6 Best Wairarapa Walks I’d Recommend for Incredible Views
Looking for a Wairarapa walk with a view that’s actually worth the climb? There are tracks all over the region, and it’s hard to know which ones pay off.
I grew up in Carterton, so these hills were my backyard. Carter Scenic Reserve was a 10-minute drive from home, and Mount Dick took me just over an hour each way on foot.
The tricky part is that the best views are spread from the Tararua Ranges right out to the coast, and a couple of them need booking or a 4WD.
So these are the 6 Wairarapa walks I’d send a friend on for the best views, from quick bush strolls to a three-day coastal walk.
Quick Answer: My Top Wairarapa Walking Picks
⭐⭐⭐ Where should you stay? Le Grá Vineyard and Winery near Masterton is a short drive from the Mt Holdsworth tracks, with a saltwater pool and spa for tired legs. Check prices & availability →
⭐⭐ Best thing to book? The Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer, a guided ride over the Remutaka Range on the old railway line. Check availability →
Located in the south-eastern corner of the North Island, the region is home to the beautiful Tararua Forest Park, as well as charming towns like Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, Martinborough, and Featherston.
One of the best things to do in Wairarapa is going for a walk in one of the forest parks or along the Wairarapa coast.
If you are from a city you will be shocked by how quiet this place is. Oftentimes, you’ll have the best walks Wairarapa has to offer all to yourself!
1. Rocky Lookout
The first of my favourite Wairarapa hikes is the amazing Rocky Lookout.
This is one of the best walks Wairarapa has to offer and is part of Mt Holdsworth in the Tararua Forest Park located on Norfolk road.
The hiking trailhead is about 15-20 minutes out of Masterton, NZ, and it is one of the best Masterton walks.
There are loads of tracks you can walk throughout this forest so depending on your fitness ability and how long you want to walk, all of them are incredible and give you great views.
They can vary from a couple of hours for a return trip or you can do the longer treks which will take a couple of days and you can stay in the huts located at the top.
There is also a campsite located at the bottom of the Tararua Forest Park before all of the treks with great facilities and in a beautiful setting.
If you want to head to Rocky Lookout you just follow the general path and then you will come to a sign which leads two ways, so pick Rocky Lookout!
It takes around 45-60 minutes each way. I suggest taking your lunch up there if it is a nice day and sitting in the sun, enjoying the views.
Make sure you bring your camera and a large water bottle!
If you have time, you can explore some of the other great walks around Masterton at Henley Lake Park or the Masterton Reserve. Both offer amazing Wairarapa walking tracks.
2. Mount Dick
Since I’m from Carterton, I’m partial to the Carterton walks, and one of the best walks near Carterton, NZ is Mount Dick lookout!
To get there, just follow Dalefield road towards Tararua Forest Park all the way until you reach a sign which says Kaipaitangata.
Here you will find access to Mount Dick Lookout!
This is one of the best Wairarapa Walks, but you can drive all the way up to the lookout if you really can’t be bothered and just want the view.
But if you have time, it is nice to walk up and take your time. You should also only drive up if you have a 4-wheel drive.
It took me just over an hour each way (walking) and in my opinion, it was mentally harder than Rocky Lookout because it feels like you are walking forever, whereas Rocky Lookout is a windy path with different scenery at each corner.
Once you reach the top you are spoilt with views of the Wairarapa and the rest of Tararua Forest Park. It is simply amazing on a nice day.
If you squint real hard, you may even glimpse the Wairarapa coast (just kidding, there are too many mountains in the way).
