Kawakawa Station

Established 1919

The Scene is Set

SEASON & Pricing 24/25

The Kawakawa Station walk season begins 1st October and runs through to 31st April each year. The cost per person is 900.00 NZD for adults, 750.00 NZD for children under 12 years.

Information

Our three-day walk is one of the Wairarapa’s best-kept secrets and is the absolute best way to explore Kawakawa Station. An impressive and contrasting landscape from the foot of the Aorangi Forest Park to the bush-clad high country down to the braided river streams and out to the stunning South Wairarapa coast. You will experience endless coastal views, crystal clear streams, bird and wildlife; the list goes on. Explore our gallery to get a taste of what you can expect to see on your adventure.

Food

The walk is fully catered with country-style cooking. We try to source fresh, local and organic ingredients where possible to ensure our food is tasty and nutritious. You will enjoy homemade provisions for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert as well as ample servings of home-baked goodies. Admittedly delicious desserts and home baking are a little bit naughty, but you deserve it. We also provide tea and plunger coffee. Please bring your own herbal teas or tipple of choice. 

LUGGAGE

To ensure you have an extra comfortable experience on the walk, we will transport all of your luggage and sleeping bags for you between each accommodation. This includes your beverages which we will, of course, have chilled upon your arrival at your lodgings for the night. All you need is a small day pack to carry your lunch box and drink bottle, and anything else you might need on your journey. The weather at Kawakawa Station can change quickly and without warning, so please bring wet weather protection and warm clothing so you’re always comfortable.

Accommodation

One of the delights on our Station Walk is our rustic accommodation. Each lodging is different, has its own story to tell, and is truly unique to Kawakawa Station. Rest assured you will have all the comforts of home including hot showers and flushing toilets. You will also be treated to comfortable beds and fluffy pillows with a quality bottom sheet and pillowcase. We will even supply you with a fresh towel and face cloth at each hut. 

The Station Walk Begins

Accommodation Night One

Walkers can arrive at Kawakawa Station anytime from 4pm and will spend the first night at Farm Cottage. Farm Cottage was once the Station’s shearers’ quarters. This cottage, bursting with character has a distinct beachy feel with sea views and the babbling Otakaha Stream at the door. Your hosts, Rebecca and Iain, look forward to meeting you and discussing any questions you might have before leaving you to enjoy your first hearty meal: a taste of what’s to come.

Walk Day One

Covering 9 kms and roughly 4 - 5 hours of walking time, day one starts out as an easy stroll along the rugged beachfront before you ascend ‘The Ant’ which takes you 616m above sea level. A challenge taken at your own pace that will reward your effort with majestic 360 views including the South Island! Once you have made it to ‘The Ant’ it’s downhill to Jakeb’s Cabin where your evening meal awaits you.

Accommodation NIGHT TWO

Night two will see you at Jakeb’s Cabins in the middle of Jakeb’s Ladder, the Station’s largest paddock at 343 hectares. Aptly named after the biblical ‘Jacob’s Ladder - a ladder leading to heaven’ and after the day’s walk you will understand why.

While it might feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, Jakeb’s Cabins are situated right in the middle of Kawakawa Station (sometimes in the clouds!). The cabins are solid with large built-in bunk beds, an open-air kitchen and a bathroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet. The sea and native bush views are to die for, and you will be so comfortable you won’t want to leave.

walk DAY two

Covering 9 kms and roughly 4 - 5 hours of walking time, day two takes you onto Double Saddle, an undulating bush track which showcases stunning examples of mature native bush. You’ll truly be in a world of your own until you reach clearings where those spectacular views, once again, unfold before your eyes.

Accommodation NIGHT Three

Your lodging for the night is Purple Hut, an ex-army hut set amongst native bush with the sound of the Otakaha stream nearby. Here you will have all the home comforts as well as a delicious dinner, dessert and your drinks waiting for you. Purple Hut is located near the Kawakawa Station boundary which is also at the foot of the Aorangi Forest Park. This sets you amongst some of the most beautiful bush on the property. Full of ancient trees and bird song, it really replenishes the soul.

walk DAY three

Covering 7 kms and roughly 2.5 - 3 hours of walking time, day three is a scenic, easy walk back to the homestead to finish your adventure. Take your time over breakfast and enjoy the tranquil surroundings before heading out on the last day of your journey. You will meander through bush and crystal-clear braided streams before you arrive back at the Station Homestead for a cuppa and a hot shower before heading for home.