Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
vance. There is a caretaker at the lodge, whose office serves as a visitor information centre.
The extensive fields of the recreation area make for excellent camping ($6), serviced with
toilets and water supply.
The huts on this track include Powell and Jumbo, both of which are which are
Serviced
April. Outside of this period you can stay with hut tickets purchased from the i-SITE or
DOC Area Office in Masterton, or DOC centres nationwide.
The Tramp
Day 1: Holdsworth Lodge to Powell Hut
3-4 HOURS, 6KM, 880M ASCENT
The track departs the lodge heading west on a wide gravel path, crosses a footbridge over
Atiwhakatu Stream
and passes a track (left) to Holdsworth Lookout (30 minutes away).
Another junction lies 200m further.
Follow the well-graded
Gentle Annie Track
southwest (left fork), climbing steadily to-
wards Mountain House shelter. Approximately one hour from Holdsworth Lodge you reach
Rocky Lookout
, from where there are good views of Powell Hut and, for those with sharp
eyes, the trig on Mt Holdsworth.
The track sidles around to the junction with Totara Creek Track (the route of the
Holdsworth-Kaitoke Track), approximately 45 minutes from Rocky Lookout. Continue
north (signposted) to Pig Flat, and cross to a track leading to Mountain House shelter, which
has historic displays and a long-drop toilet nearby.
Beyond the shelter, the well-marked track begins with a steep climb and in 45 minutes
emerges from the bushline into subalpine scrub. Follow the track along the ridgeline up to
Powell Hut
(28 bunks).
Originally built in 1939, rebuilt in 1981 and then burnt to the ground in 1999, the hut was
rebuilt again within a year because it is one of the most popular spots in the park to spend a
night. The hut has gas stoves and, more importantly, excellent views of the surrounding
mountains and valleys from its veranda. If the night is clear you can watch the lights of
Masterton appear after sunset.
