The Station Walk Begins

Arrival – Night One: Farm Cottage

Your adventure begins at Farm Cottage, once the station’s shearers’ quarters, now a cosy beachside retreat with sea views and the Otakaha Stream at your door. Arrive from 3pm, settle in, stretch your legs, and enjoy a hearty station meal that will set the tone for the days ahead.

Your hosts, Rebecca & Iain, will welcome you shortly after your arrival. Find out more about Becs and Iain here

The road to Kawakawa is an amazing experience in itself. Want to make a day of it on your way here? Click here for our recommendations on where to stop on your way.

Walk Day One (11km, 4–5 hrs)

Ease into the journey with a walk along the rugged coastline before climbing ‘The Ant’ — 616m above sea level, a climb that rewards you with jaw-dropping 360° views across the Wairarapa and out to the South Island. Take your time — there are plenty of spots to pause, snack on some home baking, and soak it all in. You might even spot a whale breaching in the Cook Strait. The day ends with a downhill walk to Jakeb’s Cabin, where a hot shower, stunning views, and a hearty meal await.

Night Two: Jakeb’s Cabin

High on the station’s largest paddock (343 hectares), Jakeb’s Cabin often sits amongst the clouds. Aptly named after the biblical ‘Jacob’s Ladder - a ladder leading to heaven’, when you reach your destination, you’ll understand why.

With big bunk beds, hot showers, a separate kitchen, and a great communal area with a large table, comfy couches and a fire to gather around, it’s a place for sharing yarns and soaking in the views that stretch from bush to sea. 

“We sat outside with our wine and watched the waves crashing below us. Unforgettable.” — Chris, 2022

Walk Day Two (9km, 4–5 hrs)

Day two takes you along Double Saddle, an undulating bush track rich with ancient native forest. You’ll pass giant cabbage trees (tī kōuka), lancewood (horoeka) and tītoki groves, towering rewarewa, kahikatea, and many more. Hear kererū swooping overhead, and listen for the calls of shining cuckoos and tomtits. This is nature at its best. The bush clears in places to reveal views that will quite literally stop you in your tracks.

Night Three: Purple Hut

Nestled in native bush by the Otakaha Stream, Purple Hut - a converted army hut - is full of charm, offering all the creature comforts, coupled with the magic of being immersed in nature. Our boundary runs alongside the Aorangi Forest Park, which is the core of the World's 21st Dark Sky Reserve. This means you get to experience the magic of zero light pollution and the brightest of stars set amongst some of the most beautiful bush on Kawakawa Station. Here you’ll share a final dinner, dessert, and maybe a few laughs and stories about the highlights of the journey.

Walk Day Three (7km, 2.5–3 hrs)

A gentle finale. Your last day takes you on a picturesque journey back towards the homestead. Take your time over breakfast and soak up your surroundings, then make your way back at your own pace. Dip your toes (or dive right in!) at one of the swimming holes, enjoy the bush and crystal-clear streams, and take in the last of the scenery.

You’ll finish with a cuppa at the station (and you’re welcome to have a hot shower) before heading home — or perhaps onwards to a Martinborough winery lunch, or a round of coastal golf.

Want to extend the day? There are some great things to do in the area – from a winery lunch in Martinborough through to golf on the coast. Click here for suggestions of things to do on the way home.