Waiohine Road End to Cone Hut/Cone Saddle

Distance: 4.23 km to Cone Saddle
Time: 2-3 hours

From Waiohine Road End and Campsite, cross the high suspension bridge over the Waiohine River. As soon as you have crossed the bridge you will reach a track junction. Take the left hand track, going down the valley. Shortly after this you reach another track junction. This time take the right hand track, leading up the hill.

The track climbs the ridge steeply, ascending over 300 vertical metres. The track is a rough tramping track, so expect to be scrambling up over tree roots and loose material. The track then flattens out, coming to a high point at 572 m. The track then continues up a gentle slope along the ridge, reaching another high point at 682 m.

The track then turns and follows the ridge north-west. Approximately halfway between the 682 high point and Cone Saddle, you will come to another track junction. Here you have the option to take the left hand track and descend steeply to Cone Hut. It is around 1 km down this track to Cone Hut, which is situated on a pretty terrace above the Tauherenikau River. Take care on the descent, as it is steep and slippery.

If you are going to Cone Saddle rather than Cone Hut, continue along the main ridge track. The track descends gently before reaching Cone Saddle at 566 m.

There is a four-way track junction at the saddle – from here you have the option of taking the track to Cone Ridge, or of descending to Waiohine Valley or Cone Hut (and the Tauherenikau Valley).

Cone Saddle to Cone Hut or Waiohine Valley

These tracks are described as part of the Holdsworth-Kaitoke Track web page.

Cone Ridge Track, from Cone Saddle to Totara Flats Hut (via Cone and Cone Ridge)

From Cone Saddle, the track climbs steadily to Mt Cone, gaining around 500 m in elevation. Just before Cone there is a track junction, where the left-hand track leads to Neill Saddle and Neill Ridge. Take the right hand track to follow Cone Ridge.

After the track junction, the track briefly emerges into low alpine scrub at the Cone high point. It is a welcome opportunity to rest and enjoy the view. From here, the track returns to the bush and continues along the relatively flat Cone Ridge.

Partway along Cone Ridge (5.13 km from Cone Saddle), you will reach a track junction. Here you have the option to descend steeply to Neill Forks Hut (this is described below). To go to Totara Flats Hut, take the right hand track that continues straight ahead along the ridge.

At the end of Cone Ridge, the track follows a long ridge down into the Tauherenikau Valley. The descent gets steeper as you get further down, so plan plenty of time and watch your feet carefully.

The track emerges onto a river terrace not far upstream from Totara Flats Hut. Follow the track down the river, passing but not crossing a suspension bridge. The hut is a few minutes downstream from the bridge.

Totara Flats Hut to Neill Forks Hut, via Cone Ridge

Distance: 5.54 km
Time: 4-5 hours

Be aware that this track involves significant elevation change – you climb over 700 vertical meters to Cone Ridge, then shortly afterwards descend very steeply to Neill Forks Hut, losing over 550 vertical meters. The track is rough and unformed, so you will be climbing up and down over tree roots and slippery surfaces.

While the track distance looks relatively short, all this means that the track between Totara Flats and Neill Forks is demanding and time-consuming. We recommend allowing plenty of extra time, so you can rest often, go carefully, and have time to walk the track in daylight.

From Totara Flats Hut, follow the track upstream. Shortly after the hut you will pass a suspension bridge – do not cross this bridge (that track leads towards Mt Holdsworth). Instead, continue following the track up the true right of the Tauherenikau River.

Soon the track leaves the river terrace and begins to climb a long ridge. The climb is steep at first, before gradually becoming gentler. This is a long stretch of climbing, gaining over 700 vertical metres. Finally the track flattens out as you arrive on Cone Ridge.

Follow the track along Cone Ridge, until you come to a track junction. Take the right hand track to Neill Forks Hut.

The track descends steeply off the ridge, dropping down into the Hector River valley. This is a demanding descent, so take it slow to avoid slipping.

Shortly before the hut, the track reaches Neill Creek. It crosses the creek twice without a bridge. This creek can rise rapidly during/following rain, so assess it carefully and decide whether the creek is safe to cross. If in doubt, wait for the water level to drop or return to Totara Flats Hut.

After the second Neill Creek crossing, you come to Neill Forks Hut, near the confluence of Hector River and Neill Creek.

There are no water sources (this includes no streams) for the vast majority of this track, so we recommend carrying at least 2L of water per person.

The nearest road end to the Cone Ridge tracks is Waiohine Road End (nearest towns Carterton and Greytown). Waiohine Gorge Road is gravel with rough, narrow, and windy sections. There are two forded stream crossings. Drive carefully.

Expect a backcountry tramping track

This track is a typical Tararua backcountry tramping track. It is rough and uneven, and you can expect to be scrambling up and down tree roots. It gets very slippery and muddy, especially after rain.

Plan extra time

There are long climbs and descents on the tracks around Cone Ridge. Some groups will find these demanding and that they need longer than the track times. Plan your day with extra time, in case the tracks take longer than anticipated.

Pack for bad weather

The Tararua Ranges are well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather. Anytime you go into the Tararua Forest Park, pack warm and waterproof clothing (even if the forecast is good).

Find a tramping packing list here

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely