Perched above the Atiwhakatu valley in Tararua Forest Park, this purpose-built timber viewing platform opens up sweeping panoramas across Mount Holdsworth, Powell Hut, Jumbo Hut, Mitre Flat, and the wide plains stretching out to the east. Reaching the lookout involves a one-to-two-hour walk each way from the Mt Holdsworth road end, taking the Donnelly Flat Loop Walk before following the first, well-graded section of the Gentle Annie Track. Because it climbs along a steady, well-formed forest trail rather than the rugged ridgelines higher in the ranges, it serves as a rewarding, accessible vantage point without having to tackle the exposed alpine circuit.
Dogs are normally permitted provided they are kept strictly under control, though we hear a caution period following aerial predator control baiting runs through roughly early 2027, making it unsafe to bring dogs until that clears. The track begins around 15 kilometres from State Highway 2, accessed via Norfolk Road and Mt Holdsworth Road just south of Masterton. Our pick for a manageable day walk in the Wairarapa foothills when you want genuine Tararua mountain views without the full tramp.