Valleys, Routes, and Crossings
20 Major Crossings
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]
Elder Hut
Elder Hut is a Standard hut, located at -40.971876, 175.232402. It has 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
No water at Elder Hut
The tap at Elder Hut is broken and the tank has run dry.
If you are travelling to Elder, ensure you take plenty of drinking water as there may not be any available at the hut.
First published on 21 January 2025. Last reviewed on 21 January 2025.
Alpha Hut
Alpha Hut is a Standard hut, located at -40.98575, 175.281914. It has 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.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.
Major crossings
- Bannister Crossing 20.7 Bannister Crossing
- Holdsworth Mitre Crossing 20.9 The Holdsworth to Mitre major Tararua Range crossing
- Main Range Crossing 20.8 The Tararua Main Range north to south major Tararua Range crossing
- Middle Crossing 20.5 The Middle Crossing major crossing of the Tararua Ranges
- Northern Crossing 20.6 Northern Crossing major crossing of the Tararua Ranges
- Renata Alpha Crossing 20.1 Renata Alpoha major crossing of the Tararua Ranges
- Southern Crossing 20.2. 20.3, 20.4 Southern Crossing major crossing of the Tararua Ranges
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