Renata-Alpha Crossing

Distance/times: Akatawara Road to Maymorn Junction: 9.9km / 3 hrs Maymorn to Rentata Hut: 1.5km / 45 minutes This route starts at Akatarawa Saddle on Akatarawa Road, between Upper Hutt and Waikanae. The Waiotauru 4WD Road (also known as Odlin’s Road) begins on the eastern side of the saddle—follow this road as it climbs into the hills. This is a shared-use track, so be mindful of 4WD vehicles and dirt bikes. The initial section is relatively easy walking. The road winds up a long ridge, passing a notable slip near the edge of the track shortly before Maymorn Junction. At Maymorn Junction, take the ridge track signposted for Renata Hut. This forested tramping track follows the ridge for 1.5 km before reaching Renata Hut .

Distance: 7.2 km Time: 4-5 hours Continue along the Renata Ridge Track from Renata Hut, gradually climbing to the Renata high point (924 m). From there, the track follows Renata Ridge as it loops north before turning back. It then climbs toward Elder, reaching Elder Hut just before the Elder high point. This section is one of the more manageable tracks in the Tararuas, with a relatively gentle gradient and no major obstacles to scramble over or navigate.

Distance: 5.9 km Time: 3-4 hours From Elder Hut, the track continues along Renata Ridge, climbing steeply toward the main Tararua Range. It eventually emerges from the bush and ascends to the Aston high point (2.8 km / up to 2 hrs). At Aston, the track meets the Southern Crossing route. Follow this route over Alpha (1361 m), then descend to Alpha Hut , located just below the bush line (3.1 km / up to 2 hrs). Gaiters will be helpful here to help get through the vegetation.

Distance: 16.3 km Time: 8-9 hours From Alpha Hut, descend from 1187 m to the saddle at Hells Gate, then climb onto Marchant Ridge. Along the ridge, you’ll pass the Bull Mound, Omega, and Block 16 track turn-offs—these provide alternative routes into the Tauherenikau Valley but require a river crossing, which may be hazardous after heavy rain. Marchant Ridge is a long, forested section with rough terrain underfoot and can become muddy in wet conditions, often slowing progress. The section from the Smith Creek Shelter junction along the Dobson Loop Track has mobile phone reception. Watch carefully for the track turn-off leading into the Kiwi Ranch Road car park, where the route ends.

The track can be started from Akatarawa Saddle , or from Kaitoke, at the Kiwi Ranch Road car park . Leaving a vehicle at the Akatarawa Saddle is not advised due to break-ins.

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 . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive 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.