Forest giants close to home

The lure of the Tararua Range stretching across much of Wairarapa’s western boundary is irresistible for trampers and walkers, but as David Hancock discovers, there are other great walks on the opposite side of the valley.

The 334 hectare Rewanui Forest Park is one of the best examples of lowland forest in the Wellington region, and it is located only 15 minutes east of Masterton. It combines areas of bush, open grassland and commercial plantations of both native and exotic species. The property is important for biodiversity as well as a recreational asset.

Rewanui is an easily accessible adventure for the family, and a fabulous place to experience – and appreciate – the magnificent New Zealand bush.

You can check out the various routes and expected times from the map in the car park. There are plastic coated maps available, not that you really need the maps as the trails are creatively blazed with colour-coded rewarewa leaves, finger board signs pointing the way and other large maps dotted in the park.

From the car park the track heads across a farm paddock to the bush line where it branches off into different trails. Walking tracks are tightly guarded by the bush which give the added appeal of feeling like you’re deep in the old forest. And it is old, with some totara estimated at 500 years.

There is an ever-present chatter and call of birds, sometimes broken by the distinctive swoosh of a crash-landing kereru.

Loops vary in terrain and duration which is great for filling whatever length of time you have spare; 20 minutes or a couple of hours. Some of the hill climbs reward walkers with great views across the rolling hills and farmland.

With my kids, we did the Matai Loop, which climbs sharply up the hill where you are rewarded by a rocky outcrop look-out, giving great views across the rolling hills and farmland. The tracks pops out of the bush on a clear hill (a perfect picnic spot). From here the track descends on a wider farm track back to the car park.

From start to finish it is a 75 to 90-minute walk. Slightly more challenging, but well worth the effort, Mt Clyde Trig Track involves a longer climb up and is a two hour plus round trip.

You might want to consider having long pants for the kids with the tight tracks sometimes grabbing smaller legs with sticks, burrs and the odd nettle.