Last Updated: 27th Feb 2024
Holdsworth Lodge to Totara Flats Hut and return
Last Updated: 27th Feb 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 44 ?
Gnarl Factor: 70 ?
22.0km
1270m
1270m
575m
Last Updated: 27th Feb 2024
Last Updated: 27th Feb 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 44 ?
Gnarl Factor: 70 ?
22.0km
1270m
1270m
575m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.1%
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Not suitable
Slow
6:00
Moderate
4:00
Fast
From Holdsworth Lodge, cross the bridge and continue up the track toward Donnelly Flat. Turn left at the signpost and climb the ‘Gentle Annie’ track towards Mountain House shelter. This well-graded track follows the ridge to the Totara Creek turnoff. Follow the track along the ridge to a high point, 575 m, and continue along the track, heading down towards Totara Creek.
Follow the creek on the left to the swing bridge crossing, then continue down the stream on the right. At the Waiohine River, cross the bridge and follow the signs to Totara Flats Hut, which has mattresses, wardens’ quarters and toilets. Retrace your steps for the return.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Daily rail and regular bus services operate between Wellington and Masterton. Taxis, or prebooked buses for large parties, can be hired for travel between Masterton and Holdsworth. Plenty of public parking and camp sites at Holdsworth
21 km
23 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Follow the orange DOC triangles
Non-existent.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters
Take your own water
Tararua Forest Park has severe weather conditions at times. Always carry enough clothing and rainwear for cold conditions. Check weather forecasts before departing and allow ample food for your journey. Whilst the major rivers on this route are bridged, some side streams are not. These can rise very rapidly in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded streams. Be prepared to wait if conditions become dangerous.
Watermill Bakery
Blakes Road where Norfolk Road and Holdsworth Road meet
no website
1. If you’re hungry and it’s Friday your first stop should be Bolly’s or Norfolk Road Pizza, officially known as the Watermill Bakery. You know somewhere is good if they don’t advertise, have no website, are located at the end of a gravel road, and are full every Friday. You have to ring them on a landline (+64 06 370 1129) to order the number of bases you will want for the evening and tell them what time you will be coming. From 5pm onward you head out to Blake’s Road at the base of the Tararua Ranges where you will find a log cabin centred around a pizza oven. They only take cash and they don’t sell drinks so you will need to take your own or help yourself to a glass of water from the tap. Share large tables, a beer and a chat. The pizza is delicious and the surroundings are so laid back they’re horizontal, this is the perfect setting for a super chilled evening after a great tramp.
Clarevile Bakery
3340 State Highway 2 Clareville Carterton 5713
https://theclarevillebakery.co.nz/
Clareville Bakery is home of New Zealand's best pie for 2014, and some of the best artisan bread and European-style pastries you can buy. All made on-site from natural ingredients. Treat yourself to a cronut or a bite-sized 'Mikecronut' (made by baker Mike) - they're irresistible!
Trail Legend
has completed Holdsworth Lodge to Totara Flats Hut and return once in the last year.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Holdsworth Lodge to Totara Flats Hut and return
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We did a slight varient- we turned right towards atiwhakatu and then went up river ridge track and along pig flats to the turn off which made it a loop rather then a true out and back.
The climb back up from Totara flats will keep ya honest!
January 3, 2022
Beautiful but tough run, has a bit of everything, easy trail at the Holdsworth end, rooty, technical steep section down to the river and spectacular single trail along the river at the Totara Flats end.
The swing bridge just before Totara Flats is long and moves a lot in wind so be prepared if you struggle with that
March 1, 2021
Almost made the full out and back - couple of kms short due to issues getting my butt across the swing bridge (sometimes the fear is just too real).
Beautiful place to run. Stunning views, bird song and lots of climbing. This will make a great final slog for those doing Tararua Mountain Race this year (2021)
January 22, 2021
Anything in the Tararuas is great. this one is a good taster for wilder climes beyond.
March 4, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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