Round The Mountain Track. Tongariro National Park. NEW ZEALAND.
S 39° 11.975 E 175° 32.576
60H E 374182 N 5660063
The Round the Mountain Track is a 4-5 day walk through the diverse landscapes and vegetation on Mt Ruapehu's flanks - from the Rangipo Desert on eastern slopes to the beech and podocarp rainforests of the southern and western aspects.
Waymark Code: WM60EZ
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 03/11/2009
Views: 13
The Round the Mountain Track is the name given to the 4 - 5 day loop tramp around Mt Ruapehu. It traverses a myriad of landscapes, ranging from mountain beech forest, tussock-country and alpine herb fields; to desertlands and glacial river valleys. Although a greater part of the track is in an alpine environment, there are no major alpine passes.
Difficult walking and/or navigation can be expected during winter months, as snow can cover the track. Full alpine gear should be carried during this period (ice axe, crampons, and adequate cold weather clothing).
Both during and after heavy snow falls, avalanches are possible. Please check conditions before departure and be aware of this hazard.
The co-ords at S 39° 11.975 E 175° 32.576 are the Whakapapa Village entrance to the track which can be walked in either direction.
Time Required: 4-6 days at a reasonably leisurely pace. It can be walked in 3 full days by a fit party in good weather conditions (nights at Mangaturuturu and Rangipo Huts for example).
Stages:
* Whakapapa to Whakapapaiti Hut: 2 1/2 hours, 8.7kms
* Whakapapaiti Hut to Mangaturuturu Hut: 5 hours, 10.3kms
* Mangaturuturu Hut to Mangaehuehu Hut: 5 1/2 hours, 11.9kms
* Mangaehuehu Hut to Rangipo Hut: 5 1/2 hours, 8.5kms
* Rangipo Hut to Waihohonu Hut: 5 1/2 hours, 12.5kms
* Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa: 5 1/2 hours, 14.3kms
Annual hut pass or backcountry hut tickets required for this circuit: $15 per adult for huts and $5.00 per youth.
Camping is prohibited within 500 metres of the tracks. Campsites have been established near each of the huts. Facilities at the huts can be used when camping.
Click here for Map of the complete loop track showing hut accommodation and photo links to features of interest.
There are several access points to this tramp but the most common start/finish is Whakapapa Village. The Ohakune Mountain Road, Tukino Mountain Road (4wd only) and track from Waihohonu Hut to the Desert Road are other access points that mean that many options are available for shorter trips or different routes.