10 October 2026
Cloud about the tops, and the odd shower.
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1 / 6Holdsworth area
Gentle Annie Track
One of the most popular day trips in the park is the climb to Mountain House Shelter along the easy grade of the Gentle Annie Track.
Distance
11.94 km
Walking time
3 hr 30 min - 4 hr return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Predator control for part of Tararua Forest Park
Atiwhakatu Track active slip
Predator control for part of Tararua Forest Park
Road into Holdsworth Campsite storm damaged
Predator control Tararua Forest Park
Weather outlook
Tararua Forest Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
11 October 2026
Showers, clearing in the afternoon, but cloud and drizzle remaining about western slopes.
12 October 2026
Fine, apart from morning drizzle. A few showers at night.
13 October 2026
Showers, some possibly heavy.
14 October 2026
Rain, with heavy falls.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Gentle Annie Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Gentle Annie Track
From the Mt Holdsworth Campground area, this track starts along the flat by the Atiwhakatu steam, which can be muddy in sections after rain. Follow the signs that point to Rocky Lookout or to Powell Hut . The track is well maintained and easy to follow, but steepens with a good amount of stairs, and it takes between an hour to two hours to Rocky Lookout depending on your fitness. After reaching Rocky Lookout, the track returns to a moderate incline as it sidles around to the intersection with the track down to Totara Flats. Continuing past this intersection, the track is then reasonably flat before a short descent down to Mountain House Shelter, which is about another 30 minutes along. From there, either return the way you came, or for the more adventurous, consider descending River Ridge Track , before turning right and following Atiwhakatu Track back to Holdsworth Lodge (allow 2 hours 30 mins).
Essential information for Gentle Annie Track
Dogs are permitted on this track. There are bathrooms at the beginning of the Rocky Lookout Track at the Mount Holdsworth campsite. Carry water and food for your walk and enjoy a break at the lookout. As this is an alpine walk, the weather and temperature can be drastically different from your start point. Expect snow and ice during the winter months and ensure you have lots of layers and appropriate equipment all year round. This track has little to no cell phone coverage.
Huts and campsites
There are multiple huts in this forest park including Powell Hut , Jumbo Hut , and Atiwhakatu Hut which are all part of the Mt Holdsworth-Jumbo circuit . Powell Hut is the closest to Mountain House Shelter. If planning to head there, use Holdsworth roadend to Powell Hut Track to plan your trip. Bookings are required and can become full quickly at popular times of the year. Additionally, Holdsworth Campsite at the beginning of this walk is suitable for camping. There is also a bookable lodge at the campsite.
Getting there for Gentle Annie Track
Rocky Lookout Track begins at the end of Mount Holdsworth Road. Turn off at Norfolk Road off of State Highway 2 and follow to the end of the road. There is also both bus and train to the closest town, Masterton. From there you can book private transport eg a taxi. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Gentle Annie Track
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
Before you walk Gentle Annie Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.