Tararua Forest Park

Straddling the lower North Island between Wellington and the Wairarapa, Tararua Forest Park is a wild, weather-beaten expanse of ancient rainforest, tussock-clad tops, and fast-flowing rivers. This is tramping country in the truest sense – a place where mist clings to the ridges, and you’ll hear nothing but the wind and the bellbirds. For seasoned hikers and those craving a proper New Zealand wilderness experience, the Tararuas offer some of the most challenging and rewarding multi-day walks in the region.

Highlights & What to See

• Southern Crossing – A classic three-to-four-day traverse across the park’s heart, taking in alpine tops, beech forest, and the famous cone-shaped Mount Hector.
• Mount Holdsworth – The most accessible peak, with a network of day walks from the Holdsworth Lodge, including the popular Powell Hut loop offering panoramic views.
• Jumbo Hut & Alpha Hut – Iconic backcountry huts nestled in the high country, perfect for overnight stays and experiencing the raw Tararua atmosphere.
• Waiohine Gorge – A dramatic river canyon with swimming holes, short walks, and the start of several longer tramping routes.
• Arete & Neill Peaks – For experienced trampers, these knife-edge ridges provide a thrilling day or overnight mission with exposed scrambling.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least three days to truly appreciate the park – enough for a classic overnight tramp like the Southern Crossing or a loop from Mount Holdsworth. Day-trippers can tackle a shorter walk from Holdsworth or Waiohine in 4–6 hours, but the weather can change fast, so always be prepared. If you’re short on time, a full day hiking to Powell Hut and back is a superb taster.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Martinborough – After the wilderness, unwind in this charming wine village, famous for its pinot noir and relaxed cellar doors.
• Cape Palliser – Rugged coastal scenery, a historic lighthouse, and a huge fur seal colony – a dramatic contrast to the forest.
• Wellington – The capital city is just an hour’s drive south, offering museums, craft beer, and the Te Papa museum.
• Otaki – A surf beach town on the Kapiti Coast, ideal for a post-hike fish and chips and a dip in the sea.

Please check official sources for current details.