Located in Tongariro National Park and Whakapapa Village area in the Central North Island region
Whakapapaiti Valley Track Image: Wei-Hang Chua | Creative Commons
Whakapapaiti Hut Image: Wei-Hang Chua | Creative Commons
Whakapapaiti Hut Image: Wei-Hang Chua | Creative Commons
This track can be walked in either direction, but is described going counter-clockwise.
Follow Silica Rapids Track for about 45 minutes to the junction with Whakapapaiti Track.
The track goes through forest then an open tussock-covered area. There is a bridged crossing of Whakapapaiti River, then the track continues up the valley, passing the junction with Mangahuia Track (2-3 hours to campsite).
Further up the valley there is an unbridged river crossing - it may not be possible to cross safely when the river is high following or during rainfall. Whakapapaiti Hut is 10-15 minutes further up the track.
Leaving the hut, the track winds its way through stunted beech forest, then up the valley to the Round the Mountain Track junction. Turn left here towards Bruce Road.
The track zig-zags up and over a moraine ridge with great views of Whakapapaiti Valley and the surrounding landscape. Continue to the Scoria Flat area on the Bruce Road. Form here it is approximately 5 kilometres down the road to Whakapapa Village.
The Whakapapaiti Valley track begins in Whakapapa Village 250 metres above the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre. The upper section begins 5 kilometres up the Bruce Road from Whakapapa Village.
Take the right gear to keep yourself safe on your tramp.
Tell someone your plans using the Outdoors Intentions form including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.
Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 7 892 3729 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | tongarirovc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
Whakapapa Village State Highway 48 Mount Ruapehu |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 71029 Whakapapa Village Mount Ruapehu 3951 |
Full office details |