1 of 4 classics links Otaki and Tauherenikau catchments. Originally from Otaki Forks to Wairarapa Plains and now the Kaitoke Basin. It was popularised from the 1920s by the Tararua Tramping and other clubs in the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa.
OSM map layer · LineString
-40.98, 175.26 · rel 6594628
-40.98, 175.26 · rel 6594628
TAR - southern crossing
36,0 km from start to finish through alpine terrain and mountains.
Wellington · -40.98°N ·
175.26°E
36,0km
Distance
multi-day
Climb · estimate
moderate
Difficulty · estimate
linear
Shape
23
views
01 · Character of the route
Is this one for you?
Alpine Terrain
Mountains
Summit
Remote
Uncrowded
compiled from map data (OSM) and points of interest along the route — no editorial layer
02 · The story
What makes this route special
03 · 13 points along the route
What will you encounter?
13× summit
Hut Mound
summit ·
on the route
36,0 km
100%
Tirotiro Knob
summit ·
on the route
36,0 km
100%
Aston
summit ·
on the route
36,0 km
100%
The Beehives
summit ·
on the route
36,0 km
100%
Atkinson
summit ·
on the route
36,0 km
100%
Mount Hector
summit ·
on the route
36,0 km
100%
Omega
summit ·
on the route
36,0 km
100%
Marchant
summit ·
43 m off route
36,0 km
100%
Field Peak
summit ·
43 m off route
36,0 km
100%
Dennan
summit ·
51 m off route
36,0 km
100%
Table Top
summit ·
63 m off route
36,0 km
100%
Alpha
summit ·
92 m off route
36,0 km
100%
Bridge Peak
summit ·
173 m off route
36,0 km
100%
04 · Landmarks
Steady waypoints
Start
Quarter of the way
Halfway
Three quarters
Finish
05 · Intersecting routes
Where you meet other trails
06 · From the trail
Through the eyes of hikers
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07 ·
no reports yet
What hikers experienced
Log completion · Start your adventure
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08 · Before you go
Answers to common questions
TAR - southern crossing is 36.0 km long.
At an average walking pace, TAR - southern crossing takes approximately 8h 58min to complete.
No, TAR - southern crossing is a linear (point-to-point) trail. Plan ahead for return transport.
TAR - southern crossing starts near coordinates -40.8718, 175.2305.
TAR - southern crossing is a strenuous hike requiring excellent fitness and prior hiking experience.
TAR - southern crossing is maintained and managed by Department of Conservation.
Yes, TAR - southern crossing is part of the National Walking Network (NWN), a wider network of long-distance hiking trails.