Patuna Chasm

MARTINBOROUGH · WAIRARAPA

A WORKING FARM · A HIDDEN GORGE

Walk the chasm.

A limestone gorge carved over 1.3 million years, hidden on a working sheep and beef farm 20 minutes from Martinborough. Three unforgettable hours of farmland, native bush and river walking.

Season opens 1 November

WELCOME TO PATUNA

The Wairarapa’s best-kept secret

Patuna is a working sheep and beef farm in the Ruakokoputuna valley – and running right through it, a limestone chasm that water has been quietly carving for over a million years.

The walk takes you across golden farmland, through native bush, and down into the riverbed itself, where you’ll wade beneath moss-covered walls, waterfalls, fossils and stalactites. It’s not a boardwalk stroll – and that’s exactly the point.

Family owned and farmed. Guided by us, walked by you.

The walk is $50 for adults and $25 for children 17 and under – bookings are essential. Got a suitable 4WD? You can convoy behind our transport to the start of the track – pre-booked with us directly by phone or email.

3 hours

THE FULL WALK

20 min

FROM MARTINBOROUGH

Labour Wknd

SEASON OPENS

Essential

BOOKINGS

THE EXPERIENCE

Farm gate to river bed

The walk unfolds in three parts – each one a little wilder than the last.

PART ONE

The farm ride

Hop on the farm trailer for a bumpy, brilliant ride over golden hill country to the start of the track – the views alone are worth it.

PART TWO

Bush & Wave Rock

An easy track winds through native bush past striking limestone features. Wave Rock makes the perfect picnic stop before the descent.

PART THREE

Into the chasm

Down into the riverbed for the main event – wading beneath towering moss-green walls, waterfalls, stalactites and the odd curious eel.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Come prepared, leave grinning

A few honest basics – the full list of questions (dogs, kids, fitness, weather calls) lives on our FAQ page.

You’ll get wet

The river walk means wading - sometimes waist deep. Wear shoes and clothes that can take a soaking.

Pack a picnic

Bring water, snacks and a camera in a bag you can hold above your head for the deep bits.

Allow 3 hours

There’s no rush and no one gets left behind - take your time and soak it in (literally).

Weather calls

River levels rule the walk. Check our Facebook page the night before - if we cancel for safety, you’ll be rebooked or refunded in full.

FIND US

Down the valley, worth the drive

We’re a scenic 20-minute drive from Martinborough village – the last stretch is good gravel road, and there’s parking at the homestead.

Getting here

Mobile reception is patchy in the valley – screenshot or jot down these directions before you leave Martinborough.

From Martinborough Memorial Square – about 20 minutes (17.6 km):

Head toward Jellicoe St and turn left onto Jellicoe St (1.8 km)
Turn left onto White Rock Rd – follow the signs for Tora, Hau Nui Wind Farm and Patuna Farm (7.9 km)
Turn right onto Ruakokoputuna Rd (5.2 km)
Continue onto Haurangi Rd (2.3 km)
Arrive at Patuna Farm, 236 Haurangi Road – parking at the homestead