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.

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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

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A family in neon clothing walking on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by green farmland.

Access Track

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

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

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Three hikers and a dog walking in desnse ferns surrounded by mossy trees and native New Zealand bush.

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A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

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The view of mountain ranges from a wooden deck.

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit is a popular multi-day hike in the Tararua Range. Explore the mountains and take in panoramic views of the Wellington region.