These crossing trips all involve travel above the bushline.
Make sure that your gear and route-finding abilities reflect the possibility of alpine conditions.
Severe conditions may be expected at all seasons of the year.
Winter crossings will need ice axe and perhaps crampons.
Be prepared to turn back if conditions get too tough – the hills will still be there next weekend and you will be better prepared.
But don't forget your sunscreen and camera.
20.1 Renata – Alpha Crossing
Renata – Alpha is the southernmost of the ridge trips crossing the Tararuas. 7–8 hours between Renata Hut and Alpha Hut. Sometimes done as a Kime – Aston – Renata round trip, but navigation off Aston towards Elder may be difficult in poor visibility.
The track along the ridge above Renata Hut to Aston is well-cut (and well-marked in the bush) and the brief rises above the bush present no problems. After 1½ hours the bush is cleared briefly on the Renata .924 summit. The ridge is good going to the saddle just before Elder, where the bush becomes a little thicker. Elder, which is briefly in tussock, is reached in 2½ hours from Renata .924. Elder Hut (4 bunks, tank water, and splendid views) is just below the summit at the western end of Elder. Beyond Elder is a minor saddle, followed by a rise through fair bush strengthened with alpine scrub towards the bush-edge. A straightforward spur leads to Aston on the Southern Crossing, 2 hours from Elder. The ridge junction is actually about 100 metres westwards of Aston. Alpha Hut should be reached in another 90–100 minutes. [revised May 2019]
Renata Hut
Renata Hut
Renata Hut is a Bivvy or Basic hut, located at -40.968, 175.173. There are 6 bunks with heating, toilets - non-flush, water from tap - not treated, boil before use, and water supply. Bookings are not required, usage is first come, first served.Renata Hut alert
Toilet closed due to damage
The toilet at Renata Hut is unusable as a tree has struck and critically damaged it.
First published on 20 November 2025. Last reviewed on 7 February 2026.
The toilet at Renata Hut is unusable as a tree has struck and critically damaged it.
First published on 20 November 2025. Last reviewed on 7 February 2026.
Ungulate control for parts of Tararua Forest Park
Ungulate (goats, deer pigs) control work will take place from 28 January for 6 months. The operation will include both aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs, thermal drone assistance as well as aerial surveillance and trail cameras for monitoring. The operation is shown on the map in the solid pink and solid yellow buffer zones.
Ungulate (goats, deer pigs) control work will take place from 28 January for 6 months. The operation will include both aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs, thermal drone assistance as well as aerial surveillance and trail cameras for monitoring. The operation is shown on the map in the solid pink and solid yellow buffer zones.
Elder Hut is a Standard hut, located at -40.972, 175.232. There are 4 bunks with mattresses, toilets - non-flush, water from tap - not treated, boil before use, and water supply. Bookings are not required, usage is first come, first served.Elder Hut alert
Ungulate control for parts of Tararua Forest Park
Ungulate (goats, deer pigs) control work will take place from 28 January for 6 months. The operation will include both aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs, thermal drone assistance as well as aerial surveillance and trail cameras for monitoring. The operation is shown on the map in the solid pink and solid yellow buffer zones.
Ungulate (goats, deer pigs) control work will take place from 28 January for 6 months. The operation will include both aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs, thermal drone assistance as well as aerial surveillance and trail cameras for monitoring. The operation is shown on the map in the solid pink and solid yellow buffer zones.
Alpha Hut is a Standard hut, located at -40.986, 175.282. There are 20 bunks with heating, mattresses, toilets - non-flush, water from tap - not treated, boil before use, and water supply. Bookings are not required, usage is first come, first served.Alpha Hut alert
Ungulate control for parts of Tararua Forest Park
Ungulate (goats, deer pigs) control work will take place from 28 January for 6 months. The operation will include both aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs, thermal drone assistance as well as aerial surveillance and trail cameras for monitoring. The operation is shown on the map in the solid pink and solid yellow buffer zones.
Ungulate (goats, deer pigs) control work will take place from 28 January for 6 months. The operation will include both aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs, thermal drone assistance as well as aerial surveillance and trail cameras for monitoring. The operation is shown on the map in the solid pink and solid yellow buffer zones.
Emergency exit. If bad weather forces an exit from the Renata-Alpha Ridge before Aston, the best plan would be to head to Renata Hut and the old logging road over the Ngatiawa - Waiotauru Saddle. Beyond Aston the best bet is probably to proceed to Alpha Hut, as there are gorges in the headwaters of both the Western Hutt and the Tauwharenīkau Rivers.
