Neill Forks to Maungahuka Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track links Neill Forks Hut with the Maungahuka Summit, via Concertina Knob.

This DOC directory entry covers Neill Forks to Maungahuka 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: 4 hr
• 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.

• 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

The track to Maungahuka Hut begins at Neill Forks Hut, at the confluence of Neill Creek and Hector River. The track crosses a bridge over the Hector River, then immediately heads up a long, steep climb to Concertina Knob (1106 m).

This track is steep and rough, you can expect to be scrambling up tree roots on a slippery, unformed track.

From Concertina Knob, the track descends, then climbs again towards Maungahuka. It emerges out of the bush and follows the ridge to the Maungahuka summit (1330m) on the main Tararua Range.

At the summit there is a track junction – you can follow a poled route a short distance north to Maungahuka Hut, or have the option to continue on across the Tararua Peaks towards Kime Hut. Maungahuka Hut sits beside a small tarn, with spectacular views on a good day.

Take care to follow the markers carefully on this track, including when descending the track to Neill Forks.

Getting there

You can begin this track at Maungahuka summit or Neil Forks Hut.

Know before you go

Watch the markers carefully

This is a rough, backcountry track and people have got lost on it. Follow the markers carefully to make sure you are staying on the track.

Carry a distress beacon and emergency supplies

This is a remote area. Always carry a distress beacon and pack everything you would need for an unexpected night out. This includes an emergency shelter, spare food and water, warm clothes and a torch (plus spare batteries). Find a packing list here.

Be aware of the weather – turn back if needed

Extreme weather is common on the Tararua tops, including low visibility and very strong wind. If the conditions are bad, stay in the shelter of the hut rather than risking travel above the bush line. Assess the weather before you go beyond the bush line and turn back if needed.

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.