Wellington Regional Trails
A person standing on a red swing bridge on the Tauwharenikau Trail in the Wairarapa region.

A peaceful riverside trail connecting Featherston to Greytown via one of New Zealand’s longest cycle path suspension bridges.

Length
10.9km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Easy: Grade 2
Profile

97m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
The Tauwharenikau Bridge in Featherston at night, with the Milky Way lighting the sky above it.

About the trail

The Tauwharenīkau Trail is a scenic 11.1km walking and cycling route. It’s a great way to explore the Wairarapa countryside without navigating busy roads on State Highway 2. The trail winds through farmland, native bush, and quiet back roads, with views of the Tararua Range.

The main highlight of this trail is the Tauwharenīkau Suspension Bridge — a 150-metre-long structure spanning the Tauwharenīkau River. The bridge is one of the longest cycle path suspension bridges in the country. Located in a high wind zone and braced to a large rail bridge, it posed real challenges for design and construction.

The large carved pou at Clifford Park, marks the start of the trail in Featherston. This pou celebrates the pūrakau of Nuku Pewapewa — a 19th-century Māori chief who brought leadership and peace to the Wairarapa

Getting there

  • The trail starts at Clifford Park, Featherston and ends at Woodside Station, Greytown. It connects to the Greytown to Woodside trail.
  • On-street parking is available in Featherston, Greytown and at the Woodside Railway Station.

Know before you go

  • Get an up-to-date weather report from MetService before setting off.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
  • Toilets, water and supplies are available in Featherston and Greytown.
  • The trail is not suitable for racing bikes, horses, or motorbikes.
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Overlooking a river at sunset with a dusky sky.

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

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.

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

Te Whiti Riser is a popular, all-weather walking and mountain biking track, with extensive views over Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt and Wellington Harbour.

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.

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

Greytown to Woodside is an accessible walking and biking trail between two Wairarapa towns. The trail weaves through oak trees with views of the Tararua's.

Two adults and two children riding bicycles on a gravel path surrounded by dense green trees and grass.

Hutt River Trail

The Hutt River Trail is a flat, easy trail along the Hutt River from Petone to Upper Hutt. Cycle, walk or run on this well-maintained Grade 2 trail.

Four people ride bicycles on a path in Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Paraparaumu, New Zealand surrounded by nature.

Coast 35

Coast35 is a new trail connecting Paekākāriki and Ōtaki. The wide, off-road sealed pathway is suitable for walking, running, cycling, and horse riding.

A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Ōtaki River Trail

Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and biking trail, with views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.

Cyclists are riding along a coastal road at the Pencarrow Coast in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

Pencarrow Coast Road

East Harbour Regional ParkPencarrow Coast Road is a popular, easy walking and biking trail that winds to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.

The bright blue water and rugged coastline at Red Rocks on Wellington's south coast.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveRed Rocks Coastal Walk is a flat easy walk around Wellington's rugged south coast. Look out for fur seals and enjoy views of the South Island.