Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Jumbo - Holdsworth Circuit
Submitted by Rita Onosa
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 52
Gnarl Factor: 48
24.0km
1500m
1500m
1415m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Rita Onosa
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 52
Gnarl Factor: 48
24.0km
1500m
1500m
1415m
Back country - remote
Loop
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.8%
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6:00
Slow
3:45
Moderate
2:30
Fast
This loop can be run in either direction. This guide describes the anti-clockwise option.
Track starts at the car park across the swing bridge and through Donnelly's Flat to join the undulating Atiwhakatu track to Atiwhakatu Hut. Beautiful mostly run-able native bush track with a a few stairs and steep but short climbs. From Atiwhakatu Hut a steep ascent starts via the Rain Gauge track to reach Jumbo Hut. This is very steep, technical track that can get very tricky if the conditions are wet. Once you leave the bush follow the marked track to reach the Jumbo summit .
At the summit make a left turn to head south along the undulating main range to Mt Holdsworth which is the highest point of this circuit. From the Trig turn left again to start the decent via Powell Hut to Holdsworth Lodge and finish via the well graded Gentle Annie Track. Unsure why i's named Gentle Annie because trust me it's nothing but...
The summits of Jumbo & Holdsworth and the ridgeline in-between provide panoramic views on a nice day. They can be spectacular in other ways any time of year!
Daily rail and regular bus services operate between Wellington and Masterton. Taxis, or for large parties prebooked buses, can be hired for travel between Masterton and Holdsworth. Plenty safe parking available at the trail start if you choose to drive out.
21 km
26 minutes
Yes
No
Hard.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
Navigation on the tops can be tricky - make sure you have the necessary map & compass skills.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.
There is water at all the huts and although many drink it I advise you carry all the water you need. Along the way there are lost of streams many runners use to drink out of.
Be prepared for sudden change in weather! Even in the hottest summer day the ridge line can get cold and gale force winds are possible.
The Jumbo-Holdsworth trail is approximately 24km over tracks and hills in the Tararua Forest Park. Runners need to be long distance runners with appropriate mountain and trail experience, be self sufficient and familiar with the course or a comprehensive map of the area.
Though the tracks are well graded this track is no small feast, the terrain is hilly, steep and tough and the distance does not truly reflect the degree of challenge ahead of you.
Cafe Mirabelle
High St, Carterton
Beautiful french cafe where you can indulge in some tasty pastries and traditional french cuisine, served by a true french gentleman!
Main St Deli
Main St, Greytown
Beautiful home made pies, cakes, or a healthy treat , there is something for every one to choose from.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Jumbo - Holdsworth Circuit
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Tough circuit - but views are incredible ! Be prepared with all your gear as weather can change real fast.
May 23, 2022
Good luck trying to run this whole track - if the climb up to Jumbo doesn't ruin your quads the wind along the tops will have its way with you. But the views are stunning, and if you do it on a nice day you can run the whole way along the tops from Jumbo to Mt. Holdsworth, across to Powell and then down again.
February 9, 2022
Awesome run with epic views from the tops. Above the tree line was more of a fast pack than a run given the loose surface and hard to see footing. The climb up to jumbo from the river is a fun slog :)
January 2, 2021
An awesome day out in fantastic weather; blue sky and very little wind which is a bit of a novelty in the Tararuas by all accounts. Set off steadily as I was suffering from a large haematoma on my left quad after a fall a couple of weeks ago. Aiming to see 'how it goes' but managed a bit of light jogging along to Atiwhakatu Hut. The slog up to Jumbo is a real slog but made all the better by the beautiful forest that we climbed through. Happy that my leg wasn't painful though it was clearly not as strong as it could have been! Emerging out of the forest into the open and the views is simply stunning. Having grown up on Lakeland Fells and Scottish mountains it was brilliant to hit open ridges and be able to see where we were going and where we had been. A quick lunch stop at the trig at Holdsworth and a handstand and then down to the amazing new Powell Hut. From there it's all downhill and entirely runnable! Fantastic day out!
March 19, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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