On a clear day, the top of Mt Holdsworth at 1470m
offers fantastic panoramic views of the Tararua Ranges, Waiohine
Valley, Mt Hector and down to the Wairarapa
Plains.
For over a century, Mt Holdsworth has attracted
explorers, climbers and trampers. In 1907, one of the very first
tracks in the Tararua Park was cleared for recreational purposes up
this prominent peak.
Getting to the
Cache
The best options for picking up this cache are as
part of a daywalk or overnight trip to the top and return, or while
completing the
Jumbo -
Holdsworth Circuit. Both
begin at the end of Mt Holdsworth Road, which has a large carpark
with toilets, picnic areas, a hut and a caretakers
residence.
Jumbo - Holdsworth
Circuit
The Jumbo - Holdsworth Circuit is around 24km
long and generally completed in 2 days, with a night at one of the
Huts along the way. It can also be completed as a long daywalk
(probably best done in the summer months) as was done when placing
the cache. For the really crazy, the circuit is also a known
mountain run, playing host to the annual Jumbo-Holdsworth Trial
Race which has a current record time of 2hrs
16mins.
The circuit, which can be completed in a
clockwise or anticlockwise direction, includes beautiful beech
forest and terrific travel along the tops. Despite being well
marked with snow poles, the alpine traverse to/from Mt Holdsworth
to Jumbo can be dangerous in stormy weather. On a fine, calm day,
however, it's a fantastic place to
be.
Daywalk or
Overnight
As a day or overnight tramp, there are a number
of options. The most straight forward of these on the way up is to
follow the signs from the Mt Holdsworth carpark up the Gentle Annie
track to
Powell Hut.
From Powell you are in an alpine environment so
expect snow and ice in winter. The track follows tussocky and
gravelly ridges to the large trig on top of Mt Holdsworth, which is
around 30m above a sign-post pointing to Jumbo. Although there is
the odd blue snow pole to guide you, good navigation skills are
needed in claggy conditions.
The return journey can be completed by simply
re-tracing your steps, taking the alternative track after Mountain
House down to Atiwhakatu
Stream or heading down the East Holdsworth Track
(via
Consolation) and then back along the Atiwhakatu
track to the carpark. Powell Hut provides the perfect spot to stay
for an overnight trip.
View towards Jumbo
Peak
View of ridge back down
to Powell
The Cache
A few
metres below the trig there is a small gravel clearing next to a
locked metal door. From here head a few metres to your right as you
are facing the Wairarapa Plains and locate the only small bush that
looks capable of hiding an ammo can. Beware of the nearby plants
with sharp leaves. Please
ensure it is replaced snuggly so that it will not
move.
The cache is
an Ammo Can with a Logbook, pencil and pencil sharpener.
Note that it may be covered in
snow during winter.
Other
Notes
- Ensure you are properly
prepared.
- Make sure your intentions are logged with someone who knows
where you are going.
- The Tararua's are renowned for their changeable
weather so bring extra clothing and food.
- There is some limited cellphone coverage above the bush
line.