Last Updated: 12th Oct 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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Hooper Loop - Mt Holdsworth

Masterton, Wellington

Submitted by Rita Onosa

Last Updated: 12th Oct 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 19 ?

Gnarl Factor: 47 ?

12.0km

480m

480m

770m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

10%
30%
30%
30%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

Start at the car park on gravel 4WD track until you come to a bridge crossing. Follow the signs to Atiwhakatu Hut via Donelly flats. A nice undulating bush track mostly runnable with some short steep hills and a few stairs. Follow the track for about 3.7km. Take a sharp turn left and follow the very steep track up to Mountain Hut. Although this turn off is well sign posted it'ss easy to miss so keep an eye on your watch.

This track is only 2.5km but it's quite steep and technical with lots of tree roots and uneven surface. It can get really muddy in places after a lot of rain. Once you get to the top follow the Gentle Annie Track which will go past the Rocky Lookout. Follow the track and pick up some speed as it is all down hill from here. This track will take you back to the bridge crossing and on to the car park.

The rocky Lookout provides panoramic view of Mount Holdsworth and the upper Atiwhakatu valley. Beautiful silver beech forest track .

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.

Turn off State Highway 2 on to Norfolk Road, 2 km south of Masterton. This leads to Mount Holdsworth Road. Holdsworth is 15 km from State Highway 2. At the end of Mt Holdsworth Road the entrance to the Tararua National Park has a large carpark with toilets, picnic areas, a hut and nearby caretakers residence

21 km

26 minutes

Yes

No

Moderate.

Approximately 3.7 Km into the run is the left turn which can be easily missed due to it's sharpness, even though it is signposted.

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

There are streams on the way if you are brave enough to drink out of them, otherwise carry your own.

The steep climb to wards Mountain Hut is very technical and can get even trickier after a lot of rain. Be prepared to slip and slide!

Trail Legend

Rita Onosa

Rita Onosa

has completed Hooper Loop - Mt Holdsworth 3 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

As per others, awesome track with stunning bush.

Glen Brownlee

February 9, 2022

This one's a whole lot of fun - starts with a short 3km run along the river to get you warmed up, then straight up the side of the mountain to get your glutes and quads burning, followed by a gentle amble along the tops before a very fast descent back to the bottom. The stairs and condition of the track on the way down can make for a bit of a difficult descent at times, so it pays to keep your head up and your stride short so you don't lose control.

Seth Zorn

February 9, 2022

Stellar trails, walked rather than ran from the atiwhakatu turnoff up to mtn hutt, it's pretty steep & rooty albeit cool bush. Added another 1.5kms past the mountain hut turnoff in the hope of making it to the treeline by sunset but wasn't to be. Fully recommend this one to gain a lot of height in some beautiful surroundings.

Anna Scheirlinck

May 3, 2020

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