Last updated November 2026
The Roaring Stag Hut to Cattle Ridge Track is a short, very steep climb in the northern Tararua Forest Park, linking Roaring Stag Hut on the Ruamahanga River with Cattle Ridge Hut on the tops. DOC grades it an Advanced tramping track and times it at 2 hours for just 2.18 km, warning that some people will take longer.
You reach the start by first tramping the Roaring Stag Track from Putara Road end, about 43 km from Palmerston North, so this is the second leg of a hut trip rather than a walk from the road.
The reward is open views over the northern Wairarapa and access towards Mt Dundas. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but check DOC before you go 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 Roaring Stag Hut to Cattle Ridge Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Roaring Stag Hut (reached from Putara Road end on the Roaring Stag Track), or from Cattle Ridge Hut in reverse
- Distance from the city
- About 43 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 2 hr (some people take longer)
- Track length
- 2.18 km
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track (DOC grade)
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
- Huts
- Roaring Stag Hut and Cattle Ridge Hut (DOC huts)
- Water
- DOC says there are no water sources on the climb
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Roaring Stag Hut to Cattle Ridge Track
From Roaring Stag Hut you cross the Ruamahanga River on a suspension bridge and walk briefly across a forested river terrace. That is the last easy ground. From there the track climbs to Cattle Ridge and, in DOC’s words, is “very steep the whole way up”, with plenty of scrambling up tree roots.
DOC calls it a tiring climb on which it’s easy to slip, and advises taking your time. Because the gain in height is so large for the distance, a 2.18 km track can feel like a much longer day, and DOC suggests planning extra time in case it takes you more than 2 hours.
Shortly before Cattle Ridge Hut, the track breaks out of the bush into low alpine scrub. DOC describes the hut’s views across the northern Wairarapa as spectacular, and the ridge is also a gateway to Mt Dundas for those heading deeper into the range.
This leg suits fit, experienced trampers. It works as a hut-to-hut day out from Roaring Stag Hut, or as part of DOC’s multi-day Dundas Circuit, which descends this same track in the other direction.
Not to Be Confused With
DOC points out that this Cattle Ridge is in the Tararua Forest Park. There is a separate Cattle Ridge Track in Remutaka Forest Park, near the Orongorongo Track, so check you’re reading the right DOC page when planning.
Preparing for the Climb
Carry plenty of water from the hut, as there is none on the way up. The Tararua tops are known for wild, fast-changing weather, so pack warm and waterproof layers even if the forecast is good, along with a distress beacon and an emergency shelter.
The Ruamahanga is bridged at the hut, but you’ll meet unbridged side streams on the Roaring Stag Track on the way in. DOC’s advice is not to cross flooded water, and to turn back or wait if in doubt. Check the forecast and gear list on Plan My Walk and leave your intentions with someone you trust.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Roaring Stag Hut to Cattle Ridge Track: 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: the wider park, Cattle Ridge and Roaring Stag huts, and park-wide alerts.
Plan My Walk: a free planner for weather, alerts and gear lists before a backcountry trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the climb to Cattle Ridge take?
DOC times it at 2 hours from Roaring Stag Hut, but says some people take longer, so plan extra time.
How long is the track?
Only 2.18 km, but it gains a lot of height and is very steep the whole way.
How do I get to the start?
Tramp the Roaring Stag Track from Putara Road end to Roaring Stag Hut, which DOC times at 4 hours. You can also start this track from Cattle Ridge Hut.
Is there water on the track?
No. DOC says there are no water sources on the climb, so carry plenty.
Can I take my dog?
DOC’s rule is: dogs allowed, keep dog under control at all times.
What are the views like?
DOC describes spectacular views across the northern Wairarapa from Cattle Ridge Hut, once the track leaves the bush for low alpine scrub.
Is the track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert for the track. 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.