Donnelly Flat Loop Walk
Walking track
Time:
1 hr round trip
Distance:
2.5 km
Getting there
Turn off State Highway 2 on to Norfolk Road, 2 km south of Masterton. This leads to Mount Holdsworth Road. Holdsworth is 15 km from State Highway 2.
Donnelly Flat is 1 km from the Atiwhakatu bridge near Holdsworth Lodge.
About the area
Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of Tararua Forest Park. Holdsworth offers camping, a lodge, picnic facilities, swimming in Atiwhakatu Stream and a range of walks.
Description
The walking track to Donnelly Flat passes through some of the best mixed podocarp/broadleaf forest in the Tararua Range. Rimu, miro and northern rata tower over a canopy of kamahi, red beech and silver beech. Donnelly Flat is an attractive picnic and campsite.
The 1 km long nature walk sidles through podocarp/broadleaf forest above the flats to rejoin the foot of the Gentle Annie Track.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required