Gentle Annie Track, Tararua Forest Park

Walking time

4 hr return

Length

5.8km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

420m climb

-420m descent

785m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

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

On this trail, you can veer off to Rocky Lookout and take in panoramic views of Mount Holdsworth and the upper Atiwhakatu Valley.

About the trail

Gentle Annie Track is an easy 3 to 4-hour scenic walk that showcases the best of Tararua Forest Park. You’ll explore native forests and cross boardwalks through the woody vegetation at ‘Pig Flat’. Stop to rest at ‘Mountain House Shelter’, where you’ll see some of the most beautiful and mature silver beech forests in the Greater Wellington region.

You’ll have the option to veer off the trail to Rocky Lookout, where you’ll take in panoramic views of Mount Holdsworth and the upper Atiwhakatu Valley. Choose to join up with Totara Creek Track or continue on the Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track.

If you’re keen to change things up on your return journey, head back via the ‘Donnelly Flat Loop Walk’ and enjoy an interesting round trip through lush native forests.

Getting there

The trail starts from the entrance to Tararua Forest Park on Mount Holdsworth Road. To get there, turn off State Highway 2 into Norfolk Road Road and follow the signs to Tararua Forest Park.
There are regular train services from Wellington to Masterton. Timetables are available from the Metlink website. However, you will need to drive from Masterton to Tararua Forest Park.

Know before you go

Plan your route before you leave, and let someone know where you’re going.
Visit Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
Check the track status on the Department of Conservation website.
Get an up-to-date weather report from the MetService website before setting off.
Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sun protection, food and water.
Car parks, toilets, water, and picnic facilities are available at the entrance to Tararua Forest Park.

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.

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’.

Rocky Lookout

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

Atiwhakatu Track

Walk alongside the Atiwhakatu River and return the same day, or rest at Atiwhakatu Hut overnight.

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.

Kowhai Street Track

East Harbour Regional ParkA zigzag trail with options for exploring more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area and views over Wellington Harbour.