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

An easy trail to a viewing platform with extensive views over Tararua Forest Park and the Wairarapa Plains.

Walking time

1 hr 30 min

Length

1.8km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

300m climb

-300m descent

616m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

The Rocky Lookout trail is a short easy walk in Tararua Forest Park. The trail leads to a viewing platform that has sweeping views of the surrounding area including Powell and Jumbo Huts, Mount Holdsworth, Mitre Flats, Atiwhakatu Valley, and the Wairarapa Plains.

The trail starts on Donnelly Flat Loop Walk. From there, follow the well-graded Gentle Annie Track until you see the signposted trail for Rocky Lookout. 

The trip from the turn off to the viewing platform is just under 2km. 

Getting there

  • The trail can be accessed from Gentle Annie Track in Tararua Forest Park.
  • To get to the trail head, turn off State Highway 2 onto Norfolk Road (which turns into Mount Holdsworth Road) and follow the signs to Tararua Forest Park.
  • Parking is available at the entrance to the Tararua Forest Park.
  • There are regular train services from Wellington to Masterton, but public transport is not available from Masterton to Tararua Forest Park.
A family of four enjoy the view from Rocky Lookout on Mount Holdsworth in Tararua Forest Park.

The viewing platform.

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. Get an up-to-date weather report from the MetService website before setting off.
  • Check the track status on the Department of Conservation website.
  • Toilets, water, and picnic facilities are available at Holdsworth Lodge and the entrance to Tararua Forest Park.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, sunscreen, food and water. Durable footwear or strong boots are essential.
  • Plan your route before you leave and let someone know where you’re going.
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Looking for more?

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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.

A person walking along a rocky canyon at the Putangirua Pinnacles track in the Wairarapa.

Putangirua Pinnacles Track

Get up close and personal with ancient rock formations that are featured in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’.

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.

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

Matai Loop

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

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.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.