Last updated November 2026
The Smith Creek – Tauwharenīkau River track is a day trip in the southern Tararua Range from the Kaitoke road end, over Puffer Saddle and down Smith Creek to Smith Creek Shelter. It is also the entry and exit for the Kaitoke-Holdsworth tramp.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 5.5 hours return over 13 km, including up to 1.5 hours extra for crossing severe slips on the Smith Creek section. 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 Smith Creek - Tauwharenīkau River 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
- 5.5 hours return (including time for the slips)
- Track length
- 13 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed under control; when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC advised no dogs during a 1080 caution period
- Track type
- 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 Smith Creek – Tauwharenīkau River
The track crosses Puffer Saddle and descends Smith Creek, through fine stands of red and hard beech, to the creek’s confluence with the Tauwharenīkau River at Smith Creek Shelter.
From the shelter you can carry on up the Tauwharenīkau Valley to Marchant Creek for river views and young podocarp forest regenerating among the mānuka on the flats.
Trampers doing the Kaitoke-Holdsworth crossing use this track to enter or leave the Tararua Range at the Kaitoke end.
Slips and Stream Crossings
DOC warns of severe slips on the Smith Creek track up to Smith Creek Shelter and says extreme caution is needed; crossing them can add up to 1.5 hours to the return trip.
There are unbridged side streams. Do not cross if a stream is flooded, if you cannot find good entry and exit points, or if you are unsure. Turn back or wait for the water to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
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 it 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 river flows, 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: Smith Creek – Tauwharenīkau River: 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 Smith Creek track take?
DOC allows 5.5 hours return, including up to 1.5 hours for crossing the slips.
Where does it start?
At the car park about 500 m along Kiwi Ranch Road, off Marchant Road at Kaitoke.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced, with severe slips and unbridged side streams.
Can I take my dog?
DOC lists dogs as allowed under control, but when we checked on 18 October 2026 it advised not taking dogs into the area during a 1080 caution period.
Is there a shelter?
Yes. Smith Creek Shelter is at the confluence of Smith Creek and the Tauwharenīkau River.
Is it part of a longer tramp?
Yes. It is the entry and exit at the Kaitoke end of the Kaitoke-Holdsworth tramp.
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.