Round the Mountain Track

Explore diverse landscapes ranging from mountain beech forest, tussock country and alpine herb fields; to glacial river gorges and gushing waterfalls; and the Rangipo Desert with its wind sculptured sands and volcanic rock.

Marvel at the volcanic forces that have forged this wild and beautiful landscape over hundreds of thousands of years.

Walking options

You can walk the Round the Mountain Track in either direction. 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.

Find out everything you need to plan for this track on Plan My Walk, including track descriptions, recent reviews, current alerts, the weather forecast and essential gear to bring.

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

Seasonal restrictions

Waihohonu Hut and Campsite require advance booking in the Great Walks season: 19 October 2018 - 30 April 2019. Book at the Taupo or Turangi visitor information centres.

Track descriptions

Check the DOC website for track descriptions, safety messages and current track alerts.

Information, bookings and transport

Contact the Taupo or Turangi i-SITE for the latest weather conditions, transport options and hut bookings.