Located in Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island region
66.2 km loop
Waihohonu Hut and Campsite require advance booking in the Great Walks season.
Waihohonu Hut to Rangipo Hut Image: Sarah Wilcox | Creative Commons
Ohinepango Springs Image: Sarah Wilcox | Creative Commons
There are six huts with campsites available on the Round the Mountain Track: Waihohonu, Rangipo, Mangaehuehu, Blyth, Mangaturuturu and Whakapapaiti.
Waihohonu Hut and Campsite require advance booking in the Great Walks season. Outside the Great Walks season, it is first come, first served. Other huts and campsites are first come, first served all year.
Camping outside the designated campsites is allowed in the National Park,except:
Time: 5 hr 30 min
Distance: 14.3 km
The track begins along Ngauruhoe Place, 100 metres below Whakapapa Visitor Centre. There are two options. The Lower Taranaki Falls Track crosses tussock and shrubland before following the Wairere Stream through mountain beech forest to the base of Taranaki Falls. On leaving the falls, the track climbs a set of steps and brings you to the junction with the Upper Taranaki Falls Track (1 hour 25 minutes to this point). Alternatively, the Upper Taranaki Falls track takes you over tussock and shrubland to the same point in 1 hour.
After leaving the Taranaki Falls Track, it is a further 2 hours to Tama Saddle and Tama Lakes junction. From here a side trip can be made to the Tama Lakes. Tama Saddle is exposed and conditions can be windy in bad weather.
From Tama Saddle the track gradually descends for 2.5 hours down the Waihohonu Stream to Waihohonu Hut. A side trip can be made from the Round the Mountain track to the historic Waihohonu Hut, about 10 minutes before you reach the new Waihohonu Hut.
Time: 20 min return to Lower Tama from the junction, 1.5 hr return to Upper Tama from the junction.
Tama Lakes, two infilled explosion craters, are named after Tamatea, the high chief of the Takitimu Canoe, who explored the area six centuries ago.
The lower lake (at 1200 m), is 10 minutes from the junction. Volcanic debris is slowly washing in and filling the crater. The upper lake (at 1314 m) is a further 40 minutes up a steep ridge. This beautiful lake is reputed to be very deep.
Time: 20 min return from the new Waihohonu Hut, 10 min return from the Round the Mountain Track, 3 hr (6.3 km) return from Desert Road (State Highway 1)
Built in 1903/04, this was the first hut built in Tongariro National Park. It's the oldest example of a typical early two-room mountain hut in New Zealand. Historic Waihohonu Hut
Time: 5 hr
Distance: 12.5 km
The track from Waihohonu Hut to Rangipo Hut is in one of the most unique areas in the park. It is the only true desert landscape in the North Island, and as such, features vast plains of wind sculptured sands and volcanic rock. The Rangipo Desert is dryer than most areas in Tongariro National Park as it is sited in the rain shadow to the east of Mt Ruapehu.
The track passes Ohinepango Springs then traverses the eastern side of Ruapehu, past the Tukino Mountain Road, the Whangaehu River, eventually arriving at Rangipo Hut. The hut is perched on the southern edge of the desert with views east to the Kaimanawa mountains.
Time: 1 hr return from new Waihohonu Hut, 5 min return from Round the Mountain Track
Crystal clear cold water bubbles up from beneath the old lava flow and discharges at an enormous rate into the Ohinepango Stream.
The springs are signposted on the Round the Mountain Track heading towards Rangipo Hut.
Time: 5 hr 30 min
Distance: 8.5 km
The trip from Rangipo to Mangaehuehu is an undulating traverse. It leaves the desertlands of Rangipo, re-entering the mountain beech forest on the southern flanks of Mt Ruapehu. A feature of this section of track is crossing the awesome Waihianoa Gorge which cuts a path down the mountain into Karioi Forest.
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 8.9 km
The gradual downhill traverse from Mangahuehu weaves through open alpine tussock country and mountain beech stands.
After 1 hour 30 minutes, a track junction gives walkers the option of a side trip to Blyth Hut (1 hour return) or continuing out to the Ohakune Mountain Road. About 20 minutes past the track junction are the Waitonga Falls (39 m), reputedly the highest falls in Tongariro National Park. The track out to the road passes Rotokawa, an alpine tarn featuring several alpine wetland species and spectacular views of Ruapehu on a clear day.
A second junction indicates the Old Blyth Track (1 hour 30 minutes to the 7 kilometre point on the Ohakune Mountain Road) on the left, or 15 minutes to continue on to Waitonga Falls carpark (the 11 kilometre point on the Ohakune Mountain Road). Walk 3 kilometres up the road to link up with the next section of Round the Mountain Track.
