Tongariro Northern Circuit

Walk the Tongariro Northern circuit in reverse direction staying the first night at the Waihohonu Hut or campsite. Then on day two stay at the Oturere hut or campsite before finishing up the last night at the Mangatepopo Hut or campsite.

This is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular Great Walks a multi day extension of the World renowned Tongariro Crossing.

Contents

1 Tongariro Northern Circuit

Tongariro Northern Circuit Carpark

Before you start walking the Tongariro Northern Circuit you will need to go to DOC Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre. From here your tickets can be collected along with your parking permit. DOC will be able to advise the latest weather forecast for track along with any cautions.

From here you need to head of down the road to the parking as shown in the photo. Your permit will need to be displayed on your dash in clear view. The parking permit has a return date on it to alert DOC should you not return in time. Therefore only park here for the duration of your hike.

Day 1- Tongariro Northern Circuit Carpark to Waihohonu Hut & Campsite

After you have parked your car walk back up the road past the Chateau Tongariro. From here you will start this amazing 4 day hike on the Taranaki Falls track.

The first section of the Tongariro Northern Circuit day 1 is to the Waihononu hut and campsite. This part of the circuit contains a lot of day walkers. These walkers are doing the Taranaki Falls/Tama Lakes section of the track. This walk is a good option as an alternative to the Tongariro Crossing is closed due to bad weather.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit starts out in open space with Mt Ngauruhoe on the left standing at 2,291 metres above sea level. To the right is Mt Ruapehu proudly lying there at 2,797 metres above sea level.

After a short walk the track will enter into the bush as part of the Taranaki Falls loop track.

Taranaki Falls Walk Tongariro Northern Circuit

Shortly after entering the bush you will come to the Mangatepopo Track/Taranaki Falls Walk Junction. On the left there is a bridge, this is where you will return from on the last day of the hike.

At the junction continue walking straight ahead. The track looks like a dried up steam then continues over a track paved with roots. To the left is Wairere Stream running alongside the track.

When you break out of the bush you will cross a bridge over the Wairere Stream. Here you will see a small water fall and rapids which might remind you of a mini Huka Falls.

From here it is a short walk to the amazing Taranaki Falls.

Taranaki Falls - Tongariro Great Walk

Taranaki Falls is an impressive waterfall which flows over a lava flow which erupted from Mt Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. The Falls stands at 20 meters high making them truly impressive. The is the Tongariro Northern Circuit day 1 highlight.

After taking some time to admire the impressive falls it’s time to climb up to the top of the 20 meter falls. From here you can view the falls as they flow into the Wairere Stream. Make sure you take time to enjoy the view of where you have been so far from the top of the falls.

This is not only an impressive place to take photos but also the last toilet stop before reaching the hut. After this follow the junction sign to the Tongariro Circuit’s Tama Lakes.

Taranaki Falls to Tama Lakes Tongariro Northern Circuit

Once again you are flanked by the two impressive volcano’s on either side as you head towards the lakes. The track is impressive as it bends its way through alpine herbs fields and tussocks. Cross a rocky stream and you are almost at the Lower Tama Lakes.

The Tama lakes are old blast craters located on the Tama saddle between Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. The Lower Tama lakes are 1,240 metres above sea level while the Upper Tama lakes are at 1,440 metres.

Before heading out to the Upper Tama lakes check your progress and the weather conditions first. This side track adds another 4 km to what is already a 20 Km day.

This is a great place to stop for lunch as the terrain is hilly providing lots of spots to shelter yourself from the wind. When walking the Tongariro Circuit always look for shelter from the cold wind when stopping.

Tama Lakes to Waihohonu Hut and Campsite

After doubling back down to the main track turn left at the junction. The track on the way to the Waihohonu hut and campsite becomes a poled track. From the junction follow the marker poles all the way to the hut. Most of this section descends down to the hut with some small hill climbs along the way.

Waihohonu Hut and Campsite Tongariro Northern Circuit

The Waihohonu Hut on the Tongariro Northern circuit at the time of writing has to be the best DOC hut in New Zealand. From the hut you have a view of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu.

