Dorset Square
This one hectare recreational reserve has been replanted as native bush.  Visitors can picnic in the grass at the centre of this fenced reserve.  Corner Fitzherbert St and Moore St.

Playground in Birdwood St
Fenced, the Featherston playground is within sight of the main street, with public toilets clearly signposted.

Cherry Tree Park
A small shady park on the main street with flowering cherry trees.

One Tree Hill (Domain walk)
Excellent views of the southern Wairarapa available from this short but steep 30 min walk.  Access from the Rimutaka Hill Rd end of Bell St or Revans St.

Featherston Pool
A pleasant solar heated outdoor pool with room for families to picnic, located at the far end of Johnston St, beyond the railway station.

South Wairarapa Lookout
Sweeping views of the southern Wairarapa area available from this wayside picnic spot.  Clearly signposted off SH2 about 2km from Featherston, southern side.

Wairarapa Lake Domain
A popular place to swim or sail.  However caution should be observed for both activities, as the weather has a great bearing on safety.  The area is known for its native bird life, by the mouth of the Tauherenikau River.  Signposted on the outskirts of Featherston about 6km down lake domain Road, off SH53 (Martinborough Rd).

Underhill Road / Bucks Rd
A little known but picturesque picnic spot bordering the Tararua Forest Park, where the Tauherenikau River runs through the gorge.  Park at the end of the road for great swimming, down a steep bank, and a three hour return walk to the entrance to the Park.  From the south end of Fitzherbert St, turn into Wakefield St and follow it for 8km taking the left fork at Bucks Rd.

Walking & Tramping

Mt Frith
This walk begins at the end of Bucks Road, which is accessed via Underhill Road Featherston.  The track crosses private land for a short section and follows a ridge through low shrub to Mt Frith, affording a wonderful view of the area.  You can return the same way, or carry on to the Rimutaka Summit Tearooms or follow the pylon track down to Twin Bridges at the bottom of the Rimutaka Hill.   Walking time: a full day.

Featherston Domain
From the end of Bell St in Featherston a track climbs a bushed hillside with views over the town before descending to Revans St.   Walking time: 30 min.

Rimutaka Incline
Follows the route that was once New Zealand's steepest railway line.  Walk right across or make a return trip to the summit.  Take a torch for the tunnels.  Incline walk - full day; Cross Creek village - one hour.  Biking time: 2-4 hours one way.  Signposted from Cross Creek, 10km south of Featherston on Western Lake Rd.

Rimutaka Summit
Views of the Wairarapa plain and lake and the Tararua Ranges.  Clearly signposted track begins 300m from the top of the Rimutaka Mountain pass on the Wellington side.

The Spit, Lake Onoke
Walk along the spit to the lake outlet and return.  Fantastic bird watching, 39km south of Featherston on Western Lake Road.  Walking time: 2-3 hours return.

Putangirua Pinnacles
(Near Te Kopi, Palliser bay)
Three routes take you to the Pinnacles; along a stream bed, through the bush or on a loop track.  See full walk descriptions on the car park signboard.  Walk time range: 1-4 hours.

Waiorongomai Valley
22kms from Featherston on the Western Lake Road, a sign on the right marks the access through Waiorongomai Station courtesy of the land owners.  No permission is required unless a dog or firearms are taken, but please follow the marked route.  From the official parking area, climb a style, then follow the bed of the river (good picnicking).  In about 45 minutes the river narrows to a gorge in the Rimutaka Forrest Park, continue up the gorge (involving many easy river crossings) to a hut (4 bunks) at the junction of Oreore Stream with the main river.  Walking time: 4-5 hours return.

Battery Stream and Wharepapa River
Near the Onoke farm settlement on Western Lake Road (31km south of Featherston) a marked route leads across farm land.  The route climbs gently to the boundary of the Rimutaka Forest park at White Stone Hill, then continues, crossing Battery Stream about 2 hours from the road.  From here the track climbs over a saddle to Wharepapa Hut.  Return by the same route or follow the Wharepapa River to the Coast Road.  For fit trampers a steep marked route leads from Wharepapa Hut over Mt Papatahi to the Orongorongo Valley.  Walking times: Battery Stream 2 hours one way.  Wharepapa Hut 3 hours one way.  Orongorongo River 6-8 hours one way.

