Atiwhakatu Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A good overnight option for people new to tramping, leading from Holdsworth road end to Atiwhakatu Hut.

This DOC directory entry covers Atiwhakatu Track in Wellington, within Tararua Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 7.2 km one way
• Walking time: 2-3 hr one way
• DOC grade: Easy

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

• Atiwhakatu Track active slip; First published on 23 October 2025. Last reviewed on 4 August 2026.

• Predator control for part of Tararua Forest Park; First published on 2 May 2026. Last reviewed on 3 June 2026.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Begin this track from car park at the end of Mt Holdsworth Road. Follow the gravel road past Holdsworth Lodge, then cross a bridge over Atiwhakatu Stream.

From the bridge, a wide, flat track leads through beautiful mixed podocarp/broadleaf forest to Donnelly Flat. There is a picnic area and camping places with access down to the stream.

Atiwhakatu Track follows the true right of Atiwhakatu Stream up the valley. You will pass a slip partway up the valley – this requires a small scramble to cross.

Atiwhakatu Track crosses many side streams. One of the bridges is a high, narrow wire swing bridge with a one person at a time restriction. Some people may find it difficult.

The hut is situated in a clearing with a picnic table out front.

Getting there

Atiwhakatu Track starts at the Holdsworth roadend, approximately 15 minutes drive from Masterton.

Turn off State Highway 2 onto Norfolk Road, 2 km south of Masterton. This is signposted and there is a timber processing plant on the corner.

Follow Norfolk Road for about 15 km to Holdsworth road end.

Know before you go

Information for families

This is a popular hut for new trampers and families. The track is well formed. However, if anyone in your party is young or does not have much experience tramping, then we recommend planning for a longer walking time than listed.

There is a high, narrow wire swing bridge with a one person crossing restriction, as well as a section of track that crosses a slip where some scrambling is needed. There are also some steep drop-offs beside the track. Keep this in mind if you are taking children.

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.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.