Tararua Forest Park

See also:

Disposing of human waste where no toilets are provided

Plan & prepare

Find out about the main ways of getting to the park; get park contact details; and learn more about the severe mountain weather for which the park is notorious.

View of the Tararua range from Kapiti Island. Photo: Danny Parkin.

Contacts

Get contact details for the organisations managing land in and around Tararua Forest Park.

Holdsworth roadend. Photo: Joe Hansen.

Getting there via Holdsworth

Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of Tararua Forest Park.

Swingbridge, Otaki Forks. Photo: Nicola Easthope.

Getting there via Otaki Forks

Otaki Forks is the main entrance to the western side of Tararua Forest Park.

Waiohine Gorge - Walls Whare roadend. Photo: Joe Hansen.

Getting there via Waiohine Gorge

Waiohine Gorge is a popular gateway to southeastern Tararua Forest Park.

Tramper in the mist. Photo copyright: Marie Henderson.

Tramping and safety links

Find out more about Tramping Clubs in the Wellington region and safety in the outdoors.

Wintry condtions at the Maungahuka Hut high up in the Tararua Ranges. Photo: Wayne Boness.

Weather

The Tararua Range has a notorious reputation for severe mountain weather.


Alerts

The public have freedom of access to the Tararua Forest Park and are encouraged to visit; the only restrictions apply to carrying firearms, management of dogs and lighting fires. Most other adjoining public land is open except for restricted access to water supply catchments.

Check the Wellington alerts page for the latest information on facilities.

 

Find out more

Weather

NZ weather

Maps

We recommend you use the latest New Zealand topographic maps if you are embarking on a major tramp. Find out how you can obtain these maps on the Land Information New Zealand website

Information

Important notices about DOC managed areas in the Wellington region

Wellington NZ website

Footnotes - Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy newsletter

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Contact

Wellington Visitor Centre
Phone:      +64 4 384 7770
Address:   18 Manners Street
Wellington
Email:   wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

Wairarapa Area Office
Phone:      +64 6 377 0700
Email:   wairarapa@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

Hunting permits: Contact the Wairarapa Area Office.

 

Tools

Print this page Email this page Access keys Send an e-card Site map