Corner Creek
Corner Creek lies within the Rimutaka Forest Park and, as its name suggests, drains into the northwest corner of Palliser Bay at the end of Western Lake Road.  The creek bed provides an interesting walk which in summer can be negotiated without wet feet.  Turn back when the going gets difficult.  Walking time: up to 3 hours return.

Western Palliser Bay Coastal Walk
From the end of Western Lake Road at Ocean beach, a four-wheel drive track leads to cape Turakirae.  There is a seal colony at the cape.  The best time to visit is in August and September, but some seals are there all year round.
For about 1km either side of the mouth of the Mukamukaiti Stream, the track passes through private land.  Walkers do not have to obtain permission to follow the coastal track, but vehicles, mountain bikes, firearms and dogs are not allowed.
From the Mukamukaiti Stream mouth to the Coast Road, the track passes through Orongorongo Station.  Again the owners do not require that permission be sought, but the ban on dogs, firearms, vehicles and mountain bikes applies.  Walking time: From either end, a full day walking one way.

Ruamahanga Western Stop bank Walk
Follow the east-west access road which links the Western lake Road with the Kahutara Road, south of Lake Wairarapa.  Just west of the floodgates a sign and stile mark the beginning of a walk leading downstream on the west side of the Ruamahanga River.  4 km past the floodgates the stop bank is cut by an impassable drain.  Return by the same route.  This walk is closed from 30 April to 1 August.  Walking time: 2-3 hours return.

Eastern Shore, Lake Wairarapa
From Kahutara Road, turn west into Parera Road, 7 km south of Kahutara.  Follow the Parera Road past Matthews Lagoon and Boggy Pond.  6 km from the turn off between a pine tree belt and a woolshed, a sign marks the foot access to the lakeshore.  No permission is required.  The lakeshore provides magnificent walks of any chosen length but choose a windless day.  An interesting and diverse bird population can be observed.  Walking time: up to 2 hours.

Matthews Lagoon and Boggy Pond
For access to these wetland areas adjacent to the eastern side of Lake Wairarapa, turn west onto Parera Road, 7 km south of Kahutara Road.  On the left about 2 km past the turnoff, a sign marks the beginning of a walking track on a stop bank between the two lagoons (Matthews Lagoon on the left and Boggy Pond on the right), giving opportunities to observe abundant birdlife.  Walking time: up to 2 hour.

Wairarapa Lake Domain
8 km from Featherston via Murphy's Line and Lake Domain Road.  Easy beach walking and bird watching.  Walking time: varies, up to 1 hour.

Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve
From Featherston drive along Western Lake Road for about 16 km.  There are no marked tracks in this reserve, although the bush is easy to wander through.  There is easy access to the lake and it is a pleasant walk along the lakeshore.  There are 3 picnic areas.  Walking time: up to 2 hours.

Places to visit

ANZAC Hall Complex
The ANZAC Hall was built in five months in 1916, as a recreation facility for the troops stationed at the Featherston Military Camp.  The money was raised by the families of early settlers, and was opened debt free.  A committee raises money to keep improving hall amenities.

POW Camp & Japanese Memorial
At Tauherenikau which is situated 3 kms north of Featherston on SH2 is the Japanese war memorial, Built in memory for those who perished in WWII.

Heritage Museum
From settlers display reflecting the 1850's to exhibits from Featherston's twin town Messines, in Belgium.  Memorabilia pertaining to WWI Military Camp 1914-18, Army Training camp and 1943 Japanese POW camp.  A must see!!

Fell Locomotive Museum
Corner of Fitzherbert & Lyon Streets, State Highway 2.  Houses the only remaining Fell locomotive in the world (running on 3 rails), with the Fell Brake Van.  Open daily.

Cross Creek Miniature fell Society
Clifford Square.  An exact replica of the original Fell Engine.  This is great entertainment for the children.

Tauherenikau Racecourse
Situated 5 kms north of Featherston on State Highway 2.  This delightful area is a great favourite, attracting people from far and wide during race days.  The country atmosphere it offers, with its picnic areas and native bush, affords a restful way to enjoy a day's entertainment.

Kahutara Canoes & Taxidermy Museum
Just a short drive out of Featherston.  The Taxidermy museum was created by John (Tuatara Ted) and Karen McCosh.  John a leading expert professional taxidermist, has created a unique collection of mounted animals and birds.

