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

A bush walk with steep sections, historic Matai trees and plenty of variety along the way.

Walking time
1 hr 45 min
Length
2.3km
Uses
Walking/Running
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Profile

410m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Matai Loop in Rewanui Forest Park passes many historic Matai trees. The loop trail has some steeper sections, making it ideal for people with a moderate level of agility. 

There is a grove of Matai a short distance from the junction with the Totara Loop trail that is easy to visit without tackling the steeper sections of this track.

The views from a one-tree-hill, half way up the left side of the loop is well worth the uphill effort.

Three people dressed in pink, green and blue shirts with backpacks on walking across a wooden bridge, surrounded by native forest.

Getting there

To get to Rewanui Forest Park from Masterton, follow Te Ore Ore Road towards the Castlepoint for 22 kilometres. Look for the Rewanui Forest Park sign, with the main car park 400 metres beyond it.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
  • Take care during winter as the tracks can be muddy and slippery.
  • This trail is steep in parts.
  • Children might want to wear long pants. The tight tracks sometimes have sticks, burrs and the occasional stinging nettle.

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

Three people sit on the grass under a tree on a hill. They look out at the view.

Looking for more?

At start of items
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.

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 ParkAn easy walk that is a good warm up before connecting to the Matai Loop track.

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 the 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

Rewanui Forest ParkEnjoy the forestry side of the park that offers a connecting route from Mt Clyde back to the Access Track.

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.

Image of the Pūtangirua Pinnacles. Taken from a drone, looking down on the large stalagmite structures, with Palliser Bay in the background.

Pūtangirua Pinnacles Ridge Track

Hike to a lookout with sweeping views over the ancient rock formations featured in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’.

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.

Atiwhakatu Track

Walk alongside the Atiwhakatu River and return the same day, or rest at Atiwhakatu Hut overnight.