Begin on the Gentle Annie Track. For fitter visitors, the tramp beyond Mountain House Shelter follows the Mount Holdsworth Track. It climbs through beech forest that reduces as the bushline and Powell Hut is approached (1200 metres).

Just below the hut, a rocky outcrop gives 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.

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.

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 Track to Mountain House Shelter.

Pack for bad weather

The Tararua Forest Park is well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather.

Always check the weather forecast

Pack warm and waterproof clothing, even if the forecast is good.

Carry emergency equipment including a torch, spare food and a distress beacon.

Overnight packing list

Day hike packing list

If you are trail running the track, you still need to be prepared for bad weather.

Mountain Safety Council trail running 

Assess the weather carefully before going beyond Powell Hut

The route between Powell Hut and Mt Holdsworth experiences frequent strong winds, thick mist, freezing temperatures and rain/snow. Be prepared to encounter these conditions at any time of year, even if the weather looks nice in the morning.

Low visibility conditions make navigation difficult and wind, rain and cold can cause hypothermia.

Before leaving Powell Hut to tramp to Mt Holdsworth, look carefully at the weather and assess whether you have the experience and equipment for the conditions.