Ohakune area tramping tracks
Tramping track
Description
Lake Surprise
Mangaturuturu River
Time: 5 hr return
This track begins on the Ohakune Mountain Road, 15 kilometres past the DOC Visitor Centre.
After sidling down across open country from the mountain road the track descends into Mangaturuturu Valley beside a beautiful cascade flowing over smooth bedrock. The creamy coating on the cascade is due to silica and mineral rich water from an alpine spring. Waterfalls and bluffs complement the backdrop of Mount Ruapehu. The Mangaturuturu River is forded shortly after passing the Mangaturuturu Hut, 1 hour 30 minutes from the road. Evidence of the 1975 lahar (volcanic mudflow) can be seen here in the scoured treeless river banks. Lake Surprise, a broad, shallow lake set amongst beech forest and tussock, is reached after a steady climb from the river valley.
Old Blyth Track
Time: 4 - 5 hr round trip
This track begins on the Ohakune Mountain Road, 7 kilometres past the DOC Visitor Centre.
Following part of the historic route up Mount Ruapehu, the track climbs gradually through one of the few red beech stands in the park and then passes through kaikawaka and mountain beech until it meets the Waitonga Falls Track. When Blyth Track was constructed in the early 1900s, much of the route was through alpine bog. Logs placed horizontally across the track ("Corduroy") helped improve the muddy surface. The remains of this type of track can still be seen. For the return it is necessary to retrace your steps or walk back to the Mountain Road via the Waitonga Falls Track and then down the road.
Plan and prepare
The weather in Tongariro National Park is extremely changeable all year around. Be prepared for all weather.
For longer walks take:
- windproof/waterproof raincoat and overtrousers
- spare warm clothing
- sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots
- food and drink
- sunglasses and suncream
- first aid kit
We recommend treating all water in Tongariro National Park.
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
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