Whareama: Coastal walks and historic India House

Farm tracks, coastal walks and the meandering Whareama River give Whareama its distinctive landscape. On the Wairarapa coast, you’ll also find the Whareama Estuary, a 12-kilometre-long tidal river estuary. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, consider whether you want to focus your trip on a day walk or a multi-day experience.

Walking on farm tracks and along the coast

The Whareama Coastal Walk is a fully hosted, two-day walking experience with two overnight stays across private farmland. The route follows well-marked farm tracks, access roads and fence lines. Maps and written directions help with navigation; check the markers before setting off.

For a day’s walk, options include the Bush/Back Country Walk and the River/Coast Walk. The Bush/Back Country Walk covers 10 kilometres, takes about three to four hours and includes two climbs. It is described as moderate to challenging. The River/Coast option is 7 or 12 kilometres long, depending on the route, and includes one climb; it is also considered moderate to challenging. The day-walk options therefore differ in both their stated distances and their routes.

The Bush/Back Country Walk follows the second day’s route through the Wai-Ngaio back block, continues via Waierua and Awanui, and finishes at Ica Station Homestead. Along one section, the track offers views from above the terrain of the meandering Whareama River. The Whareama Estuary adds its own tidal shape to this landscape.

Starting point and getting there

The one-day Whareama walk begins at a designated car park in Whareama. Maps, walking guides, packed lunches and instructions are provided. Whareama Boat Launch, also known as The Parsons Landing, is a stop along the route.

To reach Ica Station Homestead, take the Riversdale turn-off, which is also signposted for Whareama. From there, it is about 14 kilometres to Whareama, followed by more turns and about 3 kilometres on a gravel road to the homestead. Check road conditions and signage before setting out.

India House and the walking experience

On the grounds of Ica Station Homestead in Whareama is India House, a standalone three-bedroom cottage. The house was originally built in 1866, with a lean-to addition added in 1895. A stay here therefore combines a specific type of accommodation with a historic building.

After a day’s walk, you can swim or use a spa or shower at Ica Station Homestead. If you’re planning your trip around a tour, also consider the drive to the homestead and the route of your chosen walk.

More culture in the wider Masterton District destination

In the wider Masterton District destination, The Wool Shed in Masterton is a hands-on folk museum about the history of New Zealand sheep farming and shearing. It features two authentic old wool sheds brought there from local farms, as well as equipment for sheep farming, shearing and wool processing. Spinning and weaving demonstrations are held on Wednesday mornings and by appointment; check the schedule before visiting.

Also in Masterton, Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art & History explores the region’s history and stories through exhibitions of national significance. Every March, it also hosts the Golden Shears, a world championship in sheep shearing and wool handling that is considered a world leader. These attractions are part of the wider Masterton District destination and complement Whareama’s walking tracks and landscapes with further cultural experiences.

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

For the wider travel overview: Wellington.