Ketetahi Hut Track
Tramping track
Time:
4 - 5 hr
Distance:
13 km return
Getting there
The Ketetahi Hut Track is signposted off State Highway 46, a 35 minute drive from Whakapapa village or from Turangi.
About the area
Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.
Tramper on the Ketetahi Hut Track,
Tongariro National Park
High on the slopes of Mt Tongariro, Ketetahi Hut commands a magnificent view of Lake Rotoaira, Mt Pihanga and distant Lake Taupo. On a clear day you can see Mts Tarawera and Edgecumbe (Putauaki). The hut is part of the Northern Circuit and the track is also a section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing so the area is extremely popular with trampers during the day.
Trampers can do the Ketetahi Hut Track walk as a return trip or can connect with the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk or Tongariro Alpine Crossing from there.
If you wish to stay a night at the hut and/or go on the Circuit or Crossing tracks, hut passes must be purchased before setting off on the track.
Description
From the carpark, the track climbs through podocarp forest. Part of the way it follows a stream, naturally polluted by thermal activity and unfit for drinking. The track opens out onto a broad tussock-covered ridge that heads up the slopes below the North Crater of Tongariro.
A short section of the track is on private land around the Ketetahi Springs. Presently public access to the area is being reassessed and in the interim visitors may only use the track over the land as per the signed route. There is no public right of access to the springs but there are views of the thermal area from the track. The track continues on for another 15 minutes to the Ketetahi Hut.
Places to stay
This is a 26-bunk hut located on the Tongariro Northern Circuit in the Turangi/Taupo area.
Plan and prepare
Before starting out, trampers should check the weather forecast and track conditions -Tongariro National Park weather is extremely changeable all year round. Be prepared for bad weather at all times.
Take with you:
- windproof and waterproof clothing (raincoat and overtrousers)
- sturdy comfortable shoes or boots
- food, and plenty to drink
- sunglasses and sunscreen
- first aid kit
Heavy rain will cause increased water flows in all streams and rivers in the park.
Let a reliable person know where you are going and to check in with them on your return. If you are overdue they should contact the police or the appropriate Department of Conservation office.
Giardia may be present in some streams in the park. We recommend you treat all water before you drink it.
Vehicle vandalism can be a problem, particularly at the Mangatepopo, Ketetahi and Waihohonu roadends. Do not leave valuables in your car. Ask about transport services at a local information centre.
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required