Cone Ridge Loop

The Tararua goblin forest on Cone Ridge is magical. Also, there is a lot of history to Totara Flats, worth reading up on it.

There are public toilets at the start and at Totara Flats hut.

Waiohine Gorge is one of the major campsites in the Wairarapa and there generally tend to be people there during the day. On a busy day parking may be difficult right at the trailhead, case in which you might have to park a few hundred metres down the road.

20 km

Yes

No

Moderate.

The tracks are generally well marked, although it is possible to lose one's way occasionally, especially on Cone Ridge. Make sure to follow the sign towards Totara Flats on Cone and NOT towards Neill Peak! Also, do not be tempted to descend to Neill Forks halfway on Cone Ridge -- keep straight towards Totara Flats.

Patchy.

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

You should carry enough water for at least the first 2/3rds of the loop -- the earliest place to get water would be Totara Flats Hut.

This run is mostly under tree cover, but you may encounter snow / sleet on Cone Ridge in the winter.

The bit from Cone Saddle to Cone Summit and to Totara Flats Hut does not get a lot of foot traffic and should be considered back country. Usual precautions apply, especially in the Tararuas -- carry a PLB! It gets very windy on the exposed 2 km at the top. There is some cell coverage on the tops, none in the valleys.

Note that you can turn back towards Waiohine Gorge from Cone Saddle and make it a shorter loop if the weather turns.

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