Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track

The first half of this section is a well-formed gravel walkway. Through the second half, the track is less well-formed, muddy in places, steep with many tree roots. From Holdsworth Lodge, cross the bridge and continue up the track in the direction of Donnelly’s Flat. Turn left at the signpost and climb the Gentle Annie track towards Mountain House Shelter. This track is well graded, and offers several lookout points. The track follows the ridge to the Totara Creek turnoff. Follow the track along the ridge to a high point, 575m, and continue along the track, heading down towards Totara Creek. Follow the creek on the true left to the swingbridge crossing, then continue down stream on the true right. At the Waiohine River, cross the bridge and follow the signs to Totara Flats Hut. Totara Flats has numerous camping sites. Campers who use hut facilities are required to pay one hut ticket.

The first 2 hours of this track can be rocky and uneven under foot. The track then climbs to Cone Saddle and drops to Cone Hut. Expect to encounter stream crossings, muddy sections and windfalls across the track. The track can be narrow and indistinct in this places. From the hut the track continues down river across the flats. Before reaching a high bluff, swing away from the river, following the track up a steep short climb onto a high river terrace and continue to the river. A large slip will be encountered shortly. Either follow the all-weather track over the slip (30 minutes), or travel downstream on the river terrace to Makaka Creek (only possible when the river is low). Cross the Makaka Creek bridge and climb up the bank to the marked junction. Turn right onto the Cone Saddle track and climb steadily up a spur to the ridge top. From here the track sidles into Clem Creek and climbs to Cone Saddle. Descend the track to Cone Hut in the Tauherenikau Valley. Cone hut is a basic hut and does not require hut tickets. From Cone Hut go down river, crossing muddy terraces and grassy flats, to Tutuwai Hut.

This track is relatively flat until Smith Creek. Beyond Smith Creek, expect to encounter small slips, stream crossings, muddy and slippery sections and windfalls across the track. Slips and washouts along this section of the track have caused the terrain in some areas to become steep, narrow and slippery and can be difficult to negotiate. Caution is required when crossing. From Tutuwai Hut continue down the true left, crossing grass flats and bush terraces past low wide slips. Climb onto the river terraces, where the track continues downstream to a swingbridge. Cross the bridge and follow the track. Some side streams must be treated with care in wet weather. After crossing grassy river flats, Smith Creek shelter is reached. The shelter is not suitable for overnight stays. The track from here follows Smith Creek up-stream to the base of the Puffer Track. Climb the Puffer Track to a saddle and down to the Kaitoke roadend carpark, located along Kiwi Ranch Road.

Totara Flats Hut Cone Hut Tutuwai Hut

Holdsworth end Turn off State Highway 2 onto Norfolk Road, 2 km south of Masterton. This is signposted and there is a timber processing plant on the corner. Follow Norfolk Road 15 km to Mount Holdsworth road end. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Kaitoke end Turn off State Highway 2 onto Marchant Road (signposted at the western side of the Remutaka Hill) at the YMCA Camp Kaitoke turnoff. Near the end of Marchant Road, turn right into Kiwi Ranch Road. The carpark is located on the left, approximately 500 m along Kiwi Ranch Road. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.

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 .

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.