Wellington Regional Trails
Four hikers walk up the Kime Hut Walk in the Tararua Forest Park.

Set aside a few days and traverse the ridgelines of the Tararua Range from Ōtaki to Kaitoke.

Walking time
3 days
Length
33.8km
Uses
Tramping/Hiking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Advanced: Tramping track
Profile

1420m climb

-1160m descent

1526m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

The Tararua Southern Crossing is one of the four classic tramps of the Tararua Range. The multi-day hike traverses the alpine ridges from Ōtaki Forks to Kaitoke. It is recommended for advanced trampers with good navigation and map reading skills. The weather conditions can often be poor and change quickly.

The alpine tops section (Table Top to Mount Alpha) offers spectacular views south of Wellington Harbour, the Marlborough Sounds and the Kaikōura Mountains.

Originally used as a transport route from Ōtaki Forks to the Wairarapa Plains, the trail was made popular during the 1920s and 30s by local tramping clubs. If you're an expert tramper with appropriate equipment, a winter crossing along snow-capped ridgelines is one of the best experiences you'll find in Tararua Forest Park.

Person walking on a trail surrounded by a dense forest of moss covered trees.
Two hikers walking along a snowy mountain ridge, surrounded by low cloud.
Four hikers walk along a wooden path surrounded by tall grass.

What to expect

Getting there

You can start and finish the trail at either end, and car parking is available.

Ōtaki Forks

From State Highway 1, turn off onto Ōtaki Gorge Road. The trail starts at the end of the road.

Kaitoke

From State Highway 2, turn onto Marchant Road (signposted at the western side of Remutaka Hill) at the YMCA Camp Kaitoke turn-off. Near the end of Marchant Road, turn right onto Kiwi Ranch Road and continue for 500m until you reach the car park.

Train services connect Wellington to Kāpiti and Upper Hutt, and timetables are available from Metlink. There is no public transport to the trailhead.

Five hikers walk up a ridgeline in Tararua Forest Park.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Check the track status on the Department of Conservation website before you go. The track can be muddy after rain and the access road may be closed due to slips after heavy rain.
  • The weather on the exposed tussock tops can be brutal. Cold weather, heavy mist and strong winds can come up quickly, even if the weather looks okay before you leave. Always check the MetService alpine weather forecast before you go.
  • Excellent route-finding skills are required as it can get particularly difficult to navigate in misty conditions and in poor weather.
  • There have been several search and rescues, some with tragic outcomes in the Tararua Ranges. Be willing to postpone your trip if bad weather is forecast, or if you are unsure.
  • Carrying a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or satellite phone is recommended. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
  • Plan your route before you leave and always tell someone about your plans.
  • Take enough food and water, warm waterproof clothing, hiking boots, and sunscreen.
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Looking for more?

At start of items
A hiker climbs a set of stairs surrounded by a dark lush forest.

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Five hikers walk up a ridgeline in Tararua Forest Park.

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