Average rating Tararua Bush Walk in New Zealand

A beautiful three day hike in private bush-land in Tararua, 100kms from Wellington on the North Island. Experience the delights of virgin forest by day and come evening enjoy rural hospitality in well-appointed bush cabins.

Tararua is a rural region of New Zealand’s North island encompassing big skies, wide valleys and small towns in the interior and a majestic Pacific coastline further east. In the late nineteenth century, realizing the appeal of the area’s great natural beauty, local authorities opened up the Tararua Range of mountains to the public for ‘tramping’ (rambling) in the podocarp forest below the dramatic peaks and the high alpine tussock grasslands. The tradition continues today, with fantastic eco-tourism facilities and some of New Zealand’s top food and wine destinations to compound the attraction.

This marvellous three day and two night bush walk along the old logging tracks of this area follow a series of hills through beech forests, valleys and farmland. The trees often open out at higher points to allow for green panoramas where you can admire the wider scene after being immersed in greenery. The ambling Ruamahunga River curls its way through the forest and will be the site of one of two fantastic nights stay at a bush cabin. Even in the middle of the forest you can find relaxation in the form of a shower and spa pool!

You will walk independently on the first day, but on day 2 of your hike you will be joined by a guide who will explain the miraculous array of nature on show and the settler history of this unspoilt wilderness.

This trail is an excellent choice for all ages and is perfect for older families. That said, it is no recommended for children under 10. If a short, well-organised outdoor trip is desired without the discomfort of camping, you can’t go far wrong with this bush walk. Distances are comfortable, as is the terrain, and the weather ranges from mild to warm in the Tararua lowlands between October and May.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended as well as good walking shoes, warm clothing for cooler nights.

Getting there

The starting point for the walks is under some pine trees in a rest area 13 kms north of Masterton on SH2, see map on ‘Contact Us’ page of www.tararuawalk.co.nz

Price includes

Transport to the start of the track from the parking point.
All meals and accommodation & Landowner access fees.
Guide for Day Two.

Price details

Price quoted above is per person on a full catered basis. Minimum of four people per trip. For self-catering on the first night the cost is reduced to NZ$259 per person.

Available

Oct—May

Typical Duration

3 days

Comfort level

Reasonably comfortable (Inns, B&Bs, luxury camping etc.)

Experience required

A reasonable interest is all that is needed