11 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with patchy drizzle.
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1 / 9Holdsworth area
Rocky Lookout
Walk up to a viewing platform for extensive views of the surrounding area.
Distance
6 km
Walking time
2 hours return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Road into Holdsworth Campsite storm damaged
Predator control Tararua Forest Park
Weather outlook
Tararua Forest Park forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
12 October 2026
Morning drizzle in the west, otherwise fine. Clouding over everywhere in the evening.
13 October 2026
Showers, some heavy in the afternoon and evening.
14 October 2026
Occasional rain.
15 October 2026
Heavy rain easing to showers. Snow lowering to 1300 metres.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Rocky Lookout on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Rocky Lookout
This is a family friendly track that takes walkers up a one-way track to sweeping views of the valley below. It its well maintained and easy to follow up from the Mt Holdsworth Campground area. This track follows the Gentle Annie Track and takes around an hour up depending on your fitness. It begins along the flat by the Atiwhakatu stream which can be muddy in sections after rain. Follow the signs that point to Rocky Lookout or to Powell Hut. The track then steepens with a good amount of stairs. Follow this track until you get to Rocky Lookout point to the left of the main track. Return the way you came, or continue along Gentle Annie for a longer walk.
Essential information for Rocky Lookout
Dogs are permitted on this track. There are bathrooms at the Mount Holdsworth campsite, and opposite Holdsworth Lodge. 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 the chance of 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 and Jumbo Hut are serviced huts, whilst Atiwhakatu is a standard hut. Bookings are required for all three and can become full quickly at popular times of the year. Holdsworth Campsite at the beginning of this walk is suitable for camping. There is also a bookable lodge at the campsite.
Getting there for Rocky Lookout
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 Rocky Lookout
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Before you walk Rocky Lookout
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.