Tramping in the Tararuas

Holdsworth is one of the most popular access points to walks for all levels of fitness within the Tararua Ranges. Climbing Mount Holdsworth itself is a must-do climb for trampers, although improvements to the track and huts make it a much easier experience than when these photos were taken, mainly in the 1920s

Man standing in Mangaterere-Akiwhakatu Stream, at junction with a smaller stream,
19 November 1922.
Photograph by Ronald Henry Stidolph, 1900-1979

Five men with axes and sticks at Mountain House on Mount Holdsworth.
As they appear to be wearing items of uniform, they may be ex-soldiers. 1910-1920

Two men wading through the Mangatarere-Akiwhakatu Stream, 15 November 1922.
Photograph by Ronald Hector Donald Stidolph, 1900-1979

Group of ten trampers in the Akiwhakatu Stream, Mount Holdsworth,
including members of the Bull family. (Photo dates from 1900-1910

Ascent of Kapapakanui, Tararuas, 1-2 March, 1920.
Photo by Leslie Adkin.

This photo is from a Te Papa blog post on tramping in the Tararuas - Historic Holiday Snaps.

Entry to the Kapapakanui track is from the other side of the Tararuas, at Reikorangi, inland from Waikanae.

Sources: Picture Wairarapa and Te Papa Blog

Useful links:
Holdsworth - Places to Visit
Tararua Tramping Club
History of Tararua Forest Park
Excerpt from Tramping in New Zealand, by Jim du Fresne (Google Books)