Day Two - Mangaturuturu Hut to Whakapapaiti Hut

Tramping Time and Distances

Mangaturuturu Hut to Whakapapaiti Hut

Time: 8 hours

Distance: 11 kms

Moderate to hard: A long day, climbing in and out of many valleys across rough terrain with a few river crossings.

Tramp Description

The second day of the tramp follows the Round The Mountain Track leading from Mangaturuturu Hut to finish at Whakapapaiti Hut. The track leads away from Mangaturuturu past a stone bench dedicated to members of the Wanganui Tramping Club. The club established this hut back in 1958.

The track leads across a branch of Mangaturuturu river and then follows a benched section across a tussock-filled landscape. At the end of the benched track, an uphill climb over small rocks and boulders begins. This climb leads above the stunning cliffs, seen from the Mangaturuturu river crossing at the start of the day.

After just over an hour from the hut, the beautiful and aptly named Lake Surprise is reached. It resembles a kind of alpine oasis surrounded by the eerie volcanic landscape of Mount Ruapehu.

The track skirts around the edge of lake, finally reaching stairs which lead uphill to give even more lovely views of the little lake and the grand mountain.

Continuing on along a ridge, beautiful views of Mount Ruapehu can be seen on a clear day. The track finally drops off this ridge down in the first of many valleys to be traversed.

This up and down section of the track lasts for about four to five hours. Along the way there are views of many waterfalls tumbling down the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. The most stunning are in the Makatote River valley, falling down from the small peak of Te Kohatu. Also across to the west are views of the mountain Hauhangitahi.

The last valley of the day is Whakapapaiti. The track leads down into it through a vast barren landscape. The hut can be seen in the distance off to the left on the other side of the valley. Having crossed a number of branches of the Whakapapaiti Stream, a track junction is reached. The hut is off to the left only 30 minutes away. The other track continues to lead up the valley side and leads out to Bruce Road.

The hut is located in a large clearing close to the main branch of the Whakapapaiti Stream. It's relatively new and has plenty of room with a large deck outside. It consists of two rooms, one large combined dining area/bunk room with an extra smaller bunk room off to one side.

Day Three - Whakapapaiti Hut to Whakapapaiti Village

Hut Description

Track Gradient

Tramp Map

Tramping Photos