Powell Hut – Mount Holdsworth
See also:
You can book Powell Hut online for the period between 1 October and 30 April via the online booking system
Before you book, read the terms and conditions
If you wish to use your Backcountry Hut Pass as payment please book directly with the Wairarapa Area Office.
Alert/Important notice
Gentle Annie track closure
The track from Rocky Lookout to the Totara Creek track turnoff is closed due to track upgrade. Traffic on the unfinished track will cause damage prior to metalling. Access up to Rocky Lookout is still available on the Gentle Annie track. Access back down to the Atiwhakatu valley from the Totara Creek turnoff is still available via Mountain House and the Hooper Loop track. The Hooper Loop track to the Mountain House turnoff is also the access track to Powell Hut.
Issued: 10 May 2013 - Valid until further notice
Atiwhakatu track upgrade - the track will be upgraded from December 2012 to May 2013. Contractors will be on site with heavy machinery working on the entire track from Donnelly Flat through to Atiwhakatu Hut. During this period there will be a reduced capacity at Atiwhakatu Hut of up to 6 bunks.
The track will remain open but caution is advised when approaching work sites. Please use any re-routes or diversions provided and if no re-route is available please proceed with caution.
Track category
Great Walk/Easier tramping track
Time:
5 – 6 hr or 7 – 8 hr, depending on route
Description
Powell Hut
For fitter visitors, the tramp beyond Mountain House Shelter follows the Mount Holdsworth Track, climbing through beech forest that markedly reduces in stature as the bushline, and Powell Hut, is approached (1200 metres).
Just below the hut, a rocky outcrop affords an excellent view of High Ridge and Totara Flats far below in the Waiohine valley.
The route to the summit of Mount Holdsworth (1470 metres) is exposed to winds but otherwise straight-forward. The return trip to Powell Hut can be completed in 5 – 6 hours, to Mount Holdsworth in 7 – 8 hours.
Getting there
Turn off State Highway 2 on to Norfolk Road, 2 km south of Masterton. This leads to Mount Holdsworth Road. Holdsworth is 15 km from State Highway 2.
Follow the Gentle Annie Track on the Holdsworth - Kaitoke Tramp to Mountain House Shelter.
Places to stay
Powell Hut is a well-equipped hut on the Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit, and a popular winter destination for fitter day visitors because it is probably the quickest route to reach the snow-covered tops of the Tararua Range.
You can book Powell Hut online for the period between 1 October and 30 April via the online booking system. Before you book, read the terms and conditions.
If you wish to use your Backcountry Hut Pass as payment please book directly with:
Plan and prepare
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Guides and commercial tourism providers