Walk Details

Kawakawa Station is one of Wairarapas’ best kept secrets... Come and find out what you have been missing in this stunning part of the World where the Pacific Ocean meets the rugged Cape Palliser coastline. View our Gallery and Contact Us.

Kawakawa Station is rich in history. It was first leased by the Russell family in 1847 and included an estate of approx 10,000 acres. With his crown grants and leasehold land, John Russell began farming with 3 men, three horses and 1,000 sheep, and 2 acres under cultivation for a rental sum of 24 pounds. Captain Bob Russell’s schooner was used to transport the wool to Wellington from various stations around.
John Russell was a pillar of society being made a Justice of the Peace, advisor to the Land Commissioner for the Government and founder of the South Wairarapa Working Mens Club. He was the President of the Wairarapa Jockey Club for 31 years and more locally Secretary of the Pirinoa School.
During the 1860’s the lease of some 17,000 acres was transferred to the patriarch of the Pharazyn family, Charles Pharazyn. He first leased land in the area, at Palliser Bay to graze sheep in 1845 – when sheep farming was almost unheard of in this country. His daring enterprise paid off, and he soon owned many thousands of acres. His sons also became sheep farmers.

The “Kawakawa” block was sub–divided into its present size of 4,000 acres in 1919 and is still farmed today as a healthy sheep and beef property by the Furniss family. Over the years there has been a substantial area of land cleared but half of the station is still covered with diverse ecosystems of native bush. We regard this as our slice of paradise, which we enjoy sharing with others.
We now farm over 3,000 Romney sheep and 300 Angus beef cattle with the help of an extra lease block of 2,000 acres towards the village of Ngawi. Sharing the farm are the working dogs, chickens and horses who all help you to experience a working and friendly farm environment whilst on your stay.
Arrive the night before between 4 – 7pm for briefing and a home cooked dinner at Kawakawa Cottage. Also a good nights’ sleep before your adventure the next day.

Day One : (5–7) Hours

You will be heading away from Kawakawa Cottage in the morning after enjoying the country style breakfast provisions and making your lunch. From there you will make your way up the riverbed and onto a full days’ walk (5–7hours). You will see wonderful views over the Wairarapa countryside, across to Wellington Harbour entrance, Tory Channel entrance and down to the seaward Kaikouras and at the end of your days walk your overnight stay is at the comfortable Purple Hut. We will transport your bags and go ahead to light the wood range and deliver your 2 course evening meal – which will need the minimum attention when you arrive. The range will also heat the water so that you can enjoy a hot shower before bed, and there is a flush toilet in the bathroom. Relax and enjoy the back country for the night, in comfort.

Day Two : (2–4) Hours

After a leisurely breakfast in the native bush listening to the sound of Tui’s and bellbirds, you follow the marked track through the ever–changing countryside along the Otakaha Stream. Todays’ walk is less taxing than yesterday with the opportunity for you to grab a shower and cuppa at Kawakawa Cottage around lunchtime and a chance for you to take in the Cape Palliser Lighthouse, and seal colony or walk to the Pinnacles in the afternoon.

You will need sturdy walking boots for our walk.