Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This is one of the classic tramps of the Tararua Forest Park. It follows the Waiohine and Tauwharenīkau rivers between Holdsworth and Kaitoke.

This DOC directory entry covers Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track in Wellington, within Holdsworth area / 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: 36 km one way
• Walking time: 2–3 days
• DOC grade: 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.

• Lower Waiohine Track slip; First published on 29 November 2024. Last reviewed on 22 July 2026.

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

Seasonal restrictions

There is a large slip on this track. Detour not passable during or after heavy rainfall or when the river flow is high.

Dog access

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

Description

Day one: Holdsworth – Totara Flats Hut

Time: 6 hr

The track begins at the Holdsworth car park at the end of Holdsworth Road. There is a campsite and bookable lodge near the road.

From Holdsworth Lodge, cross the bridge and continue up the track in the direction of Donnelly’s Flat. Turn left at the signpost onto the track to Powell Hut and climb the Gentle Annie track towards Mountain House Shelter. This track is a well graded, well formed walkway, and offers several lookout points.

Follow this track until the turnoff to Totara Flats Hut. From the turnoff onwards, the track is less well-formed, muddy in places, steep with many tree roots.

Follow the Totara Creek Track along the ridge to a high point, 575 m, and continue along the track, heading down towards Totara Creek. Follow the creek on the true left to the swing bridge crossing, then continue downstream on the true right.

At the Waiohine River, cross the bridge and turn left to Totara Flats Hut.

Totara Flats has numerous camping sites. Campers who use hut facilities are required to pay one hut ticket.

Day two: Totara Flats Hut – Tutuwai Hut

Time: 6 hr

From Totara Flats Hut, the track continues down the Waiohine River river and across Totara flats. Before reaching a high bluff, the track swings away from the river. It climbs steeply up onto a high riverbank and then continues downstream.

The track soon reaches a large slip. The only option for passing the slip is to walk downstream on the riverbank to Makaka Creek. This is only possible when the river is low; if in doubt, take the all-weather track.

Cross the Makaka Creek bridge and climb up the bank to the marked junction. This is where the Cone Saddle Track separates from the Lower Waiohine Track.

Turn right onto the Cone Saddle Track at the junction and climb steadily up a spur to the ridge top. From here the track sidles into Clem Creek and climbs to Cone Saddle. Descend the track to Cone Hut in the Tauwharenīkau Valley.

Expect to encounter stream crossings, muddy sections and fallen trees on the Cone Saddle Track. The track can be narrow and indistinct in places, so keep a close eye on the orange markers.

Allow plenty of time for this section.

From Cone Hut follow the track down the Tauwharenīkau river valley. The track passes through muddy terraces and grassy flats. There are regular crossings of small side streams. Tutuwai Hut is about 1 hr walk from Cone Hut.

There are grassy areas near Tutuwai Hut that are good camping sites. Campers who use hut facilities are required to pay one hut ticket

Day three: Tutuwai Hut – Kaitoke Roadend

Time: 7–8 hr

From Tutuwai Hut continue on the track down the true left of the Tauwharenīkau River, crossing grass flats and bush terraces and passing low wide slips. Slips and washouts along this section of the track have caused the terrain in some areas to become steep, narrow and slippery – the slips can be difficult to negotiate. Caution is required.

The track then crosses the Tauwharenīkau River on a swing bridge. Continue following the track downstream. It crosses several unbridged side streams. Take care and cross with caution, especially if the stream levels are up or if it is raining.

After crossing grassy river flats, Smith Creek shelter is reached. The shelter is not suitable for overnight stays.

The track from here follows Smith Creek upstream along the Dobson Loop Track, crossing more unbridged side streams. Beyond Smith Creek, expect to encounter small slips, stream crossings, muddy and slippery sections and windfalls across the track.

The track becomes Puffer Track and leaves Smith Creek. It climbs to Puffer Saddle and down to the Kaitoke road end carpark, located along Kiwi Ranch Road.

Getting there

Holdsworth

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 15 km to Holdsworth road end.

Kaitoke

Turn off State Highway 2 onto Marchant Road (signposted at the western side of the Remutaka Hill) 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 rough, backcountry track

The Holdsworth-Kaitoke track is a backcountry tramping experience. The track is rough and uneven. Walkers need to be ready to climb around slips and over fallen trees. The track is indistinct in places so walkers need to be confident navigating and following markers.

This track is best for people who have some experience in backcountry tramping.

Leave extra time

Slips, fallen trees or bad weather can make this track take longer than expected. Plan your days with extra time.

Be ready for rain and cold, pack for emergencies

The Tararua Forest Park is well-known for changeable and wild weather. Check the forecast before you go and pack plenty of warm and waterproof clothes. Pack extra food in case you are delayed by weather.

There is no cell phone reception on most of this track, so carry a distress beacon.

It is advisable to carry emergency shelter to be prepared for an unexpected night out.

Find a packing list.

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.