Image: Anna Atchley | ©
Mangatepopo Hut with a rainbow behind.
Mangatepopo Hut

Located in Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island region

This is a 20-bunk hut located on the Tongariro Northern Circuit in Ruapehu.

Set in the Mangatepopo Valley with sunset views to Taranaki Maunga on clear evenings, the Lockwood Mangatepopo Hut was built in 1974 and sits at an altitude of 1190m.

It is the only hut in close proximity to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. In summer it can receive extra foot traffic during the day due to this location.

Day visitors to the hut should book to use the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. 

Fees

1 May 2026 – 22 October 2026 – Serviced hut rates

  • Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Prices are per person, per night. NZ rates are for New Zealand visitors and INT rates are for international visitors.

Date range

Adult NZ
18 + years

Adult INT
18+ years

Child NZ
5 to 17 years

Child INT
0 to 17 years

Infant NZ
0 to 4 years

23 October  – 30 April

$44

$66

$22

$33

Free

1 May – 22 October

$25

$25

$12.50

$12.50

Free

Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.

Backcountry Hut Passes can only be used in this hut from 1 May to 24 October. Passes cannot be used from 25 October to 30 April. 

Te Araroa – The Trail Pass

Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the Te Araroa Trail Pass.

Bookings

In the Great Walks season:

Read the terms and conditions before you book.

Outside the Great Walks season, bookings are still required but are at a reduced rate and have reduced services.

View updated hut and sole occupancy fees from 1 July 2026.

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

The approximate tramping time and distance from:

  • Mangatepopo Road end is 25 minutes and 1.7km.
  • Ngauruhoe Place at Whakapapa Village is from 3 to 5 hours depending on the weather and 9.4 km.
  • Oturere Hut is 5 hours and 12 km.

Tracks to this hut

Location

Topo50 map sheet BH34
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1824389, N5663908

Tongariro Alpine Crossing booking system

Day visitors to the hut should book to use the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track. Hut users with a booking to stay overnight do not need to book to use the track.