Tararua Northern Crossing: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The Northern Crossing is an unmarked track that links the Ōhau and Waingawa catchments in Tararua Forest Park and is one of four classic tramps in the park.

This DOC directory entry covers Tararua Northern Crossing 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: 3 – 5 days
• DOC grade: 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.

• Tarn Ridge Hut unsafe; First published on 6 November 2019. Last reviewed on 14 September 2026.

Dog access

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

Description

One of four classic tramps in the Tararuas, the Northern Crossing links the Ōhau and Waingawa catchments. Depending on weather conditions it can take between three to five days to complete. It is recommended for experienced trampers only, and requires good navigation and map reading skills as the track is unmarked.

Like the Southern Crossing, It involves travelling along the open tops. The Northern Crossing covers some famous Tararua peaks such as Pukematawai (1432 m), Arete (1505 m), Waiohine Pinnacles (1400 m), Girdlestone (1546 m) and Mitre (1571 m), which is the highest peak in the park. The open tops section from Pukematawai to Mitre peaks is currently not marked.

The difference to the Southern Crossing lies in the river valley approaches instead of the long forested ridge approaches.

High river levels in the Ohau Valley can be a major obstacle, often necessitating a time-consuming deviation along Gable End Ridge.

Huts

The main overnight shelters are Te Matawai Hut in the west and Mitre Flats Hut next to the Waingawa River in the east. The main alpine huts are Arete Hut off Arete peak and Tarn Ridge Hut northwest of Girdlestone.

Getting there

To access from the western side, on State Highway 1 at Levin, turn into Tararua Road and then into Gladstone Road. Turn right at the signposted junction which takes you to the start of the track. The tramp ends at the Holdsworth road end or the Pines carpark (see the Mitre Flats & Hut walk), although it can be started from either the western or eastern side.

Know before you go

What to expect

• A challenging backcountry tramp, with a rough unformed track, marker poles, and sections of untracked tops that you will have to navigate.

• The Tararua tops are notorious for their frequent strong winds, thick mist, freezing temperatures and rain/snow. Be prepared to encounter these conditions at any time of year, even if the weather looks nice in the morning.

Skills/experience needed

• Extensive experience in backcountry tramping, including in untracked areas and in bad weather. You need to be able to judge when the conditions are safe to proceed and when to wait or turn back.

• Good navigation and map reading skills. You need to be able to navigate in untracked areas and in low visibility.

• Good river crossing skills and the confidence to judge when a river is safe to cross.

• The fitness for a demanding 3-5 day tramp.

Assess the weather often and be ready to change your plans

Frequent freezing temperatures, thick mist and gale-force winds can make the Tararua tops deadly. There have been fatalities in the alpine areas of the Northern Crossing.

Regularly assess the weather and consider turning back or waiting in a hut if you don’t have the experience or equipment for the current conditions.

How to plan and prepare

Arete Hut forecast.

Only cross the Ohau River is you are confident it is safe. Take particular care if it is in flood or following high/sustained rainfall. You can avoid crossing the Ōhau River by taking a route around Gable End Ridge.

When packing for this trip, note:

• This is a remote tramp and you will need to be self-sufficient. Make sure to pack a distress beacon, emergency shelter and extra food in case of delays.

• Pack plenty of warm and waterproof clothing.

• A map and compass or GPS are essential for this route.

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.