There is elevation and exhilaration to be had on this classic 2- to 3-day tramp in the northern Tararua Range. Beautiful and tough, it can be walked in either direction. 

From the car park, proceed up the Mangatainoka Valley for a few minutes and cross the swingbridge to the true left. An hour’s flat saunter leads to a second swingbridge, and from here it’s 45min uphill to the junction with Roaring Stag Track, where the Dundas Circuit eventually loops back on itself. 

Heading anti-clockwise, a gentle ridge followed by a brief climb with a lovely outlook over the Ruapae catchment brings you to Herepai Hut, 30min away. 

The track becomes more rugged after the hut, but as the bush thins the views become expansive. From here, it’s a 300m climb to Herepai (1125m), an unremarkable summit from this approach but a definite ‘knob’ when looking back from Ruapae (1279m),  a kilometre away. 

Ruapae offers spectacular views of the way ahead, first to East Peak (1355m) then to distant Pukemoremore. With sweeping views, some skinny sections of track and a short grunt up to East Peak, this is the most uplifting tramping on the Dundas Circuit. 

All the effort spent climbing East Peak is thrown to the wind as you’re now confronted with a deep, steep saddle to gain West Peak (1335m), the northernmost summit of Dundas Ridge. 

From here the tramping is easier, although Pukemoremore (1474m) – the circuit’s highest point – is rocky and scrambly with steep drop-offs into Barra Stream. 

A junction at Pt1415 points the way off Dundas Ridge to Dundas Hut. The descent is steep but the views from the six-bunk hut are legendary – if you visit on a good day. As the ridge is exposed, clag can roll in at any time. 

Depending on your ability, the track from Dundas Hut to Cattle Ridge Hut should take 5–7hr. There are some brutal climbs and descents to contend with. First is 500m of vertical downhill to a stream junction, through different vegetation zones on a finger-like spur that allows appreciation of the scale of the landscape. Next comes a sidle above the stream with roots, rocks and rivulets criss-crossing the path. Dark and gloomy, the track can be ill defined if windfall and water have taken their toll. This is the gnarliest section of the circuit and you may be relieved to reach Ruamahanga River. Find a safe crossing and scan carefully for the track ahead. 

A steep climb to Cattle Ridge gains 600m of altitude in less than 1km, first through leatherwood and then on a scree slope. On the summit ridge, cairns mark an easy path to Cattle Ridge Hut, to the east. Take care with navigation if visibility is poor. 

The hut has recently been refurbished with a log burner, thanks to the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association.

From here the track wanders past a pretty tarn before descending 700m to Roaring Stag Hut on the far side of the Ruamahanga swingbridge. The way is steep and rough and can take a couple of hours. Roaring Stag Hut is warm and inviting and a great spot for a snack. 

After that it’s an easy walk back to the junction to Herepai through stunning bush, idiosyncratic fungi and spectacular glades of ferns. 

Retrace your steps down the hill and out to the car park.