These views are absolutely amazing. The Waihohonu Hut a busy hut as it is also part of the Round the Mountain Track. It is also close to State Highway 1 so many families stay here.

Not only does this hut have amazing views but it also has some of the latest hut technology to make your stay more enjoyable.

Waihohonu Hut Facilities Tongariro Northern Circuit

The Waihohonu hut is a 28 bunk hut which most be booked in advance. This hut can be book through DOC following this link.

Facilities Include:

Fireplace
Gas Cookers with Gas
Running water
Wash Basins
Solar heated water for cooking
Solar powered lighting
Long drop toilets

This hut services both the Tongariro Great Walk and also the Round the Mountain Track.

Waihohonu Campsite Tongariro Great Walk

There is also a basic 7 site campsite on the Tongariro Great Walk close to the Waihohonu hut. It must also be booked in advance. Hut facilities are permitted to be used by campers.

The Waihohonu campsite is sheltered from the wind and has a park bench.

Day 2 Tongariro Northern Circuit -Waihohonu Hut to Oturere Hut and Campsite

As you leave the Waihohonu hut in the morning you are greeted with an awesome view of Mt Ngauruhoe. This will become a feature of the day as half of the days track is walked in to direct of this beautiful volcano.

The Waihohonu Oturere Track starts off crossing a small bridge running over a stream.

Shortly after you will hit a junction sign. Following the sign to the Oturere Hut the track will start off in the bush. Make the most of this as most of the day will be spent in full sun.

After about 2 Km from the Waihohonu Hut you will reach an amazing vantage point for taking photos on the Tongariro Northern Circuit. From this ridge you can take a photo of both Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu in the one shot.

From here you head back into the bush shortly for the last time on the Tongariro Northern circuit. When you reach this stream you will be hiking in full sun for the duration of the hike. Ensure you have enough water for everyday at least 2 litres, preferably 3 litres.

Here you can see the contrasting vegetation growth on the Tongariro Northern Circuit. On one side of the stream is lush green forest, on the other side rocky dry terrain.

From this point onwards you get the feeling you are hiking on mars as you cross gravel laid fields. What little vegetation exists grows from under rocks using the condensation created overnight to survive on.

Just as you did on day one the rest of the day involves following the poled markers towards Oturere hut and campsite. This time however is more like hiking on a roller coaster track.

As you think you have reached the top of a hill then it’s time to walk back to the bottom only to start again. Take breaks in the shade, there are limited options on this part of the circuit so take them when shade is spotted.

Oturere Hut and Campsite Tongariro Northern Circuit

Just like the contrasting landscapes the contrast between huts is also present on the Tongariro Northern Circuit. The Oturere Hut is a basic 26 bunk hut with the kitchen and sleep areas combined. If you are a light sleeper then it may be best to use the campsite if you don’t mind hauling a tent with you. This is where Vuno ultralight gear is needed.

Bookings for the Oturere hut and campsite must be made in advance via DOC.

Oturere Hut Facilities Tongariro Great Walk

Hut facilities can be used by campers. This hut has limited gas stoves available so this can become a problem competing for resources.

Facilities Include:

26 Bunks with mattresses
Fireplace
Gas Cookers with Gas
Pumped water
Wash Basins
Long drop toilets

Oturere Campsite Tongariro Circuit

Camping at the Oturere Campsite on the Tongariro circuit is an amazing experience provided you can grab a good spot. You have two options if you get there early enough. One option is enjoying the views camping next to the ridge where you can enjoy the sunset. Alternatively you can seek shelter from the wind camping closer to the hut. When arriving check the weather forecast at the hut before deciding. This campsite has seven sites.

Day 3 Tongariro Northern Circuit - Oturere Hut to Mangatepopo Hut

Day 3 of the Tongariro Northern Circuit starts of as day 2 finished, hiking on mars. The first section from Oturere Hut to Manatepopo Hut will get you to the foot of the Emerald Lakes. This section is fairly flat however on a fine day is in full sun making it fairly challenging.

From the foot of the Emerald Lakes the track turns into a steady climb to the top. The hike becomes more difficult however the views of the Red Crater get better as you get closer. The Red Crater becomes your goal for the day, once there the climbing is over.

