Wellington Regional Trails

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.

Walking time
30 min
Length
1.4km
Uses
Walking/Running
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easiest: Short walk
Profile

63m highest point

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

About the trail

The Kahikatea Walk at Carter Scenic Reserve is a short, easy loop track. It meanders along boardwalks through the remnants of a flooded kahikatea forest and a drier forest section.

Known locally as Uhi Mānuka, this swamp and semi-swamp forest sits on two old terraces of the Ruamahanga River. It features grass, wetland, shrubland and forest, a reminder of the former landscape of the Wairarapa plains.

The variety of habitat types has meant the area has become a haven for plants and animals. Many of these species became extinct or reduced to low numbers when the land was cleared for farming in the 1880s-1900s.

You’ll discover rare native plants and fish, including swamp maire, small-leafed hoheria, brown mudfish, and banded kokopu.

The 2.7km out-and-back loop trail is an easy route, ideal for families and kids.

Looking for more?

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Three people and a dog on leash, walking on a gravel path, across a small bridge 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.

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.

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

Fensham Reserve

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

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.