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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.06415, 175.60160. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 1 km loop
- Walking time
- 30 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Carter Scenic Reserve
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk through recovering wetland and remnant of flooded forest on this short, easy loop walk - a good option for kids.
This DOC directory entry covers Kahikatea Walk in Wellington, within Carter Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 1 km loop
- Walking time: 30 min
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
A short track takes you to the wetland area. Follow the track to the left to head through a lowland remnant forest comprised of kahikatea, tītoki, mataī and tōtara. After approximately 10 minutes you can continue straight on to the Ruamahanga River or follow the track to the right onto the wetland boardwalk.
At the entrance to the boardwalk there is a set of bollards to deter wheeled vehicles but most strollers should fit through. Be aware you will need to lift the stroller up a set of steps at the other end of the boardwalk. From there it’s a short stroll back to the carpark.
Getting there
From Carterton follow Park Road to the end, turn left into Carters Line and right into Gladstone Road to Carter Scenic Reserve. The reserve is signposted approximately 3 km along Gladstone Road. The car park is about 500 metres along a driveway.
Know before you go
Bicycles and motorised vehicles are not allowed beyond the car park.
Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Fires not permitted at any time.
Hunting is not permitted. Possum trapping/poisoning is by permit only.
Nature and conservation
The easy stroll across the boardwalk brings you into contact with some uncommon and interesting native flora, including swamp maire and small leafed hoheria. Brown mudfish and banded kōkopu may be hiding beneath the vegetation, and you might even be treated to the unusual spectacle of a duck (grey teal) in a tree.
Dominating the forest, kahikatea trees draw their nutrients from the soil through a root system that extends snake-like over the surface of the swamp.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
