by Michele Michel

It was February 2024 that Diamonds was alerted to this privately owned circuit hike not far from Wellington, New Zealand. I put the suggestion out there and before long we had a full contingent signed up.

Fast forward to February 2, 2025, and we were heading over to the land of the Long White Cloud, Aotearoa.

The Tora Coastal Walk is a breathtaking three-day, fully catered private walking experience located in the Southern Wairarapa region of New Zealand. This family-run trail, established in 1995, took us through an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from rolling farmland and lush native bush to rugged coastline and spectacular hilltop views over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1: Inland Hills and River Valleys- Whakapata Cottage to Stony Bay Lodge 15.5 km

The journey began on a private working farm, where we walked across rolling green hills, winding gravel farm tracks, and peaceful river valleys.
The terrain is undulating yet rewarding, with a high point of 318m at The Bugler…an extra challenging push on a steep goats’ track… offering sweeping vistas over the surrounding countryside.
The Rope Run being the final leg to take us to the night’s accommodation. Stony Bay Lodge was at a cosy and stylish farm stay, we all enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal made from fresh local ingredients…with a splash of local wine.

Day 2: Coastal Vistas- Stony Bay Lodge to Greentops Farmhouse- 6km, 12km or 18km

The second day of the walk started with the optional 8 km return along the coast to see the rusty remains of Opua shipwreck- an ill-fated steamer that hit the rocks in a dense fog back in 1926.
Later in the morning we headed along an easy coastal path- taking the time to see the fur seals basking on the rocks at Manurewa Point. Arriving at our seconds nights accommodation in time for lunch in the sun-drenched back yard.
There was though one more challenge that was on offer for the afternoon and that was to tackle The Trig – a steep and exposed hike with a high point of 301m. It provided us with more amazing view along the coast- so it made the effort so worthwhile.
Greentops Farmhouse – our place of rest was another beautiful old home...and we enjoyed another fabulous meal.

Day 3: A Stunning Finale- Greentops Farmhouse back to Whakapata Cottage 13 kms

The final day followed the winding Oterei river- continuing inland along farmland...exquisite rolling hills in all directions.
From here the track enters regenerating native vegetation QEII Trust Forest which was once an old stock route. It was cleared in the 1940's, regrew and is now ring fenced for added protection. It was narrow, dense and had good birdlife.

· The track continues to gently climb before undulating in and out of Poachers Creek. With the last significant climb to reach Squealers Track. At the top of the hill the land opens out to rolling open hill country where it gradually descends back to rejoin the track from the first day.