Waiohine Gorge, Lake Wairarapa, Tararua Forest Park - enjoy walks and bird watching.
Waiohine Gorge is a popular camping and recreation area; it’s also the south eastern entrance to the Tararua Forest Park. A large swing bridge spans the gorge, inviting you to venture into the forest. Several excellent walking adventures begin here, including the track to Cone Hut.
It takes about four hours to reach Cone Hut, which is regarded as an outstanding example of bush carpentry. Built in 1946, and renovated in 1987 using original techniques, the hut has an adzed totara plank sleeping platform, a dirt floor and a toilet known as the ‘Punga House of Pohy’.
From Waiohine Gorge you can also walk to Totara Flats, which is the largest flat area in the Tararua Forest Park. In summer act like a Wairarapa local and have a picnic and a dip in one of the Waiohine River’s safe swimming holes.