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.

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.

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Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse in the Wairarapa region.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk is an easy trail to one of New Zealand's most iconic lighthouses. The short return trip has views over the Wairarapa coastline.

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

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

Donnelly Flat Loop is an easy family walk among native trees in the Tararua Range. Access to the Atiwhatatu Stream, picnic area, and a campsite.

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Pūtangirua Pinnacles Ridge Track

Putangirua Pinnacles is a half-day trail in South Wairarapa through earth pillar formations. The pinnacles were a filming location in The Lord of the Rings.

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

Rocky Lookout

Rocky Lookout is 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.

Atiwhakatu Track

Popular with day walkers and families, the Atiwhakatu Track in Tararua Forest Park is an easy walking trail that leads to a large hut for overnight stays.

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

Tōtara Loop

Rewanui Forest ParkTōtara Loop is an easier walk near Masterton. It is a good warm-up for the connecting Matai Loop trail.

Three people dressed in pink, green and blue walking in a dense forest of tall trees and native ferns.

Matai Loop

Rewanui Forest ParkMatai Loop is bush walk full of variety near Masterton. The steep terrain will make you work for the views at the top.

Three people sitting on a grassy hill dressed in pink, green and blue. They are looking out across the landscape of rolling hills and farmland.

Mt Clyde Track

Rewanui Forest ParkWalk to the highest point in Rewanui Forest Park and see outstanding views from the Tararua Range to Castlepoint.

A dark red farmhouse surrounded by green farmland and rolling hills in the background.

Exotics Loop

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A person standing on a red swing bridge on the Tauwharenikau Trail in the Wairarapa region.

Tauwharenīkau Trail

Tauwharenīkau Trail is a peaceful riverside track connecting Featherston to Greytown via one of New Zealand’s longest cycle path suspension bridges.