Last updated November 2026
The Dundas Circuit is a three-day loop in the northern Tararua Forest Park, starting and finishing at the end of Putara Road in the Mangatainoka Valley. It links four DOC huts: Herepai Hut, Dundas Hut, Cattle Ridge Hut and Roaring Stag Hut.
DOC grades it as an Advanced tramping track and Expert route, and says it is suitable only for experienced, fit, well-equipped trampers in good weather.
One section, from the Herepai bushline to Dundas Hut, has no managed or marked route and crosses exposed alpine tops. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the circuit, but check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk and tell someone your plans.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Dundas Circuit on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start and finish
- End of Putara Road, Mangatainoka Valley
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 3 days
- Track length
- DOC gives distances by section rather than a total (see the stages below)
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track and Expert route (DOC grades)
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
- Track type
- Loop: backcountry tracks plus an unmarked alpine section
- Huts
- Herepai Hut, Dundas Hut, Cattle Ridge Hut and Roaring Stag Hut (DOC huts)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Dundas Circuit
This is a demanding trip. Over three days it climbs from the Mangatainoka Valley onto Herepai Ridge, crosses unmarked tops to Dundas Hut, drops into the upper Ruamahanga valley, climbs again to Cattle Ridge and returns via Roaring Stag Hut and the Roaring Stag Track.
DOC is direct about the demands. There are several long climbs and long descents, the tracks are rough, steep and muddy with lots of tree roots, and you need river crossing skills as well as strong navigation. The unmarked alpine section is fully exposed to extreme, fast-changing weather, and low visibility, high winds and storms are common.
The rewards are big ones for those with the skills: time on the open tops, a night at Cattle Ridge Hut, which DOC says sits on the open tops with excellent views over the Wairarapa, and a final night at Roaring Stag Hut, just over a bridge on the Ruamahanga River.
DOC advises against attempting the circuit in bad weather. Rain can flood the Ruamahanga River and side streams, making them impassable, and winter conditions make the trip very challenging.
The Circuit Stage by Stage
Putara Road end to Herepai Hut (3 hr, 5 km)
A swing bridge crosses the Mangatainoka River, then the track follows the true left of the river to a second, larger swing bridge around 1.5 km upstream. From there it climbs steeply to Herepai Ridge. At the junction, the right-hand track leads 1.5 km to Herepai Hut.
Herepai Hut to Dundas Hut (no managed route)
From Herepai Hut, follow the sign to Herepai Peak. It is only 1 km, but DOC allows around an hour because of the tussock and the height gain. Beyond the Herepai bushline there is no managed or marked route to Dundas Hut.
DOC strongly recommends attempting this section only in good weather, with excellent backcountry skills and the right gear, including a distress beacon, navigation aids and an emergency shelter. DOC notes that some tramping clubs publish terrain and route descriptions.
Dundas Hut to Cattle Ridge Hut (5 hr, 5.2 km)
From Dundas Hut the track descends all the way into the upper Ruamahanga valley. There is no bridge over the Ruamahanga River here, so assess it carefully before crossing. On the far side the track climbs steeply to Cattle Ridge Hut on the open tops.
Cattle Ridge Hut to Roaring Stag Hut (2 hr, 2.3 km)
The track drops steeply back into the Ruamahanga valley, crosses a bridge over the river and arrives at Roaring Stag Hut.
Roaring Stag Hut to Putara Road end (4 hr, 7 km)
The final day follows the Roaring Stag Track. It crosses several unbridged streams, then climbs steadily to the junction with the Putara-Herepai Track, before heading back down into the Mangatainoka Valley to Putara Road end.
Gear, Weather and River Crossings
DOC’s message is “don’t pack light, pack prepared”. Because losing visibility on the Tararua tops is common, it lists essential equipment for this circuit:
- A distress beacon
- An emergency shelter
- A survival kit
- Navigation aids such as a map and compass, and confidence using them in low visibility
- Spare food and water in case of delays
- A headtorch and spare batteries
- Warm and waterproof clothes
Check the forecast before you go; DOC links a weather forecast for Arete Hut on its circuit page, and NIWA river flow forecasts help with the crossings.
If a river or stream is flooded, or you can’t find clear entry and exit points, turn back or wait for it to drop. Use Plan My Walk to pull your plan together, and leave your intentions with a trusted contact.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Dundas Circuit: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Tararua Forest Park: hut details for Herepai, Dundas, Cattle Ridge and Roaring Stag, and park-wide alerts.
Plan My Walk: a free planner for weather, alerts and gear lists before a multi-day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Dundas Circuit take?
DOC describes it as a 3-day trip. Section times are 3 hours to Herepai Hut, 5 hours from Dundas Hut to Cattle Ridge Hut, 2 hours to Roaring Stag Hut and 4 hours back to Putara Road end, plus the unmarked tops section to Dundas Hut.
Who is the circuit suitable for?
DOC says it is suitable only for experienced, fit, well-equipped trampers in good weather, with strong navigation and river crossing skills.
Is the whole circuit marked?
No. There is no managed or marked route between the Herepai bushline and Dundas Hut.
Which huts are on the circuit?
Herepai Hut, Dundas Hut, Cattle Ridge Hut and Roaring Stag Hut, all DOC huts. Check each hut’s DOC page for facilities before you go.
Are the rivers bridged?
Not all of them. The Ruamahanga crossing between Dundas Hut and Cattle Ridge Hut has no bridge, and there are unbridged streams on the Roaring Stag Track.
Can I do it in winter?
DOC says winter conditions make the circuit very challenging, and it strongly recommends against tramping it in bad weather.
Can I take my dog?
DOC’s rule is: dogs allowed, keep dog under control at all times.
Is the circuit open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert for the circuit. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
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.