five towns trail trust

A community dream

About the FTTT

The Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Trust was formed from a simple idea, to connect our towns, people, and landscapes through one shared trail network. What began as a community dream is growing into a region-wide project linking Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough with safe, scenic routes for walking and cycling.

Guided by the Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Master Plan, the Trust intends to work closely with iwi, Greater Wellington Regional Council, local councils, land owners, community working groups, and volunteers. Together, the Trust aims to build a network of trails that not only join places but tell the stories of Wairarapa, its land, history, and people.

View the 2021 master plan

The overall proposed Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network

The overall proposed network showing links to Pukaha to Kawakawa Connection (WaiP2K) and Wairarapa Moana Project. Note: alternative routes and some existing trails not shown for clarity.

A must-do experience

Our Vision

To connect the people, places, and stories of Wairarapa through recreational trails that inspire movement, belonging, and pride.
‍
“Hei hono i te tangata, te whenua, me ngā kōrero o Wairarapa mā ngā ara whakangahau e whakaohooho ana i te ngākau me te whakapehapeha.”

Curving trail through grassy fields with trees and bushes under a partly cloudy sky with sun rays.

More than recreation

Our purpose

The Five Towns Trail Trust has a clear purpose of establishing 200 km of recreational trails across Wairarapa. We aim to be ‘beneficial to the community by planning, developing, operating, maintaining and facilitating the use and enjoyment of an interconnected network of recreational trails (and its associated facilities, including without limitation bridges, toilets and user information boards) for cycling, walking, running, and recreation in the Wairarapa region.

Collaboration is key

Working Together

Established in 2024, the Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Trust builds on the early work of the
Wairarapa Trails Action Group (WTAG) and leads a long-term, community-driven vision for a
connected 200km trail network. This project can only succeed through partnership - with iwi,
DOC, Waka Kotahi, KiwiRail, councils, trail groups, landowners and the many volunteers
who bring their time, expertise and passion. Together, we’re creating something far bigger
than any one organisation could achieve alone.
‍
Every kilometre of trail reflects collective effort: fundraising, local insight, environmental care,
cultural guidance and a shared belief in what these trails will mean for our region. This is a
legacy project, built for Wairarapa, by Wairarapa.
‍
As the umbrella organisation, the Trust supports and connects trail groups across the region,
amplifying stories, celebrating progress, promoting fundraising and guiding the work still to
come. This website is just the beginning, with more tools, resources and updates to follow.

Together, we are building a trail network that celebrates our landscapes, connects our
communities and creates lasting benefits for generations.

Current onboarded collaborators include:

The Greytown Trails Trust
The Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Project
The Carterton District Trails Trust

From plan to completion

Looking Ahead

The Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Trust is working to bring a region-shaping vision to life, a connected network of Signature Trails and Experience Loops that will weave through valleys, rivers, vineyards and the five Wairarapa townships. This is more than a trail project; it is a legacy for the region, designed for communities today and generations to come.

Creating a 200km trail network of this scale will take time, commitment and strong partnerships. Progress depends on ongoing support from funders, councils, iwi, community groups, landowners and the many passionate people who see the value in what these trails will bring to Wairarapa. The long-term social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits, healthier communities, deeper storytelling, safer travel routes, stronger tourism opportunities and greater regional pride are what make this vision worth pursuing.

While milestones may shift as funding and approvals progress, our direction remains constant: building a trail network that connects people to place, celebrates our landscapes and strengthens the fabric of our region.

If you’d like to join the journey, support the next stage of development, or see where progress is being made, visit our ‘Our Mahi’ page to learn how you can help move this transformative project forward

Do: Get Out There

Eat: Taste Local

Stay: Rest Easy

visit our mahi Page

Powered by Community Support

We are grateful for the generosity of our supporters, whose funding makes progress possible.

Cycling Tom Bike Shop & Hire

Grab one of our sweet rides for the day or for the week and explore new territories like never before. With road, mountain, gravel, and e-bikes available there's something to suit everyone.

visit website

Green Jersey Explorer Tours

Discover stunning coastal roads, the Putangirua Pinnacles, Cape Palliser Lighthouse, and more with Green Jersey. Choose from guided or self-guided tours, or simply hire a bike and ride your own adventure. We take care of the details so you can focus on the journey.

Visit Website

Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Trust

Creating the TRAIL to Wairarapa’s Future