Bannister is one of our 75 Top Trampers’ Peaks. View all peaks in the list.

Charles Bannister was the first professional guide to escort climbing parties to the summit of Mt Holdsworth from about 1889. He grew up exploring the Tararua Range and was involved in establishing Mt Holdsworth Track, about which he wrote a guidebook. The highest point (1537m), on a craggy ridge that links Cattle Ridge to the east with Dundas Ridge to the west, is named after him.

The Bannister Crossing has a challenging reputation and involves an edgy scramble at 1400m, just east of Pt1513, that can be awkward with a full pack and is significantly more difficult in wet conditions or when descending. 

There are several ways to approach Bannister. The most direct is from Kiriwhakapapa Road end, north of Masterton. From here the return journey can be completed in two long days (with a stay at Arete Hut, one of the most spectacular Tararua spots to enjoy a sunrise) or three days (with stays at Cow Creek and Arete Forks huts). 

From the road end the track climbs steeply to 960m, where a path branches off to Blue Range Hut. Heading left at this junction, the track climbs to around 1050m then gradually descends through goblin forest to Pt910, followed by a climb to 970m before a steep descent to the Waingawa River and a short stretch on the true left to Cow Creek Hut. (If you’re pushing on to Arete Hut, instead of descending to the Waingawa stay on the spur and head north past Pts970, 890 and 810 to Cow Saddle at 665m). 

From Cow Saddle head northwest to Pt1130 and on to Pt1360 on the tops before swinging west to Waingawa (1423m). Here the terrain becomes more challenging, passing over Pt1385 then an unmarked high point before dropping west about 30m to a narrow saddle and the crux of the climb at 1400m. It is possible to sidle northwards here to slightly less steep and exposed ground before climbing.

Beyond the crux the ridge remains narrow but less edgy, climbing over Pt1513 and on to the summit of Bannister where Arete Hut appears, looking deceptively close. There is still the matter of passing over the Twins and Pt1434 before either carrying on to tag Arete (1505m), or sidling down onto a shelf where the hut and a small tarn are located.

The spectacular terrain between Arete Hut and Arete Forks Hut offers panoramic views as you head south to Pt1470 at the top of the imposing Waiohine Pinnacles. From here, any relief at not having to descend the Pinnacles is cancelled out by the view east along Pinnacle Spur. There, several steep and exposed pinnacles appear more intimidating than they really are. Beyond Pt1295 though, a relentless 600m descent to Waingawa River will destroy a few toenails before the river is crossed to Arete Forks Hut.   

The track between Arete Forks and Cow Creek was once known as the ‘worst Tararua track’ due to washouts and windfall. In 2025, however, a Greater Wellington Backcountry Network team worked its magic, and it is now much improved.

All that remains after reaching Cow Creek Hut is a nearly 500m slog back up onto Blue Range, which can also be arduous for tired legs after the rigours of the journey to that point – some Type 2 fun that just accentuates the feeling of satisfaction once you reach Kiriwhakapapa Road end again.