Dobson Loop Track
WalkWellington
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 5 hr
- Distance
- 13 km (return to Smith Creek Shelter). 11.5 km (Dobson loop)
- Dogs
- Under control
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzTurn off State Highway 2 onto Marchant Road at the YMCA Camp Kaitoke turnoff. Near the end of Marchant Road, turn right into Kiwi Ranch Road. The carpark is located on the left, approximately 500 m along Kiwi Ranch Road.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 41.06428° S, 175.25813° E
About this place
This track provides two day-walking options: a return trip to Smith Creek via Puffer Saddle, or a more challenging and longer loop track
The route
Kaitoke Road End to Smith Creek Shelter via Puffer Saddle – returning back on the same track (13 km, 4 - 5.5 hours; walking track)
The track begins on Kiwi Ranch Road. It climbs steadily towards Puffer Saddle, passing a turnoff to the Southern Crossing on the way. From the saddle, the track descends into Smith Creek valley, then follows the creek down through red/hard beech forest, to the confluence of Smith Creek with the Tauwharenīkau River. There is a large, old slip on the track in the Smith Creek section. The return trip to Smith Creek Shelter was previously around 4 hours, but traversing this slip may add up to 1.5 hours extra to the walking time. Follow the marked alternative route. From Smith Creek Shelter, you can also walk further up the Tauwharenīkau Valley to Marchant Creek for views of the river and the young podocarp forest regenerating in the manuka on the flats. Return back to the road end the way you came, following the track up Smith Creek and over Puffer Saddle. Be aware that the track includes sections of clay and can be extremely slippery. Wear footwear with good grip. There are also several unbridged stream crossings, on the section of track that follows Smith Creek. These may not be safe to cross during/after heavy rain.
Dobson Loop Track – full loop tramp (11.5 km; tramping track)
The full Dobson Loop Track is more challenging than the track described above. Around half of the loop is a rough tramping track and there is a long steep ascent/descent on the track which is physically demanding. It is best suited to fit walkers with experience in backcountry tramping. The track begins on Kiwi Ranch Road. It climbs steadily towards Puffer Saddle, then reaches a turnoff with the Southern Crossing track. For a clockwise loop (described here), take this track. The track climbs steadily for some time, until you reach a turnoff near the old Dobson Hut site (there is only some concrete left now). Take the turnoff, signposted towards Smith Creek shelter. The track descends steeply all the way down to the Tauwharenīkau River. It is a rough track with many tree roots, go slowly and carefully as it is easy to slip. The track emerges near Smith Creek Shelter, near the confluence of Smith Creek with the Tauwharenīkau River. From here, follow the track that leads up the Smith Creek valley. There is a large, old slip on the track in this section, which can take up to 1.5 hours to traverse. Follow the marked alternative route. There are also several unbridged stream crossings in this part of the track, which may not be safe to cross during/after heavy rain. The track climbs out of Smith Creek valley to Puffer Saddle, then descends towards Kaitoke. It meets the turnoff with the Southern Crossing, then the track continues down to Kiwi Ranch Road.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Expect a challenging day walk
The track from Puffer Saddle to Smith Creek Shelter has sections of clay that are extremely slippery after rain, as well as tree roots on the track. There is also a large slip which needs to be traversed. The full loop is more challenging than the track to Smith Creek Shelter via Puffer Saddle. You can expect a long, steep section, a muddy and very slippery track when it has been wet, an unformed tramping track, and many tree roots. The full loop is best suited to fit, experienced trampers. Leave early and plan extra time in your day in case it takes longer than you expect.
Be prepared for bad weather
Bad weather (including rain and cold) is common in the Tararua Forest Park. Check the forecast before you go. Always pack warm and waterproof clothes, as well as plenty of food and a head torch. Find a day hike packing list . Consider carrying a distress beacon, in case of emergencies. You will not be able to rely on internet-based maps for navigation, so pack a map and compass (or other off-line navigational aid).
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Smith Creek Shelter
Wellington • 2 km
Smith Creek Shelter is a hut located in the Wellington region. The provided records contain no further details regarding its facilities or specific location.
YMCA Kaitoke Outdoor Education Centre
Wellington • 2.7 km
The YMCA Kaitoke Outdoor Education Centre is a campsite located in the Wellington region. It operates as an outdoor education facility providing accommodation…
Kaitoke Regional Park Campground
Wellington • 5 km
Kaitoke Regional Park Campground is a campsite located in the Wellington region. It is situated within the Kaitoke Regional Park, offering a base for visitors…
Eastern Hutt Hut
Wellington • 5.4 km
Eastern Hutt Hut is a backcountry hut located in the Wellington region. It provides basic shelter for hikers traversing the local tracks.
Bucks Road Campsite
Standard • Wellington • 8 km
Bucks Road Campsite is set in regenerating bush above the Tauherenikau River in the Wairarapa. Campers can pitch at the road end or walk about 150 m along a…
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from stream • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Smith Creek - Tauwharenīkau River
Advanced • 5.5 hr return • 13 km • 0.53 km away
Tararua Southern Crossing
Advanced • 3 days • 8.8 km away
Renata-Alpha Crossing
Advanced • 3–4 days • 10.5 km away
Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track
Advanced • 2–3 days • 36 km • 11.9 km away
Neill Winchcombe Circuit
Advanced • 3 days • 13.95 km away
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).