Gentle Annie Track
Walking track
Time:
3 hr 30 min - 4 hr round trip
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.
The Gentle Annie Track is the entry/exit track for the Holdsworth - Kaitoke Tramp.
About the area
Tararua Forest Park near Wellington features an abundance of tramping and hunting opportunities.
Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of Tararua Forest Park. Holdsworth offers camping, a lodge, picnic facilities, swimming in Atiwhakatu Stream and a range of walks.
Description
A native iris on the Gentle Annie Track
One of the most popular day trips in the park is the climb to Mountain House Shelter along the easy grade of the Gentle Annie Track. This high quality walking track continues past the Rocky Lookout, to reach the junction with the Totara Creek track (leading to Totara Flats) after 1.5 hours from the Holdsworth carpark. Twenty minutes later, after crossing the boardwalks through the heathland of Pig Flat, Mountain House Shelter is reached, nestled among silver beech.
The Rocky Lookout on the Gentle Annie Track provides a panoramic view of Mount Holdsworth and the upper Atiwhakatu valley. Powell and Jumbo huts, the most popular in the park, can be seen from here.
You can turn off the Gentle Annie Track onto the Donnelly Flat Loop Track to enjoy an interesting round trip with a range of forest walking.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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