Whareama: Hiking between river and coast

Whareama is best explored on foot: coastal and riverside scenery, trails through rural hinterland and a range of day-trip options shape the choices. When planning your trip, it is worth first distinguishing between a one-day route and the fully catered two-day hiking experience. The trails and historic India House at Ica Station Homestead also provide specific points to consider when choosing where to stay in Whareama.

Hiking between the coast and hinterland

The one-day Whareama walk starts at a designated car park in Whareama. Maps, walking guides, packed lunches and instructions are provided. The “River/Coast Walk” option is available in either a 7- or 12-kilometre version. It includes one climb and is rated moderate to challenging. The “Bush/Back Country Walk” is 10 kilometres long, takes around 3 to 4 hours and is also rated moderate to challenging; there are two climbs along the route. The one-day options therefore differ mainly in their available route lengths and the climbs described for each.

The Whareama Coastal Walk is a fully catered two-day hiking experience with two nights spent crossing private farmland. The route follows well-marked farm tracks and access roads, and runs alongside fence lines; maps and written directions help with navigation. Check the track markers and road conditions before setting out. On one section, a trail above the terrain offers views of the meandering Whareama River. One stop along the route is the Whareama Boat Launch, also known as “The Parsons Landing”.

The “Bush/Back Country Walk” option follows the route of the second day of hiking: through the Wai-Ngaio back block, then via Waierua and Awanui to Ica Station Homestead. This connects the choice of route with a clearly named endpoint. When planning, it is also important not to confuse the approximate walking time for this option with the distances given for the “River/Coast Walk” versions: the estimate of around 3 to 4 hours applies to the “Bush/Back Country Walk”.

Scenery and getting there

The scenery also includes Whareama Estuary on the Wairarapa coast: it is a 12-kilometre-long tidal river estuary. Together with views of the meandering Whareama River, it showcases a coastal and riverside landscape distinct from the sections along farm tracks and through the hinterland.

Access to Ica Station Homestead is via the Riversdale turn-off, which is also signposted for Whareama. From there, it is approximately 14 kilometres to Whareama; further turn-offs and about 3 kilometres of gravel road lead to the homestead. Check the signs and road conditions before driving.

India House as a specific place to stay

India House is a detached, three-bedroom cottage on the grounds of Ica Station Homestead in Whareama. The house was originally built in 1866; an extension in the form of a lean-to was added in 1895.

After a day of hiking, you can swim or use a spa or shower at Ica Station Homestead. When planning, you can therefore consider your chosen walk together with the specific accommodation named at the homestead.

Culture in the wider destination of Masterton District

If you would also like to learn about the history of sheep farming and wool processing, the wider destination of Masterton District offers a further option: in Masterton, The Wool Shed is a hands-on local history museum on this subject. It features two authentic old wool sheds transported there from local farms, as well as equipment for sheep farming, shearing and wool processing. Spinning and weaving demonstrations take place on Wednesday mornings and by appointment; check the dates before your visit. Also in Masterton, the Golden Shears are held every year in March: a world championship in shearing and wool handling, regarded as the world’s leading event.

Discover more destinations: Paraparaumu, Featherston, Porirua, Clareville, Plimmerton, Dyerville, Paraparaumu Beach, Bidwells Cutting.

For the wider travel overview: Wellington.