Last updated October 2026
The Dobson Loop Track in Tararua Forest Park offers two day-walk options from the Kaitoke road end: a return walk over Puffer Saddle to Smith Creek Shelter, or a harder full loop via the old Dobson Hut site.
DOC grades the sections Easy to intermediate and Advanced, and gives about 5.5 hours for the return trip to Smith Creek Shelter; the full loop is 11.5 km of walking and tramping track.
A large old slip in the Smith Creek section can add up to 1.5 hours, so leave early. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for 1080 predator control in the southern Tararua Range and advised against taking dogs into the area during the caution period.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Dobson Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park about 500 m along Kiwi Ranch Road, off Marchant Road, Kaitoke
- Distance from the city
- About 47 km from Wellington
- Walking time
- Return to Smith Creek Shelter 4–5.5 hours (13 km); full loop longer
- Track length
- Full loop 11.5 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate (walking track to Smith Creek) and Advanced (tramping track on the full loop)
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed under control; when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC advised no dogs during a 1080 caution period
- Track type
- Walking track and tramping track
- Shelter
- Smith Creek Shelter
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (1080 predator control in the southern Tararuas; DOC advises no dogs during the caution period). Check DOC before you go.
About Dobson Loop Track
The easier option climbs steadily from Kiwi Ranch Road to Puffer Saddle, passing the turn-off to the Southern Crossing. From the saddle it drops into the Smith Creek valley and follows the creek down through red and hard beech forest to where Smith Creek meets the Tauwharenīkau River, beside Smith Creek Shelter. You return the same way.
From the shelter you can also wander further up the Tauwharenīkau Valley to Marchant Creek for river views and young podocarp forest regenerating among the mānuka on the flats.
The full loop is a different proposition. From the Southern Crossing turn-off it climbs steadily to a junction near the old Dobson Hut site, where only some concrete remains. It then descends steeply all the way to the Tauwharenīkau River on a rough track full of tree roots, before returning up Smith Creek and over Puffer Saddle. DOC says around half the loop is rough tramping track and it suits fit walkers with backcountry experience.
Track Conditions
A large old slip on the Smith Creek section can take up to 1.5 hours to cross; follow the marked alternative route. The clay sections between Puffer Saddle and Smith Creek Shelter become extremely slippery after rain, so wear footwear with good grip.
Several unbridged stream crossings along Smith Creek may become dangerous to cross during or after heavy rain. DOC’s advice is clear: do not cross if the water is flooded or you are unsure, and turn back or wait for it to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
Weather and Gear
Bad weather, including rain and cold, is common in Tararua Forest Park. Pack warm and waterproof clothing, plenty of food and a head torch. DOC suggests carrying a distress beacon and a map and compass or other offline navigation, as internet-based maps cannot be relied on.
Getting There
From State Highway 2, take Marchant Road at the YMCA Camp Kaitoke turn-off, then turn right into Kiwi Ranch Road near the end of Marchant Road. The car park is about 500 m along Kiwi Ranch Road, on the left.
Planning Your Trip
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert saying DOC and OSPRI spread toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter in the southern Tararua Range on 11 and 23 March 2026, with a caution period of about 8 months. 1080 is deadly to dogs, so DOC advises not taking dogs into the area until the caution period ends.
DOC also had an alert for the Tararua Forest Park area: ungulate (goat, deer and pig) control in parts of the park from 10 August 2026 to 30 June 2027, including aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs.
Check DOC’s operation area map to see whether it covers your route. Check DOC before you go, check the forecast, and tell someone your plans. Plan My Walk is a handy way to plan and share your trip.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Dobson Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions with someone you trust.
Greater Wellington Regional Council: regional parks, forests and track notices across the Wellington region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Dobson Loop Track take?
DOC gives 4–5.5 hours for the 13 km return walk to Smith Creek Shelter, allowing for the slip. The full 11.5 km loop is harder and slower.
Which option should I choose?
The return trip over Puffer Saddle to Smith Creek is a walking track. The full loop is best suited to fit, experienced trampers.
Where does it start?
At the car park about 500 m along Kiwi Ranch Road, off Marchant Road at Kaitoke.
Can I take my dog?
DOC lists dogs as allowed under control, but when we checked on 18 October 2026 a 1080 caution period was in place and DOC advised not taking dogs into the area until it ends.
Are there river crossings?
Yes. There are several unbridged stream crossings along Smith Creek. Do not cross during or after heavy rain.
Is there a shelter?
Yes. Smith Creek Shelter sits near the confluence of Smith Creek and the Tauwharenīkau River.
What should I take?
Warm and waterproof clothing, plenty of food, a head torch, a map and compass, and ideally a distress beacon.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.