Whareama – Hiking, River Landscapes and History

Whareama combines specific hiking options with the river landscape along the Whareama River and historical details about India House. When planning, it is worth comparing the different route lengths, climbs and route layouts. India House also provides an example of a locally described type of accommodation: a detached cottage.

Hiking in Whareama: Routes and Differences

The “Bush/Back Country Walk” option covers 10 kilometres and takes about 3 to 4 hours. It is rated moderate to challenging and includes two climbs. The “River/Coast Walk” option of the “Whareama One Day Walk” offers a choice of 7 or 12 kilometres; it has one climb and is also rated moderate to challenging. This makes it easy to compare the distances and climbs. The estimated time of about 3 to 4 hours applies to the Bush/Back Country option.

The Whareama Coastal Walk is a fully catered, two-day hiking experience with two nights spent on private farmland. The route follows well-marked farm tracks, access roads and fence lines; participants use a map and written directions. Check the markers before setting out. The Bush/Back Country option follows the route of the second day of hiking through the Wai-Ngaio back block, then via Waierua and Awanui, and ends at Ica Station Homestead.

Starting Points and Getting There

The one-day Whareama walk starts at a designated car park in Whareama. Maps, hiking guides, packed lunches and instructions are provided. One stop along the route is the Whareama Boat Launch, also known as “The Parsons Landing”. These details help distinguish the starting point, navigation and individual points along the walk.

The drive to Ica Station Homestead goes via the Riversdale turn-off, which is also signposted for Whareama. From there, it is approximately 14 kilometres to Whareama. After that, take further turn-offs and travel about 3 kilometres along a gravel road to the homestead. The 14 kilometres therefore refers to the distance to Whareama, not the entire drive to the homestead. Check road conditions and signage before setting out.

The Whareama River and Coastal Landscape

Along one section, the path above the terrain offers views of the meandering Whareama River. The Whareama Estuary is a 12-kilometre tidal river estuary on the Wairarapa coast. The river and estuary provide a specific landscape context for the hiking options: river views are described for one section of the route, while the estuary is identified as a distinct coastal landscape feature.

India House: A Cottage with a History

The detached India House cottage has three bedrooms and is located on the grounds of Ica Station Homestead in Whareama. It was originally built in 1866; an extension in the form of a lean-to was added in 1895. The dates describe two different building phases of the house. For your accommodation planning, the type of property is also important: India House is a cottage, while the hikes and their route details are separate travel choices.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Masterton District

The Wool Shed, a hands-on local history museum about the history of New Zealand sheep farming and shearing, is located in Masterton, within the wider destination of Masterton District. It features two authentic old woolsheds 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 arrangement; check the dates before visiting.

The Golden Shears are also held every March in Masterton, within the wider destination of Masterton District. The event is a world championship in shearing and wool handling and is regarded as the leading event of its kind worldwide. These regional cultural attractions complement Whareama’s local hiking and landscape features without being presented as features of the place itself.

Discover more destinations: Dyerville, Paraparaumu Beach, Ponatahi, Otaki, Clareville, Porirua, Paraparaumu, Plimmerton.

For the wider travel overview: Wellington.