HIKE
The Riversdale Beach Farm Hike – Explore Unique Private Farmland Trails
From the Summit to the Sea – The Riversdale Beach Farm Hike is your gateway to experiencing New Zealand’s stunning rural landscapes and is the perfect way to reconnect with rural life.
Ideal for hikers with a moderate fitness level, this self-guided, catered one-day hike covers 17-km, taking you along the historic Orui Station coast, the Whareama River, and the rolling hills of Pōhatu Farm.
Located just five minutes from Riversdale Beach, 45 minutes from Masterton, and just over two hours from Wellington and Palmerston North, this hike is an adventure you’ll never forget.
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$80 per person with a two-person minimum.
Inclusions:
Access to Private 17-km Farmland Hike with detailed maps and track signage
Gourmet Catered Lunch: Includes a gourmet roll/wrap, two pieces of home-baking, and a piece of fruit
Tea & Coffee Facilities at the Musterers Hut
Private Parking: Safe, secure, and easy-to-access
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Your adventure begins by meeting your host and driving in convoy along a well-maintained 5-km forestry road, offering scenic views of native bush, pine forests, and the Pacific Ocean.
You'll arrive at a designated carpark where your host will provide a health and safety briefing and hand out your generous packed lunch.
Once the briefing is complete, your 17-km self-guided journey begins with a gentle downhill walk to the breathtaking Orui Station coastline.
From there, you’ll follow the coast for approximately 7-km before crossing back over to Pōhatu Farm where you’ll walk alongside the beautiful Whareama River.
At the 11-km mark, you’ll begin your first and only ‘spicy’ ascent to the top of the Pōhatu Farm ridges - where panoramic views await - before completing the loop back to your vehicle.
Take your time to enjoy the hike at your own pace. This self-guided experience is designed for adventurers who value a mix of challenge and leisure.
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Panoramic views of hill-country farmland and the coastline
Scenic trails along the Whareama River
A mid-way stop at the rustic Musterers Hut for lunch and refreshments
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Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots
Backpack for your belongings and packed lunch
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended and a spare pair of socks!)
Water bottle (minimum 1L in hot weather)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, SPF lip balm)
Camera
Optional: walking poles, hand sanitiser
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Bookings are now open for the 2025/2026 season.
You can book your chosen date here.
Why Choose the Riversdale Beach Farm Hike?
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Private Farmland Access
This hike offers rare access to Orui Station and Pōhatu Farm’s private trails, where you’ll explore untouched countryside and areas not open to the public. Walk along serene riverside paths, rolling hills for a truly exclusive New Zealand hiking experience.
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Gourmet Catered Experience
Savour a gourmet-packed lunch prepared by a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, featuring fresh, local ingredients. Stop at the rustic Musterers Hut to enjoy your lunch with tea or coffee while soaking in breathtaking views.
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Perfect for Groups and Families
Whether you're planning a family outing, a couple's getaway, or a group adventure, the hike caters to all. Suitable for hikers aged 12 and over, it’s a day of fun, connection, and exploration for everyone.
FAQs
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A moderate to high level of fitness is required, as you'll be walking over farmland that can be uneven in places. There is one heart pumping ascent halfway through the hike, but we encourage you to take your time, there’s no need to rush!
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The hike will take approximately five to six hours, including stops.
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Sturdy sneakers or trainers are fine for the hike, but if you need extra ankle support due to uneven terrain, we recommend wearing hiking boots.
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Our current season begun on Saturday, 25th October 2025, and will run until Monday, 27th April 2026.
You can book for the 2025/2026 season year-round, here.
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Pōhatu Farm has a minimum group size of two hikers and no maximum size. The more, the merrier!
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There is safe, secure, and private parking available at the carpark, located at the start and end point of the hike.
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Sorry, dogs are not allowed on Pōhatu Farm.
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Children are always very welcome at Pōhatu Farm! In fact, you might even meet one (or a few) of the Broughton children during your hike experience! While we recommend the hike is best suited for those aged 12 and over, we trust you know your children best and can decide if it’s a good fit for them.
Please note that once the hike has started, we may be unable to provide pick-up services, unless there is a medical emergency. We kindly ask that you keep this in mind when planning your hike.
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Pōhatu Farm has both a Vodafone (One) and Spark tower, so you’re never too far from reliable coverage. There is a brief black spot along the Whareama River, but a short 10-minute climb will restore your signal.
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The Riversdale Beach Farm Hike is fully catered and there are water refill stations at the start of the hike and at our Musterers Hut.
You will be provided with a gourmet packed lunch, lovingly made by a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef. We aim to include as many local ingredients as possible and all of the packaging is able to be recycled or is compostable.
There are tea and coffee making facilities at the Musterers Hut, please ensure you follow the instructions at the hut while boiling your water. Feel free to bring your own snacks, but please remember to take all rubbish with you when you leave.
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We can cater for special dietary requirements by pre-arrangement. Please leave a note during the booking process or email us to discuss how we can best meet your needs.
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We have filtered water refill stations at both the start and end of the hike, as well as at Musterers Hut. During the Summer months, we recommend bringing a bottle or bladder that can hold at least 1L of water.
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Yes, we have two loos available on the hike. One at the carpark where you start and end the hike and the other is ¾ of the way through at the Musterers Hut.
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Riversdale Beach enjoys a mild climate throughout Spring, Summer, and Autumn. During the peak of Summer (January–February), temperatures can reach up to 26°C. However, the coastal South-East wind can feel chilly, especially on the exposed ridges. We recommend packing clothes/layers suitable for all weather conditions. We will email you a weather update with recommendations of what to pack clothing wise, at least 24 hours before your hike.
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There are plenty of rental homes available in and around the Riversdale Beach village. For the best booking options, we recommend using Air BnB or Canopy Camping.
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You can book and pay for your hike online here.
Upon receipt of your payment, you will receive a booking confirmation email.
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You can find details around our terms and conditions and cancellation policy here.