Wellington Regional Trails
The view of mountain ranges from a wooden deck.

The multi-day circuit around Mount Holdsworth gives you the opportunity to explore the tops of the Tararua Range. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Wairarapa region and Wellington.

Walking time
12 hr
Length
22.1km
Uses
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile

1130m climb

-1130m descent

1456m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
Powell Hut in Tararua Forest Park in the Wairarapa region. It's a small green hose with a orange-red rood with a big wooden deck on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush greenery.

About the trail

Grab a group of friends and head out on a multi-day adventure through the Wellington region’s glorious untouched backyard.

The Jumbo Circuit is a two to three-day tramp through beech-podocarp forest to the top of the Tararua Range. From the top of Mount Holdsworth, enjoy 360-degree views over Wellington and the Wairarapa Plains.

What to expect

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At start of items
The view from the ridgeline on the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit in the Tararua Range.

Holdsworth roadend to Powell Hut/Mount Holdsworth

Holdsworth roadend to Powell Hut is a popular hike in the Tararua Range. Explore the mountains and take in panoramic views of the Wairarapa and Wellington.

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.