Tararua Southern Crossing | Tramping (Hiking) Video Series | New Zealand

The Tararua Ranges are a classic Aotearoa tramping destinations but they are potentially the most underrated in terms of extreme weather. Despite its everlasting charm, the Tararua Forest Park has a reputation for extremely high winds, dense fog, and icy conditions as cold and windy days on the mountain tops are the norm rather than the exception. It sees some of the strongest winds and most dynamic weather of anywhere in the country.

This video explores the alpine section a popular tramp, The Southern Crossing, to help you prepare for the harsh conditions, particularly in exposed areas so that you make it home safely.

Brought to you by the NZ Mountain Safety Council + their Partners + Quite Nice Films

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[strphenz]

Just completed the crossing - this was excellent to watch before going.

[azzaKaiapoi]

Wow. This is an excellent resource for a tramper unfamiliar with the Tararua's. Very valuable, thanks! 👍

[nigelhunt]

Excellent video and info on the Southern Crossing. The lady is not joking about the bad weather either. This can also be done in two days, over night at Kime Hut, but I do not recommend it as you will be tramping for around 14 hours on day 2. I would try and avoid the path she mentions at the end though. Very steep and some section are very hard to get over.

[uyuceyq]

The part which says the block XVI track off the Marchant Ridge and then at the bottom on the true right (or western side) of the Tauherenikau River is bad advice. You can come down the Block 16 track ok (it fairly steep thou) , but the track along the at the bottom along the river valley till the swing bridge has not been maintained since 2012 with lots of large slips across it, large swamps, poor to non existence track markers and severely over grown. Basically the valley track on this western side is a bush bash and hard to navigate. If people do decide to come down Block XVI, much faster and easier to cross the river immediately to the other side and find the much better marked and maintained track coming down from Tutuwai hut on the true left (eastern side) down towards the swing bridge. Obviously in flood the river isn't suitable to ford, .

[tararuaman]

Very happy to see the word 'tramping ' being used .well done. Get frustrated when I keep hearing 'hiking, ' would also like to hear 'New Zealand' being used as well. Cheers a great video.

[kiwischeisse]

Thanks for the video, great source of information! I just wonder how realistic the trip times are. My experience with the tracks in the Tararuas is that the official times are heavily underestimating, even in good conditions (and I totally endorse the line: leave as early as possible!). Does anyone has experience with this track and can comment on the trip times?