Ōtaki Forks to Waitewaewae Hut

Time: 5-7 hrs

From the main Ōtaki Forks carpark, cross the swing bridge and climb to the river terrace. After crossing the terrace the track drops to another swing bridge over the Ōtaki River. The track then climbs again until it crosses the top of a large slip. From here the track sidles across to Papa Creek and continues towards Plateau Creek.

The track then follows Plateau Creek down to Saddle Creek, then reaches the Plateau which is approximately the halfway point to Waitewaewae Hut. On the far side of the plateau, the track drops down following the true right of a small stream. At the point where the track eventually crosses the stream you will find a junction marked with large orange triangles. The main track crosses here and sidles around a large bend in the Ōtaki River to the hut.

The alternate track which continues down the true right is a short cut to the Ōtaki River. There is no marked track to the hut from there so navigation and river crossing skills are essential along with low river levels.

Aside from the bridges over the Ōtaki and Waiotauru Rivers, all stream crossings on this track are unbridged. These streams can rise rapidly and flood after rain, so assess them carefully before crossing and do not attempt to cross if you have any doubt about safety.

Waitewaewae Hut to Anderson Memorial Hut

Follow the track upstream beside the Ōtaki River, then cross the bridge over the river. The track then climbs to Shoulder Knob, gaining around 1000m in height. There are no water sources on the climb – carry plenty of water with you.

The track leaves the bush at around 1200 m and becomes a poled route. From here, the route is in an exposed alpine environment until Anderson Memorial Hut – extreme weather and low visibility is common. Assess the weather carefully and decide whether the conditions are good enough to proceed.

From Shoulder Knob at 1310 m, the route climbs to meet the Tararua main range at Junction Knob (1375 m).

When you reach Junction Knob you will find a track junction. A route goes north along the main range towards Nichols Hut, while another goes south towards Anderson Memorial Hut. Take the south-going route.

The route follows the ridge down from Junction Knob, past a high point at 1356 m and several small tarns. Anderson Memorial Hut is nestled in bush, near the edge of the bush line.

Anderson Memorial Hut to Aokaparangi Summit (or Aokaparangi Hut)

The track from Anderson Memorial Hut follows a bush-covered ridge. It descends and then gradually climbs again to the bush line. At the bush line, you have another decision point – from here you will be on a poled route until Aokaparangi, fully exposed to the alpine environment. Assess the weather and decide if it is safe to proceed.

From the bush line, the route climbs to the Kahiwiroa summit (1320 m), then continues south along the main range. It descends from Kahiwiroa, then quickly begins to climb again towards Aokaparangi (1354 m).

There is a track junction at the Aokaparangi summit. One route descends from Aokaparangi into the Waiohine Valley, and another continues south along the main range towards Maungahuka Hut.

It is 1.5 hours from here to Mid Waiohine Hut. If it is getting late in the day and you do not have time to reach Mid Waiohine Hut, there is the option of staying at Aokaparangi Hut instead.

To go to Aokaparangi Hut, follow the route south from the Aokaparangi track junction. You will very soon reach another track junction, further along the top of Aokaparangi. Here, you can take a side route that descends to Aokaparangi Hut, losing around 200 m of height and taking around 15-20 minutes. The hut is on the bush line, well below the main ridge and summit of Aokaparangi.

Aokaparangi to Mid Waiohine Hut

Time: 1.5-2 hrs

From the junction at Aokaparangi, follow the poled route off Aokaparangi, signposted towards Mid Waiohine Hut. The track descends steeply for over 950 m, into the Waiohine Valley.

As you approach the valley floor, the track crosses a side stream, then crosses the Waiohine River on a bridge. The track follows the river upstream, crossing another side stream, then continues on for a short distance before reaching Mid Waiohine Hut.

Both stream crossings are unbridged, so take extra care if there has been heavy rain and assess them carefully before crossing. Do not attempt to cross if you have any doubt about safety.

Mid Waiohine Hut to Powell Hut

Time: 4 hrs

From Mid Waiohine Hut, the track climbs steeply up towards Mt Holdsworth. After gaining around 800 m of height, the track leaves the bush line. This is the start of another exposed, alpine section of track, with frequent white-outs and strong winds – make sure the conditions are good enough before heading out onto the tops.

A poled route leads to the Isabelle high point at 1385 m. Follow the poled route from Isabelle up to the Mt Holdsworth summit. On a good day, the views from here over the Wairarapa are spectacular. There is a track junction at the summit – take the route down from Mt Holdsworth that is signposted towards Powell Hut, do not follow the route towards Jumbo.

Follow the route leading down the ridge from the Mt Holdsworth summit all the way to Powell Hut. Navigation can be very tricky in low visibility conditions and it is easy to follow the wrong ridge – take care and pay attention to the marker poles.

Powell Hut is situated just above the bush line.

Powell Hut to Holdsworth car park

Time: 3 hrs

Follow the Mt Holdsworth Track down the ridge from Powell Hut, following the signs towards the Holdsworth road end. The track passes through mossy goblin forest, then larger forest as it descends to the Mountain House shelter.

From Mountain House, the track crosses Pig Flat and follows a long, flat ridge. Through this section you pass two track junctions, the first with the River Ridge Track (to Atiwhakatu Valley) and the second with Totara Creek Track (to Totara Flats Hut). Continue following the main track along the ridge (also called the Gentle Annie Track).

Not long after the Totara Creek Track junction, the track begins to descend gently. It passes Rocky Lookout, a nice spot to take a break. The track continues its gradual descent all the way into the Atiwhakatu Valley.

As you reach the valley floor, there are a few small bridges over side streams. The track then leads down the valley, through magnificent mixed podocarp/broadleaf forest. It crosses Atiwhakatu Stream over a bridge, then emerges from the forest beside Holdsworth Lodge. The car park is just a few minutes’ walk from the lodge, along a gravel road.

Ōtaki Forks

Ōtaki Forks is 19 km inland from Otaki township – around 1½ hour drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. Be aware that Ōtaki Gorge Road is closed to vehicles and pedestrians until further notice due to a major slip. Ōtaki Forks Campsite is closed.

There is an emergency track that you can walk to gain access to Ōtaki Forks. It is 5 km long and can be accessed 200 m past the locked gate on the Ōtaki Gorge Road.

Holdsworth Road end

2 km south of Masterton, turn off SH2 into Norfolk Road, which turns into Mt Holdsworth Road. Follow signs to Tararua Forest Park, about 15 km from SH2.

This is a challenging trip – read about it and make sure it’s right for you

The route along the main range and around Mt Holdsworth is fully exposed to extreme, fast-changing weather and low visibility, high winds and storms are common. The terrain is steep and narrow.

You need excellent backcountry tramping skills for this crossing and good equipment. You must know how to assess the weather and judge whether it is safe to proceed, or if you should turn back, find shelter, or take an alternative route. You also need good navigation skills, including in low visibility conditions.

There are four long climbs/descents, which are physically demanding.

Check the weather and only try this crossing in good weather

We strongly recommend that you do not tramp on the alpine sections during bad weather. Plan extra time into your trip, so you can adjust your plans around the weather. Weather forecast for Waitewaewae Hut and Powell Hut.

This track is best suited to summer tramping, as snow, ice and short daylight hours will make it more difficult.

Pack lots of warm and waterproof clothes, as well as spare food in case you are delayed by weather. Pack navigational equipment (e.g. a map and compass) and know how to use them. Carry a distress beacon and emergency shelter.

Take care when crossing unbridged streams

This track has unbridged stream crossings. These can rise rapidly and flood during/after rain, making them unsafe to 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