Round the Mountain Track

Walking options

• You can walk the Round the Mountain Track in either direction; here we describe it going clockwise. Consider recent or forecast rainfall in choosing your route, given the unbridged river crossings.
• You can also do a part of the track over 2 or 3 days, for example between Whakapapa Village and Ohakune Mountain Road on either the western or eastern side of Ruapehu. There are shuttle services available.

Places to stay

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:

• Within 500 m of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Track, which includes the track between Whakapapa and Waihohonu Hut
• Within 200 m of the Round the Mountain Track

Whakapapa Village to Waihohonu Hut

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.

Side trip: Tama Lakes

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.

Side trip: Historic Waihohonu Hut

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

Waihohonu Hut to Rangipo 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.

Side trip: Ohinepango Springs

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.

Rangipo Hut to Mangaehuehu 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.

Mangaehuehu Hut to Ohakune Mountain Road

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.

Side trip: Blyth Hut

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.

Ohakune Mountain Road to Mangaturuturu Hut

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.

Mangaturuturu Hut to Whakapapaiti Hut

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).

Whakapapaiti Hut to Whakapapa Village

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.

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:

1. Plan your trip - volcanic information, what type of track conditions to expect
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather - winter conditions
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

1. Plan your trip

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:

• Most of the track is on rugged and exposed alpine terrain, there are just a few sections of forest around the western and southern sides. The lowest altitude of the track is about 1100 m, and the highest (at Rangipo Hut) is close to 1600 m.
• There are some unbridged streams and river crossings, including the two larger rivers - the Whakapapaiti and Mangaturuturu rivers on the western side of Ruapehu.
• Major hazards on the track are generally managed during summer (October to April). In winter the main hazard is snow/ice on the track.
• We recommend you treat stream water to guard against risk of infection from giardia and other bugs.

More information:

Check for alerts at the top of this page, or contact:

Volcanic hazards

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.

• Know the volcanic risks and what to do in an eruption
• Get the latest volcanic status on the Geonet website and watch for signs of an eruption

2. Tell someone

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.

3. Be aware of the weather

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: 

• The weather in Tongariro National Park is often more extreme than other places in the North Island. Be prepared for cold, wet, snowy/icy, or windy weather at any time of year.
• Heavy rain can make the unbridged streams and rivers impassable. Be prepared to wait for water levels to drop. Never cross a flooded river!

More information:

Check the Tongariro National Park weather forecast on the MetService website.

Winter conditions

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:

• Find out more about winter tramping
• Check the webcam on the Geonet website for snow coverage

Avalanches

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

4. Know your limits

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:

• To walk up to 6 hours a day and longer depending on your fitness and trip plan
• To carry a pack of up to 15 kg for 66.2 kms
• For a 4 day trip, to walk up to 16 km per day - plus one longer day
• For a 5 day trip, to walk up to 13 km per day
• Most of the track has a hard, rocky and uneven surface. Forest sections can be muddy following rain.

5. Take sufficient supplies

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:

• Food is not available for purchase at any of the huts
• There are no cooking stoves at the huts - except for Waihohonu Hut during the Great Walks season
• Cell phone coverage is reasonably good around the track, but there are sections that there is no coverage. Generally there is no or very limited cell phone coverage at Waihohonu Hut.