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Tararua Forest Park

Ridge between Jumbo and Mount Holdsworth, Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit, Tararua Range, License Type: media, Download Time: 2025-05-28T10:03:10.000Z, User: lonelyplanetmedia, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 65050 - Digital Destinations and Articles, job: Global Publishing WIP, client: Global Publishing WIP, other: Peterson Haggarty // SS Comp Ingestion

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The turn-off to the main eastern entrance of the huge Tararua Forest Park is just south of Masterton on SH2; follow Norfolk Rd about 15km to the gates. Mountain streams dart through virgin forest in this area, known as Holdsworth, which also features swimming holes, picnic spots and campsites (adult/child $20/10). Another popular section is the Waiohine Gorge, although it's reached by a narrow, unsealed road; look for the turn-off south of Carterton.

Heading into the hills, walks include short family hikes, excellent one- or two-day hikes, and longer, challenging hikes for experienced bush-bods (west through to Ōtaki Forks). Check weather and track updates and hut/camping access before setting off, tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back, and be prepared to be baked, battered and buffeted by fickle conditions – exciting!

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