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Home , Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park, Kepler Track, Milford Track, Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro

TONGARIRO NORTHERN CIRCUIT

Duration: 3 – 4 days Great Walks season: Distance: 45 km (loop) 20 October 2017 – 30 April 2018 TONGARIRO ELEVATION PROFILE & TRACK GUIDE

Oturere NORTHERN 1800 m 26 bunks 7 campsites CIRCUIT 1600 m Mangatepopo 20 bunks 7 campsites 1400 m From alpine herbfields to forests, Whakapapa Village and tranquil lakes to desert-like 1200 m plateaux, you’ll journey through 1100 m a landscape of stark contrasts 9.4 km / 4 hr 12 km / 5 hr with amazing views at every turn in this dual World Heritage site. Winding its way past and , you will be dazzled on this circuit by dramatic volcanic landscapes and ’s rich geological and ancestral past. To the north is , to the east the rugged Kaimanawa Day 1: Whakapapa Village Day 2: Mangatepopo Hut to range. On a clear day you may to Mangatepopo Hut Oturere Hut even catch a glimpse of Mount on the west coast. 4 hours, 9.4 km 5 hours, 12 km

The Tongariro Northern Circuit can be Your journey begins by making You join the popular Tongariro Alpine your way across the eroded Crossing on the second day, crossing walked in either direction. The track is plains of the Tongariro volcanic remnants of flows and climbing well marked and signposted, but some complex, a series of explosion steeply up Te Arawhata to the expansive sections may be steep, rough or muddy. craters and volcanic cones and Red Crater. Here you’ll be dazzled by This guide describes a 4-day clockwise peaks. Venturing through a the aptly named Emerald Lakes (Ngā alpine hike for independent, non- landscape carved out by ancient Rotopuamu), and a side trip (30-minute guided walkers, starting and finishing lava flows and stream beds, you’ll return) will take you to the equally at Whakapapa Village, during the Great be dwarfed by the massive cone amazing (Te Wai Whakaata Walks season (20 October 2017 – of Mount Ngauruhoe on your o te Rangihīroa). These lakes are tapu 30 April 2018). right. For the final hour the track or sacred to Ngāti Tuwharetoa. Please leads you around Pukekaikiore, do not touch the water. Descending into one of Tongariro’s older Oturere valley, you’ll pass through a Outside the Great Walks season (May to October) walking steam vents, before reaching landscape of other-worldly lava forms conditions are more hazardous Mangatepopo Hut. before reaching Oturere Hut. – see the safety information.

Duration: 3 – 4 days Distance: 45 km (loop)

Great Walks season: 20 October 2017 – 30 April 2018 hut campsite car park

Tongariro, shrouded in alpine Oturere 26 bunks mists, its gnarled and battle-scarred 7 campsites majesty reaching to the sky. Ancient stories of epic bygone battles, thunder Waihohonu Whakapapa and lightning relive the time when the 28 bunks Village 7 campsites 44 campsites Great Mountains fought for the hand of the beautiful . Tongariro emerged victorious. A story of love and devotion that has spanned millennia, from before

8.1 km / 3 hr 15.4 km / 5 hr 45 min the ancient mists of time, from a time where the mountains ruled upon the land. This is the world of Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro. These are the stories of Ngāti Tuwharetoa and, more importantly, these are memories of our mountains, of our Gods and of our tribal history and identity. They are carried on each mountain breath, every facet of the landscape reflects this epic past, each shadow holds a story, each breeze carries the whispers of yesterday. Tongariro the Day 3: Oturere Hut Day 4: Waihohonu Hut to spring of passion, Tongariro the devoted to Waihohonu Hut Whakapapa Village lover, Tongariro the source of life-giving waters, Tongariro the Warrior Mountain, 3 hours, 8.1 km 5 hours 45 min, 15.4 km Tongariro the soul of Tuwharetoa. We the Tangata Whenua – The People On day 3 the circuit You’ll begin your final day following the of the Land – welcome you to our world. continues through this Waihohonu Stream as you head west It is a world of reciprocity and respect, of unique environment. After towards Tama saddle, cradled by the guardianship and devotion, of stunning crossing stream valleys and towering Mount Ngauruhoe on your landscapes and epic stories, of deep open gravel fields, the track right and on your left. reverence and spirituality. May the gradually sidles around On reaching the Tama saddle, a detour guardians of our mountains keep you safe, the foothills of Ngauruhoe, will take you to the beautiful Tama lakes may the memory of this experience lie before descending into a (Ngā Puna a Tama) – empty craters now warm in your hearts forever. beech-forested valley and filled with azure blue water. From here, crossing a branch of the you’ll pass the tumbling Taranaki Falls Waihohonu Stream. A steep before returning to your starting point climb takes you to the top at Whakapapa Village. of the ridge where you’ll Ko Ngāti Tuwharetoa te spot tonight’s stay at Ngāti Tuwharetoa is the tribe Waihohonu Hut. Ko Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro te Hapū Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro is the sub-tribe

Te Ngaehe Wanikau (on behalf of Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro)

COVER: Emerald Lakes, Daniel Deans

ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Track to Mangatepopo Hut, John Strother Emerald Lakes, DOC/90 Seconds; Waihohonu Hut, Janette Asche Taranaki Falls, DOC/90 Seconds

RIGHT: Mount Tongariro, Bubs Smith Pare (artwork), Hayz Isherwood

MAIN PHOTO: View to Mount Ngauruhoe, Brendan Bombaci (www.kairologic.com) HIGHLIGHTS

Air New Zealand partners with the Department of Photo: Peter Langlands Conservation to help bring native birds back to the beautiful Great Walks.

