Carter Scenic Reserve offers a flat, half-hour stroll through an unusual native landscape, just minutes from Carterton.
The loop track takes you on boardwalks through the remnants of a flooded kahikatea forest, and back through a drier forest section, for about 30 minutes. It's a rare reminder of the sort of patchwork landscape that once covered much of the Wairarapa before the land was cleared for farming.
Sit for a while on the boardwalk and take a closer look at the watery habitats that are home to rare native plants and fish, including swamp maire, small leafed hoheria, brown mudfish and banded kokopu.
Address:
340 Gladstone Rd
Gladstone 5792
New Zealand