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

Track closed

The Gentle Annie Track is closed for construction and maintenance work until the end of the June. Alternative tracks are available.

Find out more

Last updated: 13 May 2025

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

Walking time

4 hr return

Length

5.8km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

420m climb

-420m descent

785m highest point

Dogs

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

On this trail, you can veer off to Rocky Lookout and take in panoramic views of Mount Holdsworth and the upper Atiwhakatu Valley.

About the trail

Gentle Annie Track is an easy 3 to 4-hour scenic walk that showcases the best of Tararua Forest Park. You’ll explore native forests and cross boardwalks through the woody vegetation at ‘Pig Flat’. Stop to rest at ‘Mountain House Shelter’, where you’ll see some of the most beautiful and mature silver beech forests in the Greater Wellington region.

You’ll have the option to veer off the trail to Rocky Lookout, where you’ll take in panoramic views of Mount Holdsworth and the upper Atiwhakatu Valley. Choose to join up with Totara Creek Track or continue on the Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track.

If you’re keen to change things up on your return journey, head back via the ‘Donnelly Flat Loop Walk’ and enjoy an interesting round trip through lush native forests.

Getting there

  • The trail starts from the entrance to Tararua Forest Park on Mount Holdsworth Road. To get there, turn off State Highway 2 into Norfolk Road Road and follow the signs to Tararua Forest Park.
  • 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.

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.
  • Car parks, toilets, water, and picnic facilities are available at the entrance to Tararua Forest Park.

Looking for more?

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

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

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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.

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