Not too far from the more popular Tongariro Northern Circuit Great walk, the overnight adventure to Waipakihi Hut is another excellent adventure in the area. Most of the hike traverses stunning ridge lines with extensive views over Lake Taupo, the central plateau volcanoes and the North Island’s mountain ranges.
Time to complete
2 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Return via same track (Optional loop)
Distance
27km
Difficulty
Medium
Bookings required
None
Some easy route finding over ridge lines
Incredible views over the Kaimanawa ranges
Chance to hear and see Sika Deer
Views over to the central plateau volcanoes
Great sunset spot close to the hut
This is a well formed trail which is very obvious the entire duration of the hike in good conditions. The track is a mixture of forest single track and Alpine route finding, however you will find that the route finding is very easy (assuming there is no snow) as the tops consist mostly of gently rolling hills. There are incredible views in all directions once you get above the tree line. The central plateau volcanoes being the most prominent of these, the vastness of Lake Taupo and of course the Kaimanawa ranges. The ranges here are frequented by hunters due to the high numbers of deer in the area- Hiking along this trail you’ll even have the chance to see or hear one if you’re lucky.
Track condition
-Well taken care of trails under the tree line with well draining soil
-Route finding over the tops is very obvious the entire time but should be avoided in adverse weather
Optionals
-There is a detour that can be taken on the way there or back which is worth it if you have the time. See Topo maps for details.
-One peaks near the hut can be climbed. Leave your packs at the hut to make it easier.
You’ll be walking on mostly the same trail to and from the Hut unless you take the small detour on the way there or back. However both options will start and finish at the same carpark. The trail starts about 1km beyond the Waihaha Valley Campsite up a winding metal road. Park at the campsite if doing the optional loop or if returning on the same track then there is a carpark at the end of the road.
Trail start and finish location: Waihaha Valley Campsite
-Huts:
Waipakihi Hut can get quite popular so it would pay to bring an extra mattress or two if heading there in a group of 3+.
-Camping:
Camping spots in front of the hut and many locations alongside the trail allow for backcountry camping
-Booking:
No bookings required
-Back-country hut pass:
Can be used for Waipakihi Hut
The exposed nature of the tops mean that good rain gear and warm layers should be taken as a precaution even with good weather forecasted. Given the elevation a reasonably warm sleeping bag will be needed too, depending on the season.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Possible given the correct gear is taken (Crampons, ice axe, etc) .The ease of the route finding here means it’s a good location to practice using these items for more technical trips.
Department of conservation website | Tongariro National Park Weather
13km | 5-6 Hours
2-3hr
The track starts under the tree line with a fairly consistent low-moderate gradient through the forest. You can be lucky to see or hear deer in this forest. After about 4km, you’ll emerge out of tree cover and begin an additional ascent over the exposed hilly terrain towards Umakarikari Peak (1591m) walking between the blue poles. There is a trail junction just before the peak which will be the return trail for those who decide to do the longer loop option. The track is obvious and easy to follow.
2-3hr
Once the peak is reached (the highest point on the track) then continue from here towards Waipakihi hut over the tops. It’s fairly easy going with gentle undulations up and down until the descent to the hut is met. A gentle river crossing awaits just below the hut.
Lake Angelus Hut at sunrise
13km | 4-5 Hours
4-5hr
The track returns on the same track back to the carpark.
Optional loop - Additional 1.5-2hr
After reaching Umakarikari peak, there will be a trail junction. Turn at the trail junction and follow this trail which descends under the tree line and then again up above the tree line to reach Urchin (1392m) with fantastic views over the central plateau volcanoes. Descend back into the forest again and the trail will meet an unsealed road which needs to be followed for about 4km around to the Waihaha Valley Campsite
Day 2 is full of epic vistas like the one above
Pouakai Circuit
Be in awe of one of the most iconic peaks of New Zealand
A cosy hut perched high up the slopes of Mt Taranaki