Where I’d Stay to Explore the Wairarapa Walks
(⭐⭐⭐ = my top pick)
⭐⭐⭐ Le Grá Vineyard and Winery: Pick this one if you want a treat after a big walk. It’s a vineyard stay just north of Masterton with a saltwater pool and a spa, and it has a 9.6 rating on Booking.com. Check prices & availability →
⭐⭐ BK’s Chardonnay Motor Lodge: Pick this one if you want a comfy, good-value base in Masterton. Some suites have a double spa bath, and Mount Holdsworth is about 20 minutes away. Check prices & availability →
⭐ Matador Motel: Pick this one if you want to stay in my hometown. It’s in Carterton, close to Mount Dick and Carter Scenic Reserve, and there’s a saltwater pool. Check prices & availability →
3. Tora Coastal Walk
The Tora Coastal Walk is a stunning loop walk along New Zealand’s rugged coastlines, perfect for those wanting spectacular sea views and a mix of native bush.
This private land walk takes you through rolling hills and farmland, offering a glimpse of large cattle and dramatic cliff edges.
You need to book in advance to do this walk as it takes a full 3 days and is privately run so they organize accommodation and food while you’re doing this activity!
Make sure to pack your camera because you’ll want to capture the spectacular views of the Wairarapa Valley.
The Tora Coastal Walk is a must-do for anyone exploring the Wairarapa region.
4. Carter Scenic Reserve
For an easy stroll, head to the Carter Scenic Reserve, a popular spot for families.
This place holds a special place in my heart as I remember coming here as a kid as it was only a 10-minute drive from where I grew up!
This track winds through beautiful native bush, giving you a peaceful escape from the nearby Tararua Ranges.
With well-maintained walking tracks and plenty of spots to enjoy the serene surroundings, it’s an ideal walk for those wanting to soak up the natural beauty of the Wairarapa region without any steep climbs.
The car park is conveniently located for easy access.
3 Wairarapa Experiences I’d Book Right Away
🚲 Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer: Pick this one if you want a day of views without the climb. You ride the old railway line over the Remutaka Range on an e-bike, through tunnels and over bridges. Check availability →
🌊 Martinborough Winery and South Wairarapa Wild Coast Tour: Pick this one if you want something a little unique. It mixes Martinborough wine tastings with the wild south coast out towards Cape Palliser. Check availability →
🍷 Martinborough Winery Tour: Pick this one if you want to finish your trip with a glass of Pinot Noir. It’s a half-day tour from Wellington with a 4.9 rating from over 200 reviews. Check availability →
5. Putangirua Pinnacles
The Putangirua Pinnacles track is famous for its eerie, otherworldly rock formations, featured in The Lord of the Rings.
It offers spectacular views and a choice between a loop walk or exploring the upper terraces of the track.
The moderately steep slopes lead to an incredible lookout over Lake Ōnoke and the surrounding Tararua Ranges. This Wairarapa walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the Wairarapa region!
I loved this hike and would totally do it again, especially with a stop at one of the Martinborough wineries on the way home.
6. Castlepoint: Deliverance Cove Track and the Lighthouse Walk
The Castlepoint Scenic Reserve is home to two of the best walks in the North Island: the Deliverance Cove Track and the Lighthouse Walk.
Both offer stunning sea views and are perfect for a day out.
The Deliverance Cove Track takes you to the highest point of the reserve. It takes around 1.5 hours.
The Lighthouse Walk is an easy stroll with spectacular views of the coastline.
A car park is available at the base, making it a perfect spot for a quick walk or a longer adventure in the Wairarapa region.
My Number One Tip: Hire a Car for Full Flexibility
If you’re staying a few nights, the Wairarapa is much easier if you have your own wheels. The trailheads are out of town and the buses won’t get you there, so I’d pick up a car in Wellington and drive over the hill.
Check here for the best car rental companies and prices for your Wairarapa trip →
This district is only an hour’s drive from Wellington so if you are having a week or so in Wellington make sure you come over the hill and visit the Wairarapa for a few days to check out one of these great Wairarapa walks!
What are your favourite Wairarapa walks? Are there any other amazing walks near Masterton and Carterton you consider must-dos? Let me know what Wairarapa hikes you recommend or any questions you have in the comments!
