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The multi-day Round the Mountain Track located in the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park showcases the varied volcanic landscapes and alpine vegetation on the flanks of the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. It's a more remote alternative to the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk and will take you 4 - 6 days.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Check the DOC website for track descriptions, safety messages and current track alerts.
Contact the Taupo or Turangi i-SITE for the latest weather conditions, transport options and hut bookings.
Distance | 66.2km |
Time | 4 - 6 days |
Physical rating | Advanced |
Direction | Loop |
Transport & guides | Yes. Click here for more information |
Dog access | No dogs |