Mount Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit: Hiking Guide
Are you planning your visit to Tararua Forest Park and looking for the best activity? Read our hiking guide to Mount Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit, one of our favorite tracks in this area of New Zealand's North Island.
We arrived in New Zealand in October for a year, as we got Work and Travel visas, all excited to do some incredible hikes and overall to see wonderful nature this country has to offer. But the beginning of our adventure was pretty hard.
We had to buy a car, find a job and a place to live, and before we realized it, it was almost the end of the year and by that time we did not visit from Martinborough (a small town where we worked on a vineyard) anything else except for Masterton, a larger city nearby where we went once in a while to do the shopping.
That's why we decided to go for our first hike on the first day of the new year to Tararua Forest Park because it was nearby, and because we felt it was already time to start exploring the country.
We arrived in the campground on the 31st of December later in the evening after work, we cooked dinner and went to bed early because the next day we needed to get up early to finish Holdsworth Track - Jumbo Circuit in only one day.
To be honest, after we did the hike, we were not at all disappointed we had missed the celebration the night before as the beauty of the hike and expansive views simply took our breath away, and we could not wait for other adventures.
In case you are in the area, and your feet will take you to Tararua Forest Park, read our hiking guide on Holdsworth Track as it is definitely worth it.
In this post, we will share with you practical information on how to get to the trailhead, what to expect, where to stay, how many days you need to finish the hike, and what to pack.
Happy reading!
HOW TO GET TO THE TRAILHEAD OF MOUNT HOLDSWORTH TRACK
To get to the hike's trailhead, arrive in Masterton, and from Masterton continue approximately two kilometers south, and turn off from State Highway 2 onto Norfolk Road.
Follow this road for approximately 15 kilometers, and when the road ends, you will know you are on the Holdsworth parking lot.
This place is also a large campground, so in case you are traveling around New Zealand in a campervan, you can spend here a night for only NZD 8 per person per night (there are self-registration boxes, so have cash on you cause you will have to put money in an envelope).
We definitely recommend you to rent a car for exploring New Zealand, because some of the highlights, for example, such as this hike would be without a car almost impossible to reach.
Holdsworth campsite works on a first come first served basis, but because of its size, we think you will always find a spot available.
In case you do not have a car, and really want to do this hike, get to Masterton by public bus, but from here you must either take a taxi or arrange private transport, which is better if you travel with a group.
HOW MANY DAYS YOU NEED TO FINISH MOUNT HOLDSWORTH TRACK
The whole loop of Mount Holdsworth Track is 24 kilometers long, and thanks to the fact there are three huts along the path, you can freely decide by yourself how many days you need for finishing the trek depending on your time and level of fitness.
As we had only one day, we did the loop in only one day (as we reckon correctly, it took us approximately 8 hours) without spending a night in huts, so we did not have to deal with logistics much, but you can for sure split the hike in more days, and enjoy the beauty in much more relaxed pace.
But for those of you traveling around New Zealand on a packed itinerary, we think it is good news to know Mount Holdsworth Track is absolutely doable in only one day.
MOUNT HOLDSWORTH - JUMBO CIRCUIT TRACK DESCRIPTION & SAFETY TIPS
As we've mentioned already, Mount Holdsworth Track is 24 kilometers long loop and can be finished in one, or even in three days depending on your preference.
We would say the hike is moderately difficult as you will gain and lose more than 1000 meters.
The path is unformed but very well-signposted, so it is almost impossible to get lost.
Once you reach the route on the open-top, follow blue poles. If the visibility and conditions overall are not good, wait in the hut or retrace your steps, especially if you are not too experienced (and even if you are, never overestimate your skills).
It is always a good idea to tell someone about your plans, and approximate time you will call that you made it safely back.
WHERE TO STAY ON MOUNT HOLDSWORTH TRACK
On this hike, you will find three huts where you can quite comfortably spend a night.
Powell Hut and Jumbo Hut are serviced which means they have mattresses, water supply, toilets, hand washing facilities and heating with fuel, sometimes you can meet here a warden.
Atiwhakatu Hut is a standard hut, therefore the equipment is a bit more basic, and you will find here only mattresses, water supply, and toilets.
