Fitness
Moderate / energetic
Day 1 can be 7, 12 or 14 km; Day 2 is around 10 km. Both days include hills.
Plan your walk
Everything useful before you set off.
Fitness, what to pack, arrival directions, transport and nearby walks — the practical details you need before setting off.
Walk-ready
Prepared enough to relax once you start.
You do not need technical hiking skills, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours across uneven rural ground and climbing hills.
The route includes grass, farm tracks, stock tracks, stream crossings and changing surfaces. Sturdy, worn-in footwear and some hill training are strongly recommended.
Group size
Generally 2–10
Walk in at least pairs. Groups of eight can currently book the route privately.
Season
October to April
Winter walks may be possible by request using an alternative route and are weather dependent.
What to bring
The full packing checklist.
Pack for both the overnight stay and the walking day itself, with weather protection, water and comfortable footwear covered.
For the stay
- Sturdy, comfortable walking boots with good ankle support
- Day pack
- Walking pole if you use one
- Sleeping bag or duvet
- Pillowcase
- Large drink bottle — around 2 litres recommended
- Good-size lunch box
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Warm and cool clothing
- Phone and charger
- Torch
- Binoculars (optional)
- Sun hat and beanie
- Sun cream and insect repellent
- Small hand sanitiser
- Large towel
- Toiletries / wash bag
- Swimwear
- Medication
- Alcohol / refreshments for your nights
- Plunger coffee if preferred
- Camera
- Snack food and pre-dinner nibbles
In your day pack
- Sunhat and sun cream
- Around 2 litres of water
- Small thermos
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm hat and gloves
- Camera
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser
- Small first-aid kit
- Picnic lunch — supplied for catered / day-walk guests
Linen optionSheets, duvet with cover, pillowcases and a large towel are currently available for NZ$40 per person.
Arrival at Ica Station
Arrive between 4:00 and 6:00pm.
Ica Station Homestead is at 268 Ica Road, Whareama, RD 12, Masterton 5872. Do not rely on SatNav alone, as it may direct you to a neighbouring property; follow the local directions and ICA signs.
From MastertonAbout 42 km
From the Mobil at the north end of Masterton, follow Castlepoint / Riversdale Road for about 23 km, take the Riversdale / Whareama turnoff, continue about 14 km to Whareama, then follow Langdale Road and the ICA signs to Ica Road and the homestead entrance.
Fuel & suppliesTop up in Masterton
There is no petrol station after Masterton on this route, so fill up and collect any last supplies before heading east.
ParkingPrivate off-road parking
Cars stay at Ica Station Homestead on private property while you walk.
Getting to Wairarapa
Travelling without your own car?
Wai Shuttles is a door-to-door group-transfer option from Wellington, while train and bus services run to Masterton. Pamela is listed on 028 410 2614; group pricing has been advertised from about NZ$95 return per person for ten people, so confirm current fares directly before travelling. Whareama can also discuss collection from Masterton.
Approximate drive times
40 minfrom Masterton2 hrsfrom Wellington or Palmerston North3½ hrsfrom Hawke’s BayStay an extra day
There is more walking close by.
Tinui
The ANZAC Cross is another local walk worth knowing.
The memorial sits high above the surrounding hill country and makes a natural extra-day option when public access is open.
Tinui ANZAC Cross
A roughly three-hour walk to the historic ANZAC Memorial Cross. Public access is currently noted as 1 November to the end of April. Tinui also has a café/bar, historic village, museum room and craft shop.
Castlepoint & Riversdale
Visit Castlepoint Lighthouse, walk Deliverance Cove toward Castle Rock, look for fur seals, enjoy the beach, or try golf or tennis around the local resorts.
Rewanui Forest Park
About 15 minutes from Ica, Rewanui is a 334-hectare property with walking tracks through native bush, open grassland and forest areas.
Greytown & Martinborough
If you are travelling toward Wellington, Greytown and Martinborough make easy stops for lunch, shopping or wine tasting.
Rahui Coastal Loop
Another nearby option is the Rahui Coastal Loop near Castlepoint, a separate catered three-day e-bike adventure operated by a local provider.
Ready when you are
Ready to match the route to your group?
Check current dates and send an enquiry with your group size and preferred package.