Tararua Range

The Tararua Range (often referred to as the "Tararua Ranges") is one of several mountain ranges in the North Island of New Zealand which form a ridge running parallel with the east coast of the island between East Cape and Wellington.

The ridge is at its most pronounced in the southern part of the island, where it comprises the Rimutaka, Ruahine, and Tararua Ranges.

The Tararuas run northeast-southwest for 80 kilometres from near Palmerston North to the upper reaches of the Hutt Valley, where the northern tip of the Rimutaka Range begins. It is separated in the north from the southern end of the Ruahine Range by the Manawatu Gorge.

The highest peak in the Tararuas is Mitre (not to be confused with Mitre Peak), at 1570 metres.

Roads

The only all-weather road right across the range is the "Pahiatua Track", which joins Palmerston North and Pahiatua and is much used when the Manawatu Gorge road is closed.

Recreation

Serving as a tramping location for Wellington, amongst the possible trips is the famous "Southern Crossing" running from Otaki Forks in the west, over Mt Hector and exiting via Kaitoke.