The Tararua Tramper - trip reports from the Tararua Tramping Club. Special note should be made of the book 'The Tararuas' by Chris Maclean. It is full of great photos and has many details of the history, geology and ecology of the Tararua mountains. It is particularly good for anyone living in Wellington since they can stand on the quayside and know that they have hiked over the skyline beyond the Hutt Valley. Note that this is a sub-alpine route that climbs to a height of 1529m and there is no shelter other than Kime Hut between the bushlines above Field and Alpha Huts.
Alpine equipment is necessary in winter conditions and crampons are handy.
If you drive to the start of the hike in Otaki Forks, be aware that much of the way is a single track dirt road - drive carefully and look out for oncoming traffic. From the bridge climb the narrow ridge up about 40m to a plateau of farmland. Cross the plateau and turn right at the first fork to head up the hillside. I arrived at the hut at 1 pm - to early to stop but a good time for a brew and rest. Field Hut has been around for more than 70 years now so have a look around inside for the original pit-sawn timbers.