Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit | Hiking in Tararua Forest Park, New Zealand

Overview

Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi)
Average Duration: 12 hrs
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Total Elevation Gain: 1,500 m (4,921 ft)
Start/Finish: Holdsworth Lodge – Holdsworth Lodge

Note: This circuit is commonly completed as a two-day hike. Overnight accommodation is available at Jumbo Hut for the first night.

The Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit is a challenging yet rewarding multi-day tramp in New Zealand’s Tararua Forest Park. It’s a popular loop trail for hiking, camping, and backpacking, offering varied terrain, dramatic ridgelines, and ever-changing views of the North Island’s wild backcountry.

Planning Your Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

Getting There

Turn off State Highway 2 onto Norfolk Road, about 2 km south of Masterton. The turn is clearly signposted and marked by a timber processing plant on the corner. Follow Norfolk Road for 15 km to the Holdsworth road end, where you’ll find a large car park servicing entry to Tararua Forest Park.

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or entry fees required to hike the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit.

Water

Fresh water is available at several huts and streams along the trail. However, treatment is recommended.

Food

You’ll need to bring enough food for the full hike, especially if completing it over two days.

Accommodation

We stayed at Holdsworth Lodge before the hike and Jumbo Hut overnight.

Both Holdsworth Lodge and Jumbo Hut can be booked online via the Department of Conservation (DOC) website, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Prices are typically around NZD $25–$30 per adult per night.

The Hike

This was our very first hike in New Zealand. The day we arrived, a major storm had just passed through the area, but by evening the skies cleared, revealing a stunning night view of the Milky Way. We had the entire Holdsworth Lodge to ourselves — a peaceful start to what would become an unforgettable trek.

We set out at first light, wanting to make the most of daylight. After signing the logbook, we began on a gravel track crossing a bridge before climbing a section known as Gentle Annie.

The early part of the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit offered great views, but I was more captivated by New Zealand’s forests. There’s something fascinating about seeing familiar plants thriving differently in another climate, and entirely new species you’ve never encountered before. We took our time soaking it all in.

Eventually we reached Mountain House Shelter, a small stop with information boards — perfect for a quick snack break before continuing.

Further along, we arrived at Powell Hut, a large, well-equipped hut offering shade, rest, and untreated water. It’s also an option for overnight accommodation.

The next section grew steeper, with long stretches of steps that tested our fitness. We rested often between sets, debating whether to turn back — this was definitely the toughest part of the climb. Eventually, we made it to the alpine ridge, where the air turned noticeably cooler. The trail was well-marked up to this point, but visibility across the ridge was limited, making navigation trickier.

Following blue pole markers, we eventually descended toward Jumbo Hut. I’ll never forget the wind whipping across a narrow cliff-side path — we crouched low and moved slowly, hoping we hadn’t taken a wrong turn. Eventually we reached Jumbo Hut, relieved and exhilarated. We shared the hut with a few other hikers, swapped stories, and watched a beautiful Tararua sunset before calling it a night.

Day 2 – Return via Atiwhakatu Track

The next morning, we headed back down through dense bush — an entirely different world from the alpine ridge. The forest section was beautiful, though full of roots that caught our tired feet more than once. The steep, root-covered descent was tough on my knees, and my partner even lost a toenail along the way — a reminder that fitness matters on this trail!

We reached Atiwhakatu Hut and pressed on. Some sections featured steep drop-offs and minor scrambles, including a tricky eroded section to navigate. The trail then followed Te Whakaturakau Stream, its gentle gradient a pleasant way to finish the circuit.

Despite a few challenging sections, the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit is achievable for anyone with moderate fitness and preparation. We completed it in early summer, but off-season conditions can be far more demanding at higher elevations.

Final Thoughts on the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

The Holdsworth–Jumbo Loop perfectly captures the variety of New Zealand tramping — from open ridgelines to lush forest, calm rivers, and comfortable huts. It’s a must-do for anyone exploring the Tararua Ranges.

If you’re considering your first multi-day tramp in New Zealand, this is a brilliant introduction — challenging but deeply rewarding.