Rapaki Walk.
The Rapaki Walk is a loop walk across farmland and has spectacular views of the Wairarapa valley and Martinborough vineyards.
The view south from Rapaki hill to Lake Wairarapa and the Ōronorongo &Tararua ranges.
About the walk.
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This is a loop walk across farmland which has spectacular views of the Wairarapa valley and Martinborough vineyards.
You’ll enjoy views in all directions, over lake Wairarapa to Wellington, to the Tararua ranges – and the Ponatahi hills to the North East.
Near the highest point, a stile takes walkers to an optional viewpoint over the scenic Te Muna Valley and vineyards.
– Please note the walk is closed during September and October for lambing.
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Sturdy footwear is recommended, and children must be supervised. it is advisable to take sunblock – or windbreakers and wet weather gear depending on the conditions and season.
Please note;
This is a farm, and dogs are not permitted.
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The walk takes about 1-2 hours with some moderately steep slopes and several stiles to get up and down from the upper terraces of the track.
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The walk is graded Easy, meaning it is accessible for most people.
The full loop is 4km in length and covers an 109m elevation gain.
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Large cattle with horns may be encountered and it’s best to walk around the perimeter of their paddock and pick up the track on the other side.
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Parking is at the entry adjacent to shooting Butts road.
P_lease note; lock your car and take care of any valuables.
“A few brave pioneering winemakers planted their first vines in the early 1980s – Now Martinborough has evolved into an exceptionally desirable place to live and visit.”
Martinborough is renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir in a Burgundy style – while in early years, several iconic, mostly family-run vineyards and historically significant producers included; Ata Rangi, Dry River, Martinborough Vineyard, Porters and Escarpment Winery.
Nowadays, larger brands include Palliser, Craggy Range and Te Kairanga, producing a range of wines alongside Pinot Noir
“The views are epic across the wider valley to the ranges – and all the vineyards, river terraces & farmland surrounding Rapaki”.
World class Vineyards surround Rapaki.
Martinborough’s world famous vineyards are right on your doorstep - along Huangaroa, Puruatanga, Hinekura Roads (the Golden Mile) and Rapaki’s eastern boundary on Te Muna Road.
The main rivers are the north-flowing Mangatainoka and Mangaone, and the south-flowing Ruamāhanga, Waingawa, Waiohine and Tauherenīkau. The Mangatainoka and Mangaone rivers flow into the Manawatū River. The others drain into Lake Wairarapa or Lake Ōnoke, on the edge of Palliser Bay.
Archaeologists believe Māori settled in Palliser Bay in the late 1300s. They lived on small birds, fish, seals and kūmara (sweet potato). There is evidence that about 300 people lived in six separate communities on the eastern side of the bay.
The fertile Ruamāhanga Valley.
The Hill walk view over Rapaki Estate to the Tararua ranges.
“While sheep farming is deeply woven into the history of the Wairarapa - being one of the first areas to introduce pastoral farming in New Zealand [back] in 1843 - Now vineyards dominate the area surrounding Rapaki”.
This loop walk across farmland has spectacular views of the Wairarapa valley and Martinborough vineyards. Near the highest point, a stile takes walkers to an optional viewpoint over the scenic Te Muna Valley.
Farming continues.
The Hill walk over Rapaki Estate.