Time: 1 hr return from the junction east of Waitonga Falls
Access Blyth Hut from the junction just east of Waitonga Falls on the Round the Mountain Track.
Following a gentle climb through mountain beech forest, you emerge out into the open, from where the hut is a short climb above the headwaters of the Mangateitei Stream. The hut site features expansive views of the mountain and the countryside to the south.
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 3 km
The track begins 3 kilometres further up the road from the exit of Mangaehuehu Hut and Waitonga Falls track (15 kilometres from Ohakune township).
Follow the track down into the Makotuku Valley, then cross a lava ridge covered in alpine herbs.
The track then descends into the expansive Mangaturuturu Valley via the Cascades, where a mountain stream tumbles over a spectacular rockfall. The rocks are coated with a creamy-coloured silica deposit left behind by the fast flowing stream. Caution: the rocks can be slippery during wet or icy conditions.
Mangaturuturu Hut, situated on the valley floor, is maintained jointly by the Department of Conservation and the Wanganui Tramping Club.
Time: 5 hr 30 min
Distance: 10.3 km
Shortly after leaving the hut, the track crosses the Mangaturuturu River. Caution: It may not be possible to cross safely when the river is high during or following rain. The river bed was scoured out in 1975 by a lahar (volcanic mud flow), thus the sides of the river are devoid of established vegetation.
A climb out of the valley brings you to Lake Surprise, a shallow alpine tarn. The staircase that climbs up from Lake Surprise onto the ridge above, was constructed to protect the fragile alpine environment.
The traverse to Whakapapaiti features two magnificent river valleys, the Manganui-o-te-Ao and the Makatote. These rivers merge in the Ruatiti Valley then flow into the Whanganui River to the sea. This part of the track features views of Hauhungatahi, a conical peak to the northwest of Ruapehu, as well as spectacular waterfalls tumbling off lava bluffs in the Whakapapaiti Valley.
At the junction just before Whakapapaiti Hut, you have the option of continuing on to Scoria Flat on the Bruce Road (1 hour 30 minutes), or turning off to Whakapapaiti Hut (15 minutes) and on to Whakapapa Village (2 hours 30 minutes).
Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 8.7 km
From the Whakapapaiti Hut the track continues down the valley. 15 minutes below the hut it crosses Whakapapaiti River. When the river flow is low, you can boulder hop across - but after rain it is not possible to cross safely. You can avoid the main river crossing, and exit along the top return route to the Bruce Road at Scoria Flat, 5 km above Whakapapa Village.
About 45 minutes below the hut the Mangahuia Track branches off to the left (to Mangahuia Campsite and SH47). The track to the village continues straight on then veers east. Interesting features of this area are the groves of kaikawaka and cabbage trees amongst the beech forest.
From here the track undulates for a number of easy climbs and descents before joining the well formed Silica Rapids Track, for the last 45 minutes to Whakapapa Village.
Waihohonu requires advance reservation in the peak season, as it is a Great Walk hut/campsite. Backcountry tickets or passes are required in the off peak season.
The other five huts/campsites are on a first come basis year round, and backcountry tickets or passes are required.
You can access the Round the Mountain Track from several locations, providing options to walk part of the track over a couple of days, or to do the complete circuit.
There is a parking area in Whakapapa village opposite the Visitor Centre.
The walk to Waihohonu Hut is 5 hr 30 min. The track entrance is from Ngauruhoe Place, 100 m below the Visitor Centre.
The track entrance is just above Whakapapa Holiday Park, and is also the track entrance for the Silica Rapids / Whakapapaiti Valley Track. The walk to Whakapapaiti Hut is 2 hr 30 min.
Alternatively, there is an entrance 5 km further up Bruce Road from Whakapapa Village. From here the walk is 1 hr 30 min to the Whakapapaiti Hut, or 7 hr to the Mangaturuturu Hut.
There is a parking area just off the Desert Road, 31 km from Tūrangi or 21 km from the Rangipo Junction. It is approximately 1 hr 30 min to Waihohonu Hut, then a further 5 hr to Rangipo Hut.
The Ohakune Mountain Road has two access points for the Round the Mountain Track; Waitonga Falls carpark (at 12 km) and Wanganui Corner (at 15 km). Both have parking areas, and shuttle services are available from Ohakune.
The Round the Mountain Track connects with the Tongariro Northern Circuit track at two points; Whakapapa Village and the Waihohonu Track junction.
This is not a regular access point for the track; it is the access road to Tukino ski field. It is a rough gravel road and a four wheel drive is required. In winter it is often impassable due to snow.
