Dobson Loop Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track provides two day-walking options: a return trip to Smith Creek via Puffer Saddle, or a more challenging and longer loop track

This DOC directory entry covers Dobson Loop 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 5.5 hr (return to Smith Creek Shelter)
• DOC grade: Easy; Advanced

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.

• Predator control for Southern Tararuas; First published on 3 March 2026. Last reviewed on 21 May 2026.

Dog access

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

Description

Kaitoke Road End to Smith Creek Shelter via Puffer Saddle – returning back on the same track (13 km, 4 - 5.5 hours; walking track)

The track begins on Kiwi Ranch Road. It climbs steadily towards Puffer Saddle, passing a turnoff to the Southern Crossing on the way. From the saddle, the track descends into Smith Creek valley, then follows the creek down through red/hard beech forest, to the confluence of Smith Creek with the Tauwharenīkau River.

There is a large, old slip on the track in the Smith Creek section. The return trip to Smith Creek Shelter was previously around 4 hours, but traversing this slip may add up to 1.5 hours extra to the walking time. Follow the marked alternative route.

From Smith Creek Shelter, you can also walk further up the Tauwharenīkau Valley to Marchant Creek for views of the river and the young podocarp forest regenerating in the manuka on the flats.

Return back to the road end the way you came, following the track up Smith Creek and over Puffer Saddle.

Be aware that the track includes sections of clay and can be extremely slippery. Wear footwear with good grip.

There are also several unbridged stream crossings, on the section of track that follows Smith Creek. These may not be safe to cross during/after heavy rain.

Dobson Loop Track – full loop tramp (11.5 km; tramping track)

The full Dobson Loop Track is more challenging than the track described above. Around half of the loop is a rough tramping track and there is a long steep ascent/descent on the track which is physically demanding. It is best suited to fit walkers with experience in backcountry tramping.

The track begins on Kiwi Ranch Road. It climbs steadily towards Puffer Saddle, then reaches a turnoff with the Southern Crossing track. For a clockwise loop (described here), take this track.

The track climbs steadily for some time, until you reach a turnoff near the old Dobson Hut site (there is only some concrete left now). Take the turnoff, signposted towards Smith Creek shelter. The track descends steeply all the way down to the Tauwharenīkau River. It is a rough track with many tree roots, go slowly and carefully as it is easy to slip.

The track emerges near Smith Creek Shelter, near the confluence of Smith Creek with the Tauwharenīkau River.

From here, follow the track that leads up the Smith Creek valley. There is a large, old slip on the track in this section, which can take up to 1.5 hours to traverse. Follow the marked alternative route. There are also several unbridged stream crossings in this part of the track, which may not be safe to cross during/after heavy rain.

The track climbs out of Smith Creek valley to Puffer Saddle, then descends towards Kaitoke. It meets the turnoff with the Southern Crossing, then the track continues down to Kiwi Ranch Road.

Getting there

Turn off State Highway 2 onto Marchant Road at the YMCA Camp Kaitoke turnoff. Near the end of Marchant Road, turn right into Kiwi Ranch Road. The carpark is located on the left, approximately 500 m along Kiwi Ranch Road.

Know before you go

Expect a challenging day walk

The track from Puffer Saddle to Smith Creek Shelter has sections of clay that are extremely slippery after rain, as well as tree roots on the track. There is also a large slip which needs to be traversed.

The full loop is more challenging than the track to Smith Creek Shelter via Puffer Saddle. You can expect a long, steep section, a muddy and very slippery track when it has been wet, an unformed tramping track, and many tree roots.

The full loop is best suited to fit, experienced trampers.

Leave early and plan extra time in your day in case it takes longer than you expect.

Be prepared for bad weather

Bad weather (including rain and cold) is common in the Tararua Forest Park. Check the forecast before you go.

Always pack warm and waterproof clothes, as well as plenty of food and a head torch. Find a day hike packing list.

Consider carrying a distress beacon, in case of emergencies. You will not be able to rely on internet-based maps for navigation, so pack a map and compass (or other off-line navigational aid).

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

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

Do not cross if the river or stream 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

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.