Getting there

You can access the Round the Mountain Track from several locations, providing options to walk part of the track over a couple of days, or to do the complete circuit.

There is a parking area in Whakapapa village opposite the Visitor Centre.

From Whakapapa Village to Waihohonu Hut

The walk to Waihohonu Hut is 5 hr 30 min. The track entrance is from Ngauruhoe Place, 100 m below the Visitor Centre.

From Whakapapa Village To Whakapapaiti Hut

The track entrance is just above Whakapapa Holiday Park, and is also the track entrance for the Silica Rapids / Whakapapaiti Valley Track. The walk to Whakapapaiti Hut is 2 hr 30 min.

Alternatively, there is an entrance 5 km further up Bruce Road from Whakapapa Village. From here the walk is 1 hr 30 min to the Whakapapaiti Hut, or 7 hr to the Mangaturuturu Hut.

Desert Road (SH1)

There is a parking area just off the Desert Road, 31 km from Tūrangi or 21 km from the Rangipo Junction. It is approximately 1 hr 30 min to Waihohonu Hut, then a further 5 hr to Rangipo Hut.

Ohakune Mountain Road

The Ohakune Mountain Road has two access points for the Round the Mountain Track; Waitonga Falls carpark (at 12 km) and Wanganui Corner (at 15 km). Both have parking areas, and shuttle services are available from Ohakune.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

The Round the Mountain Track connects with the Tongariro Northern Circuit track at two points; Whakapapa Village and the Waihohonu Track junction.

Tukino Road

This is not a regular access point for the track; it is the access road to Tukino ski field. It is a rough gravel road and a four wheel drive is required. In winter it is often impassable due to snow.

From where the Round the Mountain Track crosses the road, it is an 2 hr walk to either Rangipo Hut or Waihohonu Hut.

Vehicle security

When leaving your vehicle at track entrance parking areas, take valuable items with you and lock your vehicle. Alternatively, there are parking areas at Whakapapa Village and local towns, and transport is easy to arrange to and from the tracks.

Transport options

• National bus and train transport links with National Park, Ohakune and Whakapapa Village.
• Shuttle bus transport to and from the various trail heads is available with several local operators. You can arrange services from local towns Whakapapa Village, National Park, Ohakune and Tūrangi.
• There are no scheduled services - all transport arrangements must be made direct with transport operators before departure. Whakapapa Village is the only track access point with a public telephone.