The tramp beyond Mountain House Shelter follows the Mount Holdsworth Track, climbing through beech forest to Powell Hut (1,200 metres).
Just below the hut, a rocky outcrop affords an excellent view of High Ridge and Totara Flats far below in the Waiohine Valley.
The route to the summit of Mount Holdsworth (1,470 metres) is exposed to winds but otherwise straight-forward. Reaching the trig at the summit gives a real sense of achievement and well worth a photo.
The return trip to Powell Hut can be completed in 7-8 hours, to Mount Holdsworth in 8-9 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Powell Hut does require a hut ticket which can be purchased at the Masterton isite Visitor Information Centre.
Check out other walks in the Tararua Forest Park and the wider region.