Holdsworth is the main entrance to the Tararua Forest Park. It offers short walks and longer tramps through attractive forest vegetation and higher up in to the alpine environment. The Atiwhakatu Stream passes through the area and is home to a diverse range of animal, bird and insect life. The summit of Mount Holdsworth is 1470 metres and takes a day to climb. The track climbs beyond the forest up to the tussock highlands, offering expansive views of the Wairarapa farmland and the rugged interior of the Tararua Range.

Holdsworth Lodge – Powell Hut

Time: 4 hr

Starting from Holdsworth Lodge, carry on along the gravel track, cross the bridge over the Atiwhakatu Stream and follow the Gentle Annie track to Mountain House Shelter. This track is well graded and offers several lookout points to Mounts Holdsworth and Jumbo – for a short sidetrip follow the signpost to the Rocky Lookout, which offers good views over the Wairarapa. Mountain House Shelter is a pleasant resting spot.

Past Mountain House Shelter the track climbs steeply through dense bush and out onto the open tops. Powell Hut is located on the bush edge.

Powell Hut – Jumbo Hut

Time: 4 hr

Follow the track leading north-east along the main ridge to the Mt Holdsworth trig (1470 m).

Follow the exposed ridge north to Jumbo Peak (1405 m). The track then descends east along a spur to Jumbo Hut.

Caution: Beware of high winds, mist and icy underfoot conditions on all country above the bushline. The open tops are often not marked and difficult to negogiate in misty conditions. Those tramps should only be attempted by experienced trampers.

Jumbo Hut – Holdsworth Lodge

Time: 4 hr

The main track to Atiwhakatu Hut is via Raingauge Spur. Descend on the benched track immediately below Jumbo Hut. Once in the bush, follow the track down Raingauge Spur to Atiwhakatu Hut. A rain gauge was once located in a clearing half- way down the ridge.

There is a section of re-routed track subsiding on this section of the circuit. Proceed with caution when walking along this slip section.

From Atiwhakatu Hut, follow the Atiwhakatu track to Holdsworth Lodge.