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?

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

Access Track

Rewanui Forest ParkThe Access Track near Masterton is an easy walk through farmland linking to other trails that can take you further into the 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 ParkTōtara Loop is an easier walk near Masterton. It is a good warm-up for the connecting Matai Loop trail.

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

Rewanui Forest ParkExplore the forestry side of Rewanui Forest Park, near Masterton. Connect back to the Access Track from Mt Clyde.

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.

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

Gentle Annie Track is an easy 3-4 hour walk in the Tararua Range up to Mountain House Shelter. It's one of the most popular half-day trails in the Tararua's.

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

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.