Wellington Regional Trails

Ōtaki Gorge Road has reopened

Vehicle access is possible as far Boielles and the overnight car parks. The road remains closed south of the overnight parking area, while further work is completed.

Find out more

Last updated: 12 July 2025

Enjoy a versatile hike through grasslands, bush and tussock to the oldest surviving recreational hut in the Tararua Range.

Walking time
3 hr
Length
5.9km
Uses
Tramping/Hiking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile

862m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Ōtaki Forks to Field Hut is a common way to access the famous Southern Crossing in the Tararua Range. The trail is a pleasant steady climb through beech forest. 

This classic Tararua tramp is the perfect overnight trip, taking only a few hours to complete. It’s suitable for older kids and family groups. 

Built in 1924, Field Hut was one of the first purpose-built tramping huts in the country and is the oldest surviving recreational hut in the Tararua Range. It provides a welcome respite for trampers in poor weather. 

More experienced hikers, can continue onto Kime Hut a few hours away. The walk to Kime Hut offers great views, snow in the winter, and a boardwalk across hundreds of metres of vulnerable subalpine bogs.

The exterior of Field Hut in Tararua Forest Park. People are sitting on the deck eating. Native trees surround the hut.

Field Hut in the Tararua Range.

Looking for more?

At start of items
Two people walking down wooden steps on the Escarpment Track. The coastal road in the background has many cars on it, and nearby are large rocky outcrops on the shoreline.

Escarpment Track

The Escarpment Track runs from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay. An intermediate-level walk. One of Wellington's best walking experiences with views to Kapiti Island.

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MacKenzie Road Track

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Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

Bus Barn Track

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A person leaps across a stream while another follows, on the East harbour Regional park Kowhai Street track.

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Holdsworth roadend to Powell Hut is a popular hike in the Tararua Range. Explore the mountains and take in panoramic views of the Wairarapa and Wellington.

The view of mountain ranges from a wooden deck.

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit is a popular multi-day hike in the Tararua Range. Explore the mountains and take in panoramic views of the Wellington region.

Four hikers walk up the Kime Hut Walk in the Tararua Forest Park.

Tararua Southern Crossing in Tararua Forest Park

Set aside a few days and travel the snow-capped ridgelines of the Tararua Ranges from Ōtaki to Kaitoke.

The clay track of G-Drop in Tunnel Gully, Upper Hutt on a rainy day.

G-Drop

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