Rocky Lookout

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Marios Gavalas

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Masterton, Wairarapa

Camping near Masterton

Information

3.8 km return | 3 hours return

A prominent rocky outcrop commands 360 degree views of Powell Hut, Mount Holdsworth, the Jumbo Hut and the Atiwhakatu catchment. To the east the rolling pasturelands of the Wairarapa recede to the distance.

Walking Track

Access

Mount Holdsworth is well signposted from SH2. 5 km south of Masterton City Centre, turn right into Norfolk Road, where Mount Holdsworth is signposted. After 10.5 km the road veers left, merging with Mount Holdsworth Road. There is a large camping area at the roadend, 5 km further on.

The start of the track is signposted from the far end of the carpark.

Track

Follow the signs from the carpark and after 20 minutes head left along the Gentle Annie Track. This climbs gently but steadily on a well graded track to an open clearing, where Rocky Lookout is signposted. The vegetation is lower, dominated by tea tree, suggesting regeneration. The absence of tall trees also points to the notion this area on the spur was once cleared.

European History

After the First World War, the Government opened up large areas of forested land to returned servicemen, who were given carte blanche to clear the land and convert it to pasture. For many the land was marginal, prone to severe erosion and with poor soil quality. Eking a living proved too difficult and many left in search of pastures new. The land around Rocky Lookout has been regenerating for nearly 100 years and now exhibits markedly different vegetation patterns to the surrounding forests.

Details

Feature

Value

Info

Organisation

DOC Wairarapa

Central government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton

Categories

Walking
Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-40.9059886170979

175.475957298279

Latitude
-40.9059886170979
Longitude
175.475957298279

Feature	Value	Info
Track Length	3km to 10km Track Length What is the physical length of this track? 3km to 10km	Track Length What is the physical length of this track? 3km to 10km
Track Duration	2 to 4 hours Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 2 to 4 hours	Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 2 to 4 hours
Track Difficulty	Moderate walk Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Moderate walk	Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Moderate walk
Payment Requirement	Free access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.
Large Vehicle Access	Large vehicle accessible Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.	Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.
Track Accommodation	Campsite Track Accommodation What type of accommodation is available on this walking track? Campsite At least one campsite is available on this track to stay at overnight.	Track Accommodation What type of accommodation is available on this walking track? Campsite At least one campsite is available on this track to stay at overnight.
Disabled Access	No disabled access Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.	Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.
Crowd Factor	Lesser Known Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting	Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting
Track Managing Organisation	DOC Managed Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.	Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.