Wilderness Seekers – Eketāhuna Real Kiwi Country

Eketāhuna has all your wilderness requirements, and they are all so close to town. Walking, tramping, river fishing and wild game hunting all in our backyard.

For the wilderness beginners, we have the award winning Eketāhuna Camp Grounds. Located alongside the Makakahi River – great for swimming and fishing, also the Camp Grounds links up with the Cliff Walk, an easy walking track leading into town where nature and residential combine for great views, wonderful old trees and native bird life.

We also have Putara, approx. 30 mins from Eketāhuna’s township. Come and explore the amazing bushwalks and tramping tracks that will lead you into the magnificent Tararua Ranges. You can do a short walk, a full day’s tramp or even “go bush” for a night or two, or if you are into Trail Running try the Tararua Traverse. This is natural New Zealand at its best.

Call into the Information Centre and ask about local farm visits, milk some cows, maybe help shear a few sheep or even just feed some chickens and collect the eggs for breakfast. And depending on what time of year a wild pig hunt, deer shoot or duck shooting trips could be arranged.

Your hardest decision will be what do you want to do first?

Miller’s Reserve W.A. Miller Scenic Reserve is approximately 8.5 km south of Eketahuna on State Highway 2, just south of the Anzac Bridge. You can stop for a picnic or you might like an easy walk, of approximately 20 minutes, passing through the bush returning to the rest area.

Mount Bruce Lookout Walk
The Mt. Bruce Lookout walk can be accessed through the Pukaha Mt Bruce Visitor Centre (please note there is a charge to enter the park, see Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Park below).

Allow an hour to reach the lookout where you will have a magnificent view of the surrounding area. This track is quite steep in places and good walking shoes are advisable and perhaps a drink. There are also other walking tracks in the Pukaha Mt Bruce Centre.

Check out Pukaha Mt Bruce: www.pukaha.org.nz/

Newman Domain
Newman Domain is a lovely peaceful spot by the Makakahi River with a large grass area, bush and trees, ideal for picnics and swimming. Visit by prior arrangement, due to stock grazing.
Directions: North from Eketahuna, turn right down Higginson’s Road. Go to the end of this road where there is a gate, through the gate on the right is the entrance.