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.

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