Wellington Regional Trails
The view from the ridgeline on the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit in the Tararua Range.

Spend the night at Powell Hut or continue on to the Mount Holdsworth summit on this one or two-day adventure in the Tararua Range.

Walking time
3 hrs one way to Powell or 4 hrs to Mt Holdsworth
Length
9.2km
Uses
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile

880m to Powell Hut climb

1456m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
The view of mountain ranges from a wooden deck.

The view from Powell Hut on Mount Holdsworth, looking east over Wairarapa.

About the trail

This popular intermediate-level trail is an ideal trip for those new to exploring the Tararua Range. 

Roadend to Powell Hut

The trail follows the Gentle Annie Track to Mountain House Shelter. From there, you’ll climb through dense beech forest to Powell Hut. Most walkers choose to spend the night here before returning along the same route. The return journey to Powell Hut takes 5 to 6 hours to complete.

Just below the hut, a rocky outcrop has excellent views of High Ridge and Totara Flats below in the Waiohine Valley.

Powell Hut to Mount Holdsworth summit

From Powell Hut you can walk a bit further to the Mount Holdsworth summit (1,470 metres). The return trip to the summit can be completed in 7 to 8 hours.

This section of trail is also part of the popular Jumbo Circuit. If you’re up for a longer adventure, you can continue to Jumbo Circuit at the summit.

Looking for more?

At start of items
The view of mountain ranges from a wooden deck.

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit is a popular multi-day hike in the Tararua Range. Explore the mountains and take in panoramic views of the Wellington region.

Kāeaea Track Summit view looks out across Wellington Harbour, with Matiu/Somes Island on the right and Mākaro/Ward Island on the left. Behind Mākaro, the Miramar peninsula.

MacKenzie Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkMacKenzie Road Track has steep steps and a zigzag trail to meet up with Main Ridge Track in East Harbour Regional Park.

Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkBus Barn Track is an easy trail in Eastbourne through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees. Connect to the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area.

Section of trail looking back towards Wellington harbour and Matiu/Somes Island.

Muritai Park Track

East Harbour Regional ParkMuritai Park Track is one of the main access points for the Butterfly Creek Track in the Northern Forest of East Harbour Regional Park.

A person leaps across a stream while another follows, on the East harbour Regional park Kowhai Street track.

Kererū Track

East Harbour Regional ParkKererū Track is an intermediate walk that weaves through mature forest. See kererū and orchids with views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.

The trail around Pencarrow Lakes and Eastbourne Lighthouse. Green hills meet with the blue ocean and lakes, and the white lighthouse is in the distance.

Lighthouse Track

East Harbour Regional ParkThe Lighthouse Track in Eastbourne leads you uphill to one of Wellington’s most iconic landmarks, Pencarrow Lighthouse.

Three hikers and a dog walking in desnse ferns surrounded by mossy trees and native New Zealand bush.

Holdsworth to Kaitoke Track

A classic three day hike through the Tararua Range, following the Waiohine and Tauwharenīkau rivers for 34 kilometres.

A group of mountain bikers ride side-by-side along a gravel path with puddles. They are surrounded by lush green bush.

Karapoti Challenge Course

Ride the scenic 20km Karapoti Challenge Course through Akatarawa Forest. Get driving directions, parking info, and safety tips before you go.

Two people walking down wooden steps on the Escarpment Track. The coastal road in the background has many cars on it, and nearby are large rocky outcrops on the shoreline.

Escarpment Track

The Escarpment Track runs from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay. An intermediate-level walk. One of Wellington's best walking experiences with views to Kapiti Island.

The clay track of G-Drop in Tunnel Gully, Upper Hutt on a rainy day.

G-Drop

Tunnel GullyG-Drop is a fast, narrow, straight-line trail down a pine forest in Tunnel Gully. The track is intermediate for mountain bikers and easy for walkers.