Gentle Annie Track
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)
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.
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.