South Ohau Hut via Waiopehu and Dora Ridge: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Tramp to South Ohau Hut on Waiopehu Track, Dora Track and Yeates Track.

This DOC directory entry covers South Ohau Hut via Waiopehu and Dora Ridge 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: 7-8 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.

Dog access

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

Description

From Poads Road end, follow the track across private farmland to the park boundary, then follow Waiopehu Track as it climbs to Waiopehu Hut. Waiopehu Hut is 4-5 hours from Poads Road end.

From the hut, continue up the track. It passes the summits of Waiopehu (1094 m) and Twin Peak (1097 m), then continues to Richards Knob (985 m).

At the track junction at Richards Knob, follow the track along Dora Ridge, passing Butcher Saddle.

At the track junction with Yeates Track, take Yeates Track, signposted to South Ohau Hut. Yeates Track descends steeply to South Ohau Hut. It takes around 1.5 hours from the Yeates Track junction to the hut.

South Ohau Hut is near the confluence of South Ōhau River and Butchers Creek.

Alternative route via Six Discs Track and Gable End Ridge

Alternatively, turn off Waiopehu Track onto Six Discs Track and descend into the Ōhau valley. After crossing the bridge over Blackwater Stream, follow the track up Gable End Ridge to Richards Knob, then continue to South Ohau Hut as described above.

Getting there

The track begins on Poads Road, behind Levin on the western side of the Tararua Forest Park.

Know before you go

Pack for bad weather

The Tararua Forest Park is well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather.

Always check the weather forecast. Pack warm and waterproof clothing, even if the forecast is good.

Carry emergency equipment including a torch, spare food, emergency shelter and a distress beacon.

Find a tramping packing list here

Expect a rough, backcountry track

This track is a typical Tararua backcountry tramping track. It is rough and uneven, and you can expect to be scrambling up and over tree roots. Plan extra time in case the trip takes longer than you expect.

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.