Round The Mountain (Tongariro National Park)

ROUND THE MOUNTAIN TRACK (TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK) – 5 DAYS

Date: Friday, 20 March – Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Maximum participants: 15 (All go on waiting list; Rafick's approval required)

A RUGGED AND SPECTACULAR VOLCANIC CIRCUMNAVIGATION

This 5-day adventure takes us around the base of Mount Ruapehu on the Round the Mountain Track. This is a significantly more demanding and remote experience than the popular Tongariro Northern Circuit. We will traverse alpine herb fields, ancient beech forests, and stark, lunar-like volcanic deserts. This track is known for its ever-changing views and rugged terrain.

EVENT SUMMARY

Meeting point: Whakapapa Village (outside the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre)
Start time: Friday, 20 March. Meet by 12:30 PM, start walking 1:00 PM sharp
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights Total
Distance: Approx. 66 km
Difficulty Level: 5 on a scale of 5 (Remote, steep in sections, and exposed to alpine weather)

ITINERARY

Friday, 20 March: Whakapapa Village to Whakapapaiti Hut We start at midday and head through tussock and beech forest. We must cross the Whakapapaiti Stream, which can be difficult if there has been heavy rain. Distance: 9 km | Time: 3–3.5 hours

Saturday, 21 March: Whakapapaiti Hut to Blyth Hut The track climbs over the ridge of the Turoa skifield road and drops into the Mangaturuturu Valley. We will pass the Mangaturuturu Hut and continue through alpine scrub and mountain beech to reach Blyth Hut. Distance: 13.5 km | Time: 5.5–6 hours

Sunday, 22 March: Blyth Hut to Rangipo Hut This is a spectacular day crossing the "Rangipo Desert." We will navigate several large river valleys and the lahars of the Whangaehu River. This section is very exposed and offers incredible volcanic views. Distance: 12.5 km | Time: 5–6 hours

Monday, 23 March: Rangipo Hut to Waihohonu Hut A steady walk across the desert landscape, crossing the Tukino skifield road. We will eventually drop down into the lush valley surrounding the modern Waihohonu Hut. Distance: 15.5 km | Time: 5–6 hours

Tuesday, 24 March: Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa Village Our final stretch takes us through the Tama Saddle, passing the turnoffs for the Tama Lakes. We will finish back at Whakapapa Village between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM for the drive home. Distance: 15.5 km | Time: 5.5 hours

WHAT TO BRING

• Full multi-day tramping gear (Everything must be in a waterproof liner)
• 3L water capacity (Essential for the desert sections where water is scarce)
• Food for 5 days (High-energy meals and snacks)
• Cooking stove, fuel, and utensils
• Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip (Required for rocky terrain)
• Full alpine clothing: Rain jacket, over-trousers, thermals, fleece/down layers, hat, and gloves
• Personal First Aid Kit and Emergency Foil Blanket
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses (High UV in the alpine zone)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Charged phone and Powerbank

ACCOMMODATION AND BOOKINGS

You are responsible for booking your own hut or campsite passes via the DOC website. Please book for the following dates:

1. Friday: Whakapapaiti Hut
2. Saturday: Blyth Hut
3. Sunday: Rangipo Hut
4. Monday: Waihohonu Hut (Note: This hut is very popular and must be booked well in advance).

YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

The Round the Mountain Track is an alpine route. Weather can change instantly with snow, gale-force winds, and heavy rain possible at any time of year. Rivers and streams on this route are unbridged and can become impassable during rain. You must be fit, experienced in multi-day tramping, and properly equipped for alpine conditions.

DOC ALERTS & VOLCANIC RISK
As of late 2025/early 2026, ensure you check the DOC website for the following:

• Volcanic Activity: Ruapehu is an active volcano. Check GeoNet for the current alert level.
• Track Conditions: Check for any windfall or slips on the Whakapapaiti and Mangaturuturu sections.
• Water: Water at Rangipo and Mangaturuturu can be silty; always treat or filter.

TRANSPORT

We will drive from Auckland early morning on Friday, 20 March. Fuel Contribution: $60-$70 per passenger (long-distance trip). Please coordinate carpooling in the comments.

CONTRIBUTION

A $10 contribution is required. Please make a transfer of $10 Wakahi.com Limited account 02-0200-0260173-000.