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Tracks & walks

Central North Island

In this section:

Central North Island

See also:

Walks in Tongariro National Park

Places to visit in the Ruapehu area

Walks in the Turangi/Taupo area

Current Tongariro weather forecast on Metservice website

Ruapehu area

List these tracks by category:

Mt Ruapehu Crater climb

The climb up to Mt Ruapehu Crater is not a marked route. People wishing to make the climb to the crater should be experienced trampers and well equipped.
Category: Route
Distance: 7 - 10 km
Completion Time: 5 - 7 hr
Alert: Winter conditions

Ohakune area short walks

Mangawhero Falls, Lake Rotokura, wheelchair accessible Mangawhero Forest Track and the Rimu Track are some short walks you can enjoy around the Ohakune area.
Category: Short walk

Ohakune area tramping tracks

Lake Surprise and Old Blyth tramping tracks are two 5-hour return tramps you can enjoy in the Ohakune area.
Category: Tramping track

Ohakune Old Coach Road

Ohakune Old Coach Road is a unique walk and cycleway. Take a trip back into New Zealand's rail heritage while you walk or cycle across gentle coach trails and newly formed tracks.
Category: Walking track ; Mountain biking - Easy
Distance: 15 km Ohakune Railway Station to Horopito (or reverse)
Completion Time: 2 hr 20 min cycle or 4 hr 30 min walk, one way
Alert: Part of the track can be muddy

Round the Mountain Track

It will take you 4 to 6 days to complete the Round the Mountain (Mt Ruapehu) Track at Tongariro National Park.
Category: Tramping track
Completion Time: 4 - 6 days
Alert: Winter conditions

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track passes over varied and spectacular volcanic terrain and takes around 6 - 8 hours to complete.
Category: Tramping track
Distance: 19.4 km
Completion Time: 6 to 8 hr
Alert: Winter conditions

Waitonga Falls Track

The Waitonga Falls is a 1 hour 30 minutes walk on a well-formed track through mountain beech and kaikawaka forest. The 39 m falls are Tongariro National Park's highest falls.
Category: Walking track
Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min

Whakapapa area walking tracks

Enjoy these walking tracks located within a 30 minutes drive from Whakapapa Village.
Category: Walking track

Whakapapa Village short walks

These short walks are either accessible on foot from Whakapapa Village or require a short drive to the start of the track.
Category: Short walk

Whakapapa Village walking tracks

Slightly more demanding than short walks these walking tracks are either accessible from Whakapapa Village on foot or require a short drive to the start of the track.
Category: Walking track

Whakapapaiti Valley Track

Winding through stunted beech forest, the Whakapapaiti Valley Track makes its way to the Whakapapaiti Hut. From here you can continue in a loop back to Whakapapa Village.
Category: Tramping track
Distance: 16 kilometre loop (including the Bruce Road section), or 11 kilometers one-way (transport required)
Completion Time: 4-5 hours

Find out more

Publications

Easy access walks - North Island
Easy access walks - South Island

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Safety alerts for Central North Island tracks

Contacts

Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 7 892 3729
Address:	Whakapapa Village State Highway 48 Mount Ruapehu
Email:
Full office details

Ruapehu Area Office
Phone:	+64 7 892 3729

Email:
Full office details

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