Wairarapa Back Blocks Circuit

The Back Blocks circuit strings together a network of farm roads, logging tracks, and abandoned railway grades through the rugged hills east of Masterton. Starting from Castlepoint Road, the route climbs through the Puketoi Range via Mikimiki Stream, where remnants of 1920s sawmill operations still rust in the bush. The nastiest section hits between Te Wharau and Mataikona, where clay-based farm tracks turn into greasy nightmares during wet weather, and gates every few kilometers remind you this is working farmland.

This is moderate 4WD country requiring patience with farm gates and respect for stock movements. Avoid entirely during winter (June-August) when clay turns to axle-deep soup. Most tracks stay passable in dry weather for any high-clearance vehicle, but carry recovery gear and expect to get dirty. No services once you leave the main roads, and cell coverage disappears in the deeper valleys. The reward is access to some of the most untouched native forest remnants in the lower North Island, plus genuine solitude just two hours from Wellington.