Wairarapa Coastal Walk

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— Local Attractions —

One of South Wairarapa’s most awe-inspiring location sets the scene for your adventure. From the limitless views across the Cook Strait and out to Kaikoura and beyond, to the majestic high country and sweeping rugged coastline of Cape Palliser, Kawakawa Station is an unforgettable experience.

 
 

Kawakawa Station

Established 1919

 

LOCAL Attractions

OUR TOP TIPS WHEN YOU’RE IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS

We’re often asked whether we can recommend anything else to do in the area when they visit Kawakawa. The answer - absolutely.

Our coastline is rugged and dramatic, and we’re told that the drive to Kawakawa Station is a highlight in itself. On your way here you’ll drive right past the Putangirua Pinnacles Walk – just five-minutes before our gate. There you will see some of the most amazing rock formations in the country, so much so that it’s even featured on the big screen. This epic landscape was the filming location for The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (the Paths of the Dead scene to be exact), and it’s every bit as impressive in person. You can walk up the Pinnacles Ridge Track to a lookout, or stop and admire the Pinnacles from the carpark if you want to save your energy!

Other top tips:

  • The Land Girl: An absolute must. Located in Pirinoa Village, Andrea and her team will sort you with your caffeine fix, tasty cabinet food, and a spot of shopping, including gorgeous locally made products. It’s the locals’ secret spot (their custard squares are off the charts).

  • Ngawi Fishing Village: Only 4km past us, the quirky fishing village of Ngawi is home to crayfishing boats (hauled in and out of the water by an extraordinary fleet of bulldozers and tractors, which remain parked up on the shore), great coffee and seafood from a beachside food caravan.

  • Ngawi Hitaround Golf Links: Have a round at the southernmost golf course in the North Island, right on the beachfront. This is a true country 9 hole course experience, with no booking necessary. BYO clubs.

  • Mangatoetoe fur seal colony: Ngawi also has a permanent fur seal colony at Mangatoetoe, discovered in 1991 and now a wonderful sign of seal recovery. Just keep a safe distance from the seals.

  • Cape Palliser Lighthouse: First lit in 1897, the lighthouse provides another view and challenge with a climb of 258 steps. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic coastal views, and get to see the light flash twice every 20 seconds.

  • Surrounding towns: South Wairarapa is a great region to explore if you want to add some time onto your trip. Greytown is perfect for boutique shopping, great eateries and artisan food (even their own boutique chocolatier). Martinborough is all about world-class wine, and perfect for a wine tour or vineyard lunch once you’ve finished the walk. Our favourites spots include Moy Hall Vineyard, Tohi Gin Tasting Room and the Martinborough Wine Merchants – an ideal one-stop-shop for collecting any local wines to bring on the walk if you so desire. Featherston, which you’ll pass through if coming from Wellington, has at least seven bookshops, an amazing array of cheese and condiments from C’est Cheese and two history museums.