The Tararua 1500's

This trail includes the peaks Mount Dundas, East Peak, Peggy's Peak, McGregor, Brockett, North King, South King, Middle King, Angle Knob, Arete, Logan, Pukemoremore, Field Peak, Mount Hector, Mount Holdsworth, Mitre/Pukeamoamo, Girdlestone, Bannister, Lancaster, Jumbo/Pukeahurangi, Winchcombe Peak and Neill.

The Tararuas should really be called the Northern Alps. They may have a notorious reputation but on a fine day are stunning in their rugged beauty. From the sub-alpine Goblin Forests to the craggy tops, they are ever changing. From the Stan Evans memorial cross on Herepai at one end of the range to Field Hut, the oldest hut in the Tararuas, there are many features steeped in history. On the approach to Lancaster the majestic Park Valley can be seen in all its glory, the only glacier-formed feature in the range. Tallest of the 1500's at 1571m, Mitre Peak provides some fun rock scrambling on the North-western approach to the summit. And finally the Hector Cross marking the penultimate 1500m peak on the route, which was erected by Wellington tramping clubs as a memorial to trampers killed in the Second World War. It's a nice place to reflect, when the weather allows... For a detailed history Chris MacLeans "Tararua: The Story of a Mountain Range" makes a great read if you can get your hands on it.

Transport and parking:

This route starts and ends on opposite sides and opposite ends of a mountain range. Get a good mate to drop you off and scrape you up at the end.

Distance from Eketahuna:

19 km

Driving time from Eketahuna:

24 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

No

Navigation Rating:

Extreme.

Navigation Tips:

This route is largely untracked and as such anyone undertaking it should be comfortable in their own abilities to identify and negotiate the many navigational challenges thrown up by it. It is strongly recommended that you reccie all sections of the route before taking it on in one go.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters

Availability of Water:

Herepai Hut (tank), tarn north of Logan, Arete Biv (tank), Tarn Ridge Hut (tank), tarn on the northern approach to North King, tarn just south of Mid King summit, Various tarns between Angle Knob and Jumbo (best used as backups, not on direct route), Powell Hut (tank), Mountain House Shelter (tank), Totara Flats Hut (tank), Large tarn just north of Cone Peak, tarn on eastern approach to Mt Hector, Kime Hut (tank), Field Hut (tank). Tank water is generally thought to be safe without treatment, tarn water is sitting and therefore should be treated with Aquatabs or similar before drinking. Be prepared to scoop up some wriggly things... There are some sections where water sources are few and far between, the ability to carry 3L of water should do the trick for these.

Seasonality Issues:

Over long periods of little rain, water sources can become unreliable. Tarns and tanks can dry up, consider seeking local knowledge for current conditions if in doubt. This is a very exposed route, the majority of which is on open tops, a good weather window of 48hrs should therefore be considered a minimum. Due to the length/exposure of the route it lends itself to summer attempts to take advantage of longer daylight hours and warmer conditions.

Hazards:

The Tararuas have been gifted with a grand total of around 80 fine days a year. The rest? Well one look at the angle the trees grow at near the tops will give you an idea of what it's like for the rest of the year. Even if the weather is fine when you set out be prepared for storm conditions. Keep well clear of the tops if a southerly front is forecast. Clag (mist) is often present in the Tararuas and can make navigation difficult. This is rugged terrain, there are a number of sections requiring some clambers with exposure to large drops. These include: Section between Bannister and Pt. 1513, Section between Waiohine Pinnacles and Tarn Ridge, approach to Girdlestone, approach and retreat from Mitre, Descent off North King, Sidle around Broken Axe Pinnacles, Descent off Neill (watch for slip on west descent, track is north of this) Section from Winchcombe to Mt Hector. Spaniard Grass (AKA Bastard Grass) is stabby and will not be your friend.
This is a committed route, if things turn pear shaped any help will be a long time arriving. Carry sufficient gear to keep you alive should you be stopped on the tops by injury or weather. Bail out options involve long treks out, be familiar with these options as there is a very real chance that you will need them. Sleep monsters are real...

Your Support Person
Otaki Forks Road-end
After a beer and a feed (hot and savory please Mrs/Mr support person!) the only place you'll be wanting to go is home and bed.