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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- Track grade
- Advanced; Expert
- Location
- Tararua Forest Park
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This challenging traverse follows the Tararua main range. It requires very high fitness, exceptional backcountry skills and good equipment.
This DOC directory entry covers Tararua Main Range Traverse 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: Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- DOC grade: Advanced; Expert
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 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
The Tararua Main Range Traverse (Putara to Kaitoke) can be tramped in sections.
Putara Road End to Herepai Hut
Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 5 km
Track: Advanced tramping track
The track begins at the end of Putara Road in Mangatainoka Valley. A swing bridge crosses the Mangatainoka River and then the track follows the true left of the river to another, larger swing bridge around 1.5 km upstream.
From the top swing bridge, the track climbs steeply to Herepai Ridge. At the track junction, the track to the right leads 1.5 km to Herepai Hut.
Herepai Hut to Herepai Peak
Time: 1 hour
Distance:1 km
Track: Advanced tramping track
From Herepai Hut, continue up the track to Herepai Peak.
Herepai Peak to Dundas Hut (no DOC marked route)
There is no marked route between Herepai Peak and Dundas Hut. Terrain and route descriptions are available via some tramping clubs.
Dundas Hut to Arete Hut (no DOC marked route)
There is no marked route between Dundas Hut and Arete Hut. Terrain and route descriptions are available via some tramping clubs.
Arete Hut to Dracophyllum Hut (partially marked)
Time: 2-3 hours
Track: Includes Expert route and Advanced tramping track sections
The route between Arete Hut and Dracophyllum Hut is currently partially marked. From Arete Hut, continue along the tops to Pukematawai. Just below the Pukematawai summit, you meet the Te Araroa track. Follow this to Dracophyllum Hut.
Dracophyllum Hut to Nichols Hut
Time: 5.3 km
Distance: 3-4 hours
Track: Advanced tramping track
Continue following the track along the main range. As you approach Nichols peak the track leaves the bush.
The hut is situated on a side track near Nichols peak.
Nichols Hut to Anderson Memorial Hut
Time: 2-3 hours
Track: Advanced tramping track
From Nichols Hut, continue along the main range. The route climbs to the summit of Mt Crawford, then continues on to Junction Knob.
From Junction Knob, continue along the main range to Anderson Memorial Hut.
Anderson Memorial Hut to Aokaparangi Hut
Time: 2-3 hours
Track: Advanced tramping track
The track continues along the main range and leads over Kahiwiroa. It then climbs to the top of Aokaparangi.
The hut is on the bush line below Aokaparangi, accessed from a track near the summit.
Aokaparangi Hut to Maungahuka Hut
Time: 3-4 hours
Track: Advanced tramping track
From Aokaparangi Hut, follow the hut access track back to the top of Aokaparangi. Continue following the track along the main range, past Wright (1196m) and Simpson (1174m).
The route then climbs towards Maungahuka. The hut is situated beside a tarn near the Maungahuka summit.
Maungahuka Hut to Kime Hut
Time: 7-9 hours
Track: Expert route
Follow the route to the junction at Maungahuka summit, then continue on the main range route following the sign towards Kime Hut.
The route passes over the Tararua Peaks. The Tararua Peaks are a notoriously steep double peak, formed by the Tuiti and Tunui summits. They are traversed with the help of a long ladder. Take great care.
After the Tararua Peaks, continue following the route over McIntosh (1286), Yeates (1205m), Vosseler (1198m) and Boyd-Wilson Knob (1138m).
At Bridge Peak, the route joins the Southern Crossing route. Follow the Southern Crossing to Kime Hut.
Kime Hut to Alpha Hut
Time: 5–6 hours
Track: Advanced tramping track
The Southern Crossing route leads from Kime Hut over Field Peak to Mount Hector (1,529 m). The exposed ridge of the Dress Circle takes you to the top of Aston (1,376 m). Continue along the ridge route over Alpha (1,361 m) and descend to Alpha Hut.
Alpha Hut to Kaitoke
Time: 8-9 hours
Track: Advanced tramping track
From Alpha Hut, the track descends to the saddle at Hells Gate. The track follows Marchant Ridge, a long stretch of bush that is rough underfoot and muddy when wet. The track ends at a car park on Kiwi Ranch Road, at Kaitoke.
Getting there
The Tararua Main Range Traverse starts at the end of Putara Road, which is around 20 minutes’ drive from Eketāhuna.
Know before you go
This is a very challenging trip
Make sure you have the fitness and skills to complete it safely.
Much of the route is fully exposed to extreme, fast-changing weather. Low visibility, high winds and storms are common. There are sections with no marked route, where you will have to navigate for yourself. It is steep and rugged.
You need:
excellent backcountry tramping skills
to know how to assess the weather and decide how to respond
good navigation skills, including in low visibility conditions and untracked alpine areas
survival skills
a high level of fitness
confidence with heights and good balance
to have a plan for what alternative routes and escape routes you can use
Pack emergency equipment
Don’t pack light, pack prepared. If you are injured, you need to be able to wait, summon help, and survive until help arrives. You also need to be ready for weather delays, which are common in the Tararua Forest Park.
To be ready for an emergency, always carry:
A distress beacon
An emergency shelter
Lots of warm and waterproof clothing
A first aid kit
A head torch and spare batteries
Plenty of spare food, in case you are delayed
Navigation aids
Carry plenty of water, as there is none along the route except at the huts.
Find a full packing list here.
Check the weather and only attempt the traverse in good weather
We strongly recommend that you do not tramp along the main range during bad weather.
Weather forecast for Kime Hut and Arete Hut
There are many steep drops
The terrain is extremely steep and you will have scramble over very narrow sections of ridge and rock, with steep drops beside you. There are parts where you will need to use chains and a ladder. In some places a fall could be fatal.
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.