Ken's Memorabilia Museum
Situated in a sand-alone building in Woodward Street Featherston.  Ken Burgiss has built up a wonderful collection of everyday articles from the past, in a display to interest all, open most days, entry by donation.

Mainly Military Museum
Cnr. Daniel and Revans Streets.  One of the most comprehensive collections of WWII equipment and vehicles to be seen anywhere.  Open Sunday 10.30 am to 3 pm.  Other times by appointment.

John's Workshop
Situated on Fitzherbert Street, this unique workshop takes the visitor back to the age of the horse with its display of harness and ploughs, along with shearing plant and steam engines from a bygone era.  Open daily.

Dorset Square
Situated at the south end of town, this one hectare recreational reserve, was created by volunteer labour.  Planted with native trees and bush, it presents a restful spot where visitors can picnic on the grass at the centre of the fenced area.

Meakin at Woodland
Situated in Watt Street, Featherston.  Meakin at Woodland offers a unique and extensive collection of china from the English potteries of Alfred Meakin and J&G Meakin.

Featherston Art Gallery
Situated in the old ANZ Bank building is the Featherston Art Gallery.  From early to new works of art and sculpture.

Activities

4WD
There are many coastal, river bed or mountain tracks in the area and a very active 4X4 Club.  Tag-a-Long Tours and 4WD driver training are available.

Abseiling
Coastal rock outcrops and some inland rock faces make ideal rock climbing and abseiling sites.

Art & Craft
Visit local artists that are recognised more and more throughout new Zealand for their high standard of creativity and design.

Bird Watching
A large variety of bird like can be found around Featherston County, some species of which are very rare.  Bird life can be viewed during a casual walk along the lake shore or in the surrounding countryside.

Diving
Snorkel or Scuba dive the picturesque waters of cape Palliser coastline.  Dive sites vary from shallow waters to over 30 meters with crayfish and many species of fish everywhere.

Walks
Trips ranging from beach & Cliff top nature walks to bush walks.

Fishing
Surf cast at Lake Ferry or from the many miles of beaches on the coastline or simply dangle a line from the rocks.  With deep oceanic currents pushing food close inshore there is a large variety of fish to be caught.  Boats can be chartered to go after the big ones.

Farm Tours
Spend time on a farm and see sheep dogs in action, sheep shearing and wool handling demonstrations, cattle, deer etc.  True rural New Zealand.

Four Wheeler Safaris
Four wheeler motorbike, coastal or mountain safaris, are offered by experienced operators.

Garden Tours
There are many gardens worthy of a visit in the area.

Golf
A pleasant few hours can be spent on an excellent 18 hole golf course situated 4km south of Featherston on the Western Lake Road.  This level tree lined course has a lot to offer to both the casual and serious golfer.  The course is open to all with visitors and groups both catered for.  Club day is Sunday, but green fee players are most welcome.

Hang Gliding and Parapenting
The hills and mountains in the surrounding district provide updrafts for all levels of experience.

Horse Treks
There are a a variety of horse treks, ranging from seashore to farmland, lake shore and bushy hill country to choose from.

Hunting
Hunters can find red deer, pigs, possums and goats in the mountains.  permits must be obtained from the Department of Conservation.

Jet Boating
Jet boating on the Ruamahanga  River.  jet boating events are held annually.  The Ruamahanga River is an ideal river for waterskiing.

Maori Culture
Featherston County is very rich in Maori history and culture.  there are pa sites around the district.  A guided tour is the best way to see and learn about these.

Mountain Biking
Featherston County is a mountain biker's paradise.  Beginners and the more adventurous can ride up the scenic Rimutaka Incline and down to Ocean Beach.

Museums and Archives
A wealth of information on subjects ranging from early Maori settlement to recent events.  Displays are varied and interesting with items such as the Japanese Prisoner of War Camp.

Rafting and Canoeing
The Ruamahanga River makes for a good fun rafting or canoeing experience.

Sailing
Sailing on Lake Wairarapa for visiting and local yachts alike with great views of mountains and bird life.  Visit Lake Domain.

Surfing
Good surf can be found at spots around the coast towards Ngawi and Tora.

Wind Surfing
The most popular spots are on Lake Wairarapa.