Last updated November 2026
The Roaring Stag Track climbs from the end of Putara Road, near Eketāhuna, over a ridge and down into the Ruamahanga Valley to Roaring Stag Hut, a DOC hut beside the Ruamahanga River. DOC grades it an Advanced tramping track and times it at 4 hours one way.
The route crosses the Mangatainoka River on a high swing bridge, follows a long ridge, then finishes across tall-forest river terraces with four unbridged side streams. It sits in the northern Tararua Forest Park, about 41 km from Palmerston North, and suits an overnight stay at the hut.
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 Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Small parking area near the end of Putara Road, Mangatainoka Valley (around 20 minutes’ drive from Eketāhuna, says DOC)
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 4 hr one way
- Track length
- About 7 km (DOC’s figure for Roaring Stag Hut to Putara Road end on its Dundas Circuit page)
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track (DOC grade)
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
- Huts
- Roaring Stag Hut (DOC Standard hut, 12 bunks); Herepai Hut is an alternative off the same ridge
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Roaring Stag Track
The track sets off from Putara Road along the edge of farmland and soon crosses a bridge over the Mangatainoka River. It then follows the true left of the river for around 2 km to a high swing bridge over the north branch of the Mangatainoka.
Across the swing bridge, the track climbs steeply out of the valley to a junction on the ridge top. The right-hand track goes to Herepai Hut; Roaring Stag Hut is signposted to the left. From here a long ridge carries you down towards the Ruamahanga. The gradient is mostly gentle, steepening as you get closer to the valley.
The final section crosses river terraces covered in tall forest on the valley floor. There are four unbridged side streams on these flats. DOC says they are small in normal conditions but can rise significantly after rain. The hut is just past the fourth crossing, in a clearing beside the Ruamahanga River.
It suits trampers with some backcountry experience who want a climb, a ridge walk and a riverside hut in one day. The track also forms the last leg of DOC’s Dundas Circuit, and Roaring Stag Hut is the start of the steep climb to Cattle Ridge.
Roaring Stag Hut
Roaring Stag Hut is a DOC Standard hut. DOC lists 12 bunk beds with mattresses, heating, a non-flush toilet and tap water that is not treated, so boil it before drinking. If the side streams are flooded or you’re not confident crossing them, DOC suggests Herepai Hut as an alternative, reached from the right-hand track at the ridge-top junction.
Getting There
DOC’s directions start in the centre of Eketāhuna. Turn left off State Highway 2 onto Bridge Street and follow it over the Makakahi River, where it becomes High Street, then turn right onto Septimus Street.
After about 1 km Septimus Street turns into Nireaha Road; follow it for 3.2 km, then carry straight on to Priest Road for 4 km. At the junction with Putara Road and Mangatainoka Valley Road, turn left onto Putara Road and follow it up the Mangatainoka Valley to the small parking area near the road end.
Track Conditions and Preparation
DOC describes a typical Tararua backcountry track: rough, uneven and full of tree roots to scramble up and down. The Tararua Ranges are known for wild, fast-changing weather, so pack warm and waterproof clothing even when the forecast looks fine.
Know how to cross rivers before you go, and if the streams are up, wait for them to drop or turn back. 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 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, Roaring Stag and Herepai 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 Roaring Stag Track take?
DOC times it at 4 hours from Putara Road end to Roaring Stag Hut.
How hard is it?
It’s an Advanced tramping track, with a steep climb from the Mangatainoka Valley, a long ridge descent and four unbridged stream crossings on the river flats.
What facilities does Roaring Stag Hut have?
DOC lists it as a Standard hut with 12 bunks, mattresses, heating, a non-flush toilet and untreated tap water to boil before use.
Can I take my dog?
DOC’s rule is: dogs allowed, keep dog under control at all times.
What if the streams are flooded?
Wait for the water to drop or turn back. DOC suggests Herepai Hut as an alternative if you can’t get across to Roaring Stag Hut.
Where does the track start?
At the small parking area near the end of Putara Road in the Mangatainoka Valley, reached from Eketāhuna.
Can I go further from the hut?
Yes. The Roaring Stag Hut to Cattle Ridge Track climbs steeply to Cattle Ridge Hut, and the hut is part of the multi-day Dundas Circuit.
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.