham Reserve in Wairarapa, overlooking a scenic valley with trees and farmland in the distance.

Getting there

Fensham Reserve is 3km west of Carterton and can be accessed from two entrances:

  • Take State Highway 2 from the square in Carterton, turn west into Belvedere Road and drive 2km to Cobden Road. Turn right, and the Reserve is located by the junction of Cobden and Haringa Roads.
  • The other entrance can be accessed another kilometre up Belvedere Road.
Two people walking along a grassy and gravel trail towards the forest at Fensham Reserve in Wairarapa, with wooden farm fences lining the track.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Parking is available at both Cobden Road & Upper Belvedere Road entrances.
  • Picnic tables and toilets are near the second entrance off Belvedere Road.
  • No pets are allowed due to regular pest control operations.

Looking for more?

At start of items
A dirt path cuts through green grass and hay paddocks on the Greytown to Woodside trail.

Greytown to Woodside Trail

The original Greytown to Woodside railway line provides a beautiful and family-friendly walking path.

Three people walking away from camera on a gravel path amongst grasses and flaxes, with trees in the background

Kahikatea Walk, Carter Scenic Reserve

Get a feel for what the Wairarapa region used to look like on a stroll through unusual native landscape only minutes from the town of Carterton.

A family in neon clothing walking on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by green farmland.

Access Track

Rewanui Forest ParkA short connector track through farmland that connects to the loop trails in Rewanui Forest 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.

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.

Three hikers and a dog walking in desnse ferns surrounded by mossy trees and native New Zealand bush.

Holdsworth to Kaitoke Track

A three day hike through the Tararua Range, from Holdsworth to Kaitoke.

A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

Kohekohe Walk

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveHead to Waikanae to walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.

The view from the ridgeline on the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit in the Tararua Range.

Holdsworth roadend to Powell Hut/Mount Holdsworth

Spend the night at Powell Hut or continue on to the Mount Holdsworth summit on this one or two-day adventure in the Tararua Range.

The view of mountain ranges from a wooden deck.

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

The multi-day circuit around Mount Holdsworth gives you the opportunity to explore the tops of the Tararua Range. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Wairarapa region and Wellington.