When you start walking next to small waterfalls gushing out of the Lower Emerald Lake your solitude is almost over. Soon you will be hit with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day walkers.

When you reach the top of this section take your time and admire the views before joining the masses.

Here you can take a photo combo of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe, Red Crator and the lower Emerald Lake.

Hiking up the Red Crater on the Way to Mangatepopo Hut

Hiking up the Red Crater is probably the most challenging section of the Tongariro Northern circuit. Especially with a multi-day overnight pack. This is where investing in ultralight hiking gear pays of.

This section is not only steep, it is gravelly. Progress is slow as you take two steps forward then slide down one step. A hiking pole, preferably two are recommended for this section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The good news is once you reach the top the rest of the Tongariro Great Walk is downhill.

At the top of this ascent take some time to soak in the 360 degree views of where you have been and where you are about to go. Enjoy the amazing view of the red crater at the highest point of the Alpine Crossing section of the track. From here you will be able to take a photo of the Blue Lake and Emerald Lakes in the one shot.

Descending into the South Crater is just as tricky as your ascent. Again care must be given with the tired Tongariro Crossing walkers climbing uphill.

Last Toilet Stop Before the Mangatepopo Hut

When you reach the toilets, this represents the halfway mark to the Mangatepopo hut and campsite from the Red Crater. This is the first and last toilet stop before reaching the Mangatepopo hut and campsite. On the way you will see violent reminders of the past with remnants of lava flows on either side of the track.

The path to Mangatepopo hut and campsite seems to feel endless as it continues to loop left and right. When you get to the junction sign turn right and will shortly see the Mangatepopo campsite on the left and the Mangatepopo hut on the right.

Mangatepopo Hut and Campsite Tongariro Northern Circuit

The Mangatepopo hut was the least busy of the three huts on the Tongariro Northern circuit. Mainly because some people choose to skip it and do the circuit in 3 days. No problem if you are intending to do the Tongariro circuit in the same direction as outlined here. However, doing it in the direction outlined by DOC will see you sharing the crossing with too many day walkers.

Bookings for the Mangatepopo hut and campsite must be made in advance through the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

Mangatepopo Hut Facilities Tongariro Great Walk

The Mangatepopo Hut is a 20 bunk hut on the Tongariro Great Walk.

Facilities Inlcude:

Fireplace
Gas cookers with gas
Running Water
Wash Basins
Long drop toilets

Hut facilities may be used by people camping at the campsite.

Mangatepopo Campsite Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk

The Mangatepopo campsite is a 17 site campsite on the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk. It shares the facilities of the Mangatepopo hut. There is a maximum stay permitted of two nights.

This makes this campsite a good base camp for doing a return version of the Tongariro Crossing. Stay here instead of paying for the Tongariro crossing shuttle service.

Day 4 - Mangatepopo Hut & Campsite to Carpark

This section of the Tongariro Northern Circuit is easy to walk on a fine day with little rain the days before. However if there has been a lot of rain the track becomes muddy and very slippery. What this means is it can take between 2 and 5 hours depending on the weather. Therefore ensure you allow enough time in your planning.

From the Mangatepopo hut and campsite the track takes your around Pukekaikiore which is one of Tongariro’s older steam vents. This will be visible on the left slightly in front of Mt Ngauruhoe. As you continue down the track of the Tongariro Northern circuit you will have views of Mt Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe) to the left. As you continue further up the track Mt Ruapehu makes a welcome return with it’s snow covered peaks.

Most of the day is spent walking across the plains of the Tongariro volcanic complex. The track consists of some gradual climbs and the occasional sets of stairs. Looking forward you can see the track winding through the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park.

When you can see a view of Chateau Tongariro you will still have a couple of Km left on your journey. You will be able to see the path leading back into the bush for some welcome shade.

Once you have crossed the Wairere stream for the last time you will find yourself back to where you were near the start of day one.

Back to the Tongariro Great Walk Carpark

Once you get to the Chateau Tongariro turn right and walk up the road to the Tongariro Great Walk Carpark. Your amazing 4 day multi-day hike across the volcanic terrain of the Tongariro National park is done.

For more photos fro this amazing hike check out our Instagram photo page.