Walk options in southern north island?

[L_Cham_67]

Hey all
My brother and I are heading over to NZ in November, and will be basing ourselves in Wanganui with family. We're looking at doing a couple of 3-5 night walks and are not sure on the best choices. Are there any recommendations anyone has? We've looked at Matemateaonga, taranaki, tararua forest park, & tongariro, but if there are other options out there, I'd love to know.

[ribuck]

If the area is new to you, I'd say going around Tongariro would be hard to beat. I also love the Tararuas, because the forest is so magical just before you break out above the treeline. Both of these areas have tramping huts available.

[wayno]

tongariro circuit has to be booked, expect bad weather in november inc possibly snow

[madpom]

My favourite NI on-track tramping areas would be the Kawekas and Tararuas. November, NZ is likely to be in a westerly pattern with rain fronts going through. Kawekas avoid the worst of the westerlies as they lie in the rainshadow of Tongariro. Can't beat the Tararua tops or cloud forest on a good day though. Happy to suggest specific tracks if you want.

[L_Cham_67]

The Kaweka's look amazing, but it might well be a bit too far away from Wanganui for our 'taxi'. What are the options throughout Tararua? I've read about Mt Holdsworth, but i assume there are more?

And are there any other tramps in Whanganui National Park worth considering besides Matemateaonga?