The Tararua Range provides the people of Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua and Manawatu with an outstanding variety of tramping, hunting and walking opportunities in a wild, natural landscape at their back door. Tararua Forest Park includes more than three-quarters of the range, extending from the Pahiatua Track in the north, to the Rimutaka Saddle on SH 2 in the south.
Since Tararua was established as the first of a series of forest parks (in 1954), it has grown in size over the years with the addition of areas of forest around its periphery.
At 116,535 ha it is the largest conservation park managed by DOC in the North Island.
The park has a very important role in conserving the indigenous biodiversity of the lower North Island. The Tararua Range's forests, subalpine shrublands, snow tussocks, and the soils that they protect, also play a crucial role in conserving water quality and supply, and minimising flood risk to the surrounding lowlands.
The main entrance on the eastern side of the park is Holdsworth. On the western side it is Otaki Forks. Waiohine Gorge is a popular gateway to southeastern Tararua Forest Park.
Alert/Important notice
A number of alerts have been issued for the Park.
Please view the Wairarapa and Wellington Kapiti alerts pages for more information.
Location
Tararua Forest Park includes more than three-quarters of the Tararua range, and extends from the Pahiatua Track in the north, to the Rimutaka Saddle on SH 2 in the south.