On-leadHard
Tararua Northern Crossing
Levin · Manawatū-Whanganui · Point to Point
↑ 2142 m gain↓ 2010 m descenthigh 1531 msteepest 40 %
DISTANCE38.1 km
ASCENT2,142 m
STEEPEST40 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
RATING · HIKERS 5.0 · 3
DOG EFFORT5.0 /5 paws
PARKING30 m away
Nearest emergency vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapu Ohotata), Palmerston North
0800 738 363
The route
Good to know
On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.
River swim spotsOpen track, carry water for the dogStile on routeBest in summer; snow and ice at altitude in winter
Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.
About Tararua Northern Crossing
This full-day track follows 38.1 km as a point-to-point, near Levin in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Expect hard going, with around 2,142 m of climb, pitching up to 40 % at its steepest.
Along the way there are river frontage and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 5.0 / 5 across 3 reviews.