The well-maintained track includes a boardwalk and gravel paths.
Fensham Reserve is an easy-going bush walk on the outskirts of Carterton in the Wairarapa.
Fensham Reserve lies just out of Carterton, a 50 hectare property left to the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society by John Fensham. Made up of farmland, wetland, regenerating forest and shrublands this reserve is also a native bush walk popular with locals.
It’s easy going and a pleasure to walk around with glimpses of farmland and plenty of trees which also have name plates at their base. About half way round is a lookout which brings you out of the bush and gives a panoramic view of Carterton and the Wairarapa valley. The best bit is the birdsong - absolutely beautiful and so many different calls, trills and whistles, all without having to walk miles into the bush.
Alternative routes
The circuit track is an hour and there are two secondary tracks, Brow and Old Fence to stretch things out. They include a few up and down sections but are mostly a fairly flat walk with beautiful Kahikatea, Matai and Kanuka throughout.
Getting there
There are two entries; Cobden Road (begins with short, steep climb) and Belvedere Road (flat entrance).