Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Wellington > Kapiti Coast > Tararua Northern Crossing
Tararua Northern Crossing
- Location
- To access from the western side, on State Highway 1 at Levin, turn into Tararua Road and then into Gladstone Road. Turn right at the signposted junction which takes you to the start of the track. The tramp ends at the Holdsworth road end or the Pines car park, although it can be started from either the western or eastern side.
- Description
One of four classic tramps in the Tararuas, the Northern Crossing links the Ohau and Waingawa catchments. Depending on weather conditions it can take between three to five days to complete. It is recommended for experienced trampers only, and requires good navigation and map reading skills.
Like the Southern Crossing, it involves travelling along the open tops. The Northern Crossing covers some famous Tararua peaks such as Pukematawai (1432 m), Arete (1505 m), Waiohine Pinnacles (1400 m), Girdlestone (1546 m) and Mitre (1571 m), which is the highest peak in the park. The difference to the Southern Crossing lies in the river valley approaches instead of the long forested ridge approaches.
High river levels in the Ohau Valley can be a major obstacle, often necessitating a time-consuming deviation along Gable End Ridge.
Visit the website below for more information.
- Level
- Hard
- Amenities
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- Carpark
- Historical
- Huts
- Plant Life
- Tramping
- Source
- www.doc.govt.nz
- Discussion
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