From where the Round the Mountain Track crosses the road, it is an 2 hr walk to either Rangipo Hut or Waihohonu Hut.
When leaving your vehicle at track entrance parking areas, take valuable items with you and lock your vehicle. Alternatively, there are parking areas at Whakapapa Village and local towns, and transport is easy to arrange to and from the tracks.
Your safety is your responsibility. To have a great time in the outdoors, know before you go the five simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code to help you stay safe:
Seek local knowledge, plan your route and the amount of time you expect it to take.
It's important to plan, prepare and equip yourself well. Have the right gear and skills required for the trip and always check the latest information about facilities you plan to use, and local track and weather conditions.
On the Round the Mountain Track, be aware that:
More information:
Check for alerts at the top of this page, or contact:
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 |
Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano. Eruptions can happen without warning. The last eruption was on 25 September 2007.
If you are on the mountain when an eruption happens, you could be in danger. Whangaehu and Whakapapaiti river valleys are lahar paths, particularly Whangaehu River on the eastern side of Ruapehu, which is the outlet from the Crater Lake. The track crosses these two valleys so don't linger.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Fill in the visitors' book if you are staying in a hut.
In the peak summer season (October to April), there is a resident warden at Waihohonu Hut, who can give weather and track information or assist should an emergency arise. No other huts have resident wardens, but sometimes rangers are present.
New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable - expect weather changes and be prepared for them.
On the Round the Mountain Track be aware that:
More information:
Check the weather forecast – NIWA website.
During winter months snow/ice can cover all or parts of the track, and avalanche risk may apply. Walking and/or navigation can become more difficult.
Alpine experience and equipment may be required during this period (crampons, ice axe, possibly avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe).
More information:
Avalanches are possible during and after heavy snow falls. Check the avalanche advisory before you leave. If risk applies, carry a transceiver, shovel and probe and know how to use them. If the risk is 'considerable' or above - don't go!
More information:
Avalanche terrain ratings in Tongariro National Park
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.
On the Round the Mountain Track be aware that:
The track is classed as a tramping track suitable for people with reasonable fitness and experience. The track is mostly rough and not well formed; some sections are steep, rocky or muddy. The track however is well marked with signs, poles or markers. There are unbridged stream and river crossings.
You can expect:
You must be self sufficient: be sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency food for the worst-case scenario.
Take an appropriate means of communication such as a cellphone and/or personal locator beacon. Personal locator beacons can be rented from various outlets, check details on the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ website
On the Round the Mountain Track be aware that:
The following clothing and equipment is essential for all hikers on the Round the Mountain Track. Be prepared for at least one wet day on your trip.
Clothing and equipment
You will need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night. It is not possible to dry clothes in the huts. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts are not suitable.
Most equipment is available for rent or purchase in towns surrounding the Tongariro National Park. See Rental outlets on the National Park Village website.
During the winter season, snow and ice on all or parts of the track makes the Round the Mountain Track more challenging - alpine equipment and route finding skills are often required.
Tramping the Round the Mountain Track in winter should only be attempted by experienced, well equipped people.
Remember, there are day walk or shorter options, if weather or track conditions are not suitable for the whole trip. Check with the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for options.
You should be prepared for avalanche risk, and know when it's not safe to go.
Parts of the Round the Mountain Track pass through simple terrain, however the section of track through the Wahianoa Gorge contains challenging terrain.
A large proportion of the Tongariro National Park below 1700 m is classed as simple avalanche terrain; elevations above this altitude are mainly challenging or complex avalanche terrain. The highest altitude on the Round the Mountain Track is just below 1600 m at Rangipo Hut.
During periods when there is snow present you should not venture onto the track without avalanche expertise and equipment, or you should be accompanied by an experienced guide.
Further avalanche information:
If you are considering tramping during the winter, you must be confident that you have the necessary skills, fitness and equipment to hike in snow/ice and be safe on your trip.
Mount Ruapehu has a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, despite its apparent harsh living conditions.
Walk through mountain beech and podocarp forests and notice the abundance and diversity of forest plants, fungi, and birdlife.
Within the volcanic alpine environment, you can explore tussock lands and wetland areas.
You can see a stunning array of alpine flowers in the summer months - including daisies, hebes, gentians, orchids, sundews, and buttercups.
You can see a variety of birds around Ruapehu. From the forest dwelling tui, rifleman, tomtits and robins, to whio/blue duck on mountain rivers, to pipits and the more rare falcon and kaka.
Kiwi and pekapeka/bats live in the forests too - but don't expect to see them, they are nocturnal and elusive!
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 |