Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Wellington > Upper Hutt > Dobsons Hut / Smiths Creek - Tauherenikau
Dobsons Hut / Smiths Creek - Tauherenikau
- Location
- Access is off SH2, turn left at Kaitoke just east of the Pakuratahi Bridge. Proceed up Marchant Road and follow signposts to the Puffer Track.
- Description
Smiths Creek
This track leads into a beautiful valley in the Tatarua Forest Park. The track follows the Puffer Track through WRC land and enters State Forest after the first major ridge at the top of the Puffer. Turn right at approximately two thirds of the distance before the top of the Puffer Track. The track drops steeply to Smiths Creek (about one hour) – a popular "brewing up" spot. A benched track continues down Smiths Creek for a further one hour to the Tauherenikau River and Smiths Creek shelter. This trip has attractive bush and river scenery.
Marchant Spur and Dobson Hut Site
Proceed three quarters of the way along the Puffer Track and turn left to get to the old Dobsons Hut site and Marchant Ridge, which is signposted. This walk goes from regenerated bush site into sub alpine bush. Spectacular views of the Tauherenikau Valley, Wairarapa and Hutt Valley from Marchant Spur, Mt Marchant at 1038m.
6 hours to Mt Marchant and 4 hours to Dobson Hutt.
Loop Walk
This tramp follows Dobsons Hut and Smith Creek Shelter Tracks, returning to the start of the Tararua Forest Park. Walking time is 5 hours.
NO TOILET FACILITIES AVAILABLE
- Source
- Upper Hutt City Council Walkways Booklet
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk