Powell Hut – Mount Holdsworth
Great Walk/Easy tramping track
Time:
5 – 6 hr or 7 – 8 hr, depending on route
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.
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.
Places to stay
This is a serviced 30-bunk hut in the Wairarapa area.
Powell Hut is a well-equipped hut, a popular winter destination for fitter day visitors because it is probably the quickest route by which the snow-covered tops of the Tararua Range can be reached.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a Great Walk/Easy tramping track:
- Moderate day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is generally well formed, may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with moderate fitness. Limited backcountry (remote areas) experience required
- Track has signs, poles or markers. Major stream and rivers crossings are bridged
- Light tramping/hiking boots required
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