For all three huts, you can use your backcountry hut pass or buy hut tickets in DOC offices and some sports shops. In case you plan on hiking more in New Zealand, you might consider buying the pass, but for separate hikes, it is enough to buy single tickets.
For serviced huts, you will need either one serviced hut ticket for NZD 15 per night or 3 standard huts tickets for NZD 5 per night.
It is possible to make a reservation online for all three huts all year round, which is much better as you know you will have a place to sleep. You can arrive in the hut even without a reservation, but in case the hut is fully booked, it can happen you will have to sleep on the floor or wherever is space available.
The good thing about this system is that no one will tell you to go away, especially when the weather is bad.
Only a short walk from Holdsworth Campsite is Holdsworth Lodge, it is a bit more luxurious, and it is not possible to use standard hut tickets here.
It is necessary to reserve this lodge (you can even reserve it for exclusive use), the price is NZD 25 per bunk room or NZD 80 per room in case you prefer your privacy.
MOUNT HOLDSWORTH - JUMBO CIRCUIT: OUR EXPERIENCE
We got up early in the morning, it was still dark outside, got dressed and set off soon.
From the campground, we walked first around Holdsworth Lodge, crossed the bridge over Atiwhakatu Stream and gravel path led us to Mountain House Shelter.
Until now the ascend was not that steep, but from this point, we started to climb to Powell Hut (it is possible to walk in opposite direction as well). The hike at this moment offered us with scattered views, but the best was about to come when we reached the Powell Hut.
Here we took a short break, replenished water, ate a snack, and carried on because the weather started to be a bit moody and a strong wind was blowing.
The section between Powell Hut and Jumbo Hut was our favorite because the path here leads on the ridge, and offers extensive views. Then the trek started to descend, and soon we emerged in front of Jumbo Hut.
The last section between Jumbo Hut and Atiwhakatu Hut is pretty easy because you will walk downhill, but you might start feeling tired here, especially if you are doing the hike in only one day.
This section leads in bushes, until Holdsworth campsite.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE AND AFTER MOUNT HOLDSWORTH TRACK
We know that not many holidaymakers on a two or three-week vacation usually do make it to Tararua Forest Park (it is more popular among locals) because there are so many must-visit places every traveler wants to incorporate in the perfect New Zealand itinerary.
But you can easily do the one day trek and continue in your journey.
Here are some tips where you can spend a night before or after visiting this park and doing Holdsworth Track.
Masterton | We traveled to Masterton quite often to do shopping, and you can do the same, in case you have to replenish food. Spend a night here, and then do the Holdsworth Track.
Martinboroug | Martinborough is a place where we spent three months working on the vineyard, and from here we also did the hike. You can make Martinborough your base for a couple of days, rent bikes, drink wine, and of course, get to Tararua Forest Park.
Wellington | The capital city of New Zealand is less than two hours drive from the park, so you can easily do the track, carry on to Wellington, explore the city and later take a ferry to South Island.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE HIKE
Weather in New Zealand can be very tricky, and when hiking in the great outdoors, you should always pack smart for every possibility, even if you plan on being outside just for a day, and the weather forecast looks promising.
We hiked Mount Holdsworth Track in the summer, but still, we needed long sleeves and long trousers early in the morning and then when we reached the summit.
Also, no matter what time of the year you will visit the park, you should have a windproof jacket, because the trail on the top is not sheltered at all and the wind is strong.
Except for the jacket, it is necessary to have a quality backpack with good back support, hiking boots, rain poncho, and a functional t-shirt.
If you plan on staying on the hike overnight in one of three huts, do not forget to pack sleeping bag, clothes for relaxing in the hut, cooking set , stove, gas can, and food (when doing the hike in only one day, remember to pack a snack, and of course, bring your water bottle).
If you want to save space in your backpack, we always had a good experience with dried meals.
WEATHER ON MOUNT HOLDSWORTH TRACK
The best time to do the hike is between November and April which is the main hiking season in New Zealand when your chances for sunny weather and warmer temperatures are higher, although it can rain or be cloudy any time during the year.
In case you decide to visit the area between May and October, do not underestimate good clothing, pack a lot of layers, and be prepared even for snow in higher elevation.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
