Walk #184, 20th January 2026

This walk is tucked into the foothills of the Tararua Ranges.

The video actually covered two walks; the Donnelly’s Flat Loop track which was split on either side of the track to Rocky Lookout.

There has been a bit of storm damage but the track is well maintained. The bush here is beautiful but we didn’t hear many birds.

The Rocky Lookout was excellent, with extensive views of Mount Holdsworth and Atiwhakatu valley.

Right now NZ is experiencing a very dismal summer. We would have stopped for a snack at the viewpoint but it was too cold and exposed to linger.

The highlight of the Donnelly’s loop track were the abundant kidney ferns, some were even growing in trees.

The Mt Holdsworth lookout is further up the Gentle Annie track, we stopped at Rocky Lookout.

Walk: Wairarapa 3

Notes

Further up the Gentle Annie Track is the remains of a pa punanga, a refuge pa. This ridge was a temporary refuge for Maori from the Rangitane tribe to hide from raiding war parties. All that remains are small terraces and basic earthworks

Links

Rocky Lookout