Wellington Regional Trails

The multi-day circuit around Mount Holdsworth gives you the opportunity to explore the tops of the Tararua Range. Enjoy 360-degree views of Wairarapa and Wellington.

Walking time

12 hr

Length

22.1km

Uses

Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Intermediate: Easier tramping track

Profile

1130m climb

-1130m descent

1456m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

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About the trail

Grab a group of friends and head out on a multi-day adventure through the Wellington region’s glorious untouched backyard.

The Jumbo Circuit is a two to three-day tramp through beech-podocarp forest to the top of the Tararua Range. From the top of Mount Holdsworth, enjoy 360-degree views over Wellington and the Wairarapa Plains.

What to expect

Powell Hut in Tararua Forest Park in the Wairarapa region. It's a small green hose with a orange-red rood with a big wooden deck on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush greenery.

The trail starts from the entrance to Tararua Forest Park on Mount Holdsworth Road. To get there, turn off State Highway 2 into Norfolk Road and follow the signs to Tararua Forest Park.

There are regular train services from Wellington to Masterton. Timetables are available from the Metlink website. However, you will need to drive or pre-book a taxi from Masterton to Tararua Forest Park.

Looking for more?

Four people walk along the ride on Bus Barn Track, from the Butterfly Creek Loop. The setting sun shines through the native trees.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.

The famous swing bridge on The Escarpment Track, is a hiking trail that runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and Kapiti Island.

Escarpment Track

Take in spectacular views of Kapiti Island from high above the Kāpiti Coastline.

A mountain biker sits at the end of a hill ridge on the Puketiro Loop track looking out towards the Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Puketiro Loop

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb through dense pine plantations and take in views over Pāuatahanui on this intermediate trail suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders.

A small wooden bridge goes over a swamp and leads into trees on the Restoration Trail, at Battle Hill Farm.

Restoration Trail

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkEnjoy a short leisurely bike ride or stroll through farmland, wetlands, and an old airstrip.

Rolling grassy hills with groups of trees scattered throughout under a blue sky with big white fluffy clouds.

Battle Hill Summit Loop

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb to the summit of Battle Hill for great views over the Horokiwi Valley and towards Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Two bikers going through a dark tunnel on the Rail Trail Section on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Rail Trail section

Remutaka Cycle TrailTake an invigorating ride tracing an historic railway line through stunning native bush.

2 bikers cycling along the track next to the road, on the Western lake Road Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Western Lake Road section

Remutaka Cycle TrailA gentle countryside ride along the shores of Lake Wairarapa, ending at the wild South Coast.

Cyclists on the beach at Cape Palliser.

Wild Coast Trail section

Remutaka Cycle TrailThe final and most scenic section includes a windswept ride along a remote and rugged coastline.

a birds-eye view of four people walking across a swing bridge surrounded by lush green forest on the Cannon Point Walkway in Upper Hutt, New Zealand.

Cannon Point Walkway

Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.

Castlepoint, Wairarapa. Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

In a region full of wonderful vistas, this short trail along a wild, rugged coastline leads to one of the most recognisable landmarks in New Zealand.

The native bush surrounding the path in the Donnelly FLat loop walk.

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

An easy walk for the whole family among mature podocarp and broadleaf native trees in the Tararua Range.

Person walking through trees on the Gentle annie trail.

Gentle Annie Track

Climb up to Mountain House Shelter along one of the most popular half-day trails in Tararua Forest Park.

A dirt path cuts through green grass and hay paddocks on the Greytown to Woodside trail.

Greytown to Woodside Trail

The original Greytown to Woodside railway line provides a beautiful and family-friendly walking path.

A small structure on a cliffside in the Mākara Walkway in the Wellington Region with the West Wind Farm visible in the background.

Mākara Walkway

Clamber high above the Mākara Beach cliffs and discover exhilarating views, WWII gun emplacements, breathtaking beachfront, and historic pā sites.

A fur seal sitting on a rock on the Red Rocks Coastal Walkway on Wellington's south coast.

Red Rocks Track

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.