1 Look for the /kārearea, capable of flying at speeds over 100 km/h and catching prey up to 6 times their body weight.

Photo: stokedforsaturday.com 2 Brush up on your botanical knowledge – the plants in the area vary considerably: alpine herbs, tussocks, flaxes, low- growing shrubs, dense beech forests and, during summer, a diverse range of beautiful and unique alpine flowers.

3 Take in Taranaki Falls. Tumbling over the edge of a large lava flow that erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago, the falls plunge 20 metres into a boulder-ringed pool.

4 Drop into the historic Waihohonu Hut, the oldest existing mountain hut in New Zealand. It was the first hut built in in 1904, and the base for the first recreational skiing. It was in active use for over 60 years.

Photo: Daniel Deans Photo: Janette Asche 5 Side trip to Tama lakes (Ngā Puna a Tama) (1,314 m) From the junction: 20 min return to Lower Tama; 1 hr 30 min return to Upper Tama. Two in-filled explosion craters are named after Tamatea, the high chief of the Tākitimu Canoe, who explored the area six centuries ago. Lower Tama’s volcanic debris is slowly washing in and filling the crater. The Upper Tama lake is reputed to be very deep.

Photo: Jimmy Johnson Beware of strong crosswinds on the ridgelines up to the Upper Tama lake lookout. Cape Reinga

Kaitaia

Kerikeri

Kaikohe

WHANGAREI

Dargaville

Mangawhai Heads

Warkworth

Orewa

Helensville

AUCKLAND Whitianga Tāmaki Makaurau/ Visitor Centre

Thames Kauaeranga Visitor Centre Pukekohe Whangamata Waiuku Tuakau

Paeroa Waihi

Te Aroha Huntly Katikati

Ngaruawahia Morrinsville TAURANGA

HAMILTON Raglan Te Puke Matamata

Cambridge

WHAKATANE Te Awamutu Ohope Edgecumbe Putaruru greatwalks.co.nz Opotiki Kawerau Otorohanga 0800 694 732 TOKOROA

GETTING THERE Te Kuiti

The Tongariro Northern Circuit can be Sign me up! What do I do next? accessed from the following locations: Murupara  Whakapapa Village (SH48)  Mangatepopo Road (off SH47) TAUPO  Ketetahi Road (SH46) GISBORNE Lake Start off at greatwalks.co.nz/Waikaremoana  Desert Road (SH1, 35 km aupo LAKE Visitor Centre 1 tongariroWAIKAR EforMOA moreNA information. south of )

Waitara Turangi Frasertown NEW PLYMOUTH Lepperton TONGARIRO NORTHERN CIRCUIT Oakura Wairoa JOURNEY Inglewood k k Book your huts and campsites Visitor Centre Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre 2 online or at a DOC Visitor Centre. Dawson Falls Visitor Centre Stratford

Eltham Opunake Normanby NAPIER Hawera Book your transport to and Refer over page 3 from the track with approved HASTINGS for transport options DOC shuttle operators: phone and services. the i-Site on +64 7 892 3075. Operators are listed online and in 0 25 50 km this brochure. WHANGANUI Otane Waipawa Waipukurau

Marton

Bulls PLACES TO STAY Feilding Dannevirke

Ashhurst Buy your food and pack your Woodville 4 bags – download the Great Walks packing list and make sure you Foxton Beach Foxton Pahiatua have everything you need for a Shannon 4-day independent unguided walk.

LEVIN Eketahuna

Otaki Photo: Janette Asche 5 Read up on safety and make MASTERTON sure you’re well prepared for your

DOC operates 3 huts with campsites nearby along the Tongariro NorthernCarterton journey and changeable weather Circuit, which must be booked in advance during the Great WalksGreytown season at greatwalks.co.nz/tongariro. Featherston Make sure you have left your (20 October 2017 – 30 April 2018). Whakapapa Holiday Park is a Serviced intentions with a trusted contact campsite. See www.doc.govt.nz/campsites for details.LOWER HUTT Martinborough at adventuresmart.org.nz/ Pōneke/Wellington Visitor Centre outdoors-intentions/email Great Walks huts  $36 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). During the Great Walks season the huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic gas cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and Check the weather at metservice. cold running water; and a DOC ranger is in residence. The huts do not 6 com/mountain/tongariro- provide food, cooking utensils or showers. national-park and make sure you’ve downloaded and printed your ticket Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and there and official track guide. are no DOC rangers. Bookings are not required, huts and campsites are You can also get a track guide and first come, first served and fees are reduced. See the website for details. the latest weather updates from the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.

Great Walks campsites $15 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). The campsites offer basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters. Campers All set! Lace up your boots 7 and get hiking. Don’t forget to may use hut facilities, though not the beds. share your experience on

facebook.com/GreatWalks. 100 km Te Hau Kainga Tuwharetoa Ko Tongariro te maunga, Ko Rotoaira te moana, Ko Te Wharerangi te tangata

Ko Ngāti Tuwharetoa te Iwi Ngāti Tuwharetoa is our tribe Ko Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro te Hapū Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro is our sub-tribe Skotel’s range of comfortable Manaaki Tangata, Manaaki Whenua rooms and cabins in Whakapapa “Welcome to Our World” Village makes the ideal base from which to start and finish your walk. Book direct with us for best rates. SKOTEL ALPINE RESORT We are guardians of our mountains, our histories, and our future. Whakapapa Village, Mt Ruapehu Our expert Iwi Rangers will ensure that your visit to the stunning www.Skotel.co.nz phone: 0800 756 835 landscapes of Tongariro is a safe, informative and superbly pleasurable experience. We offer a selection of options for your authentic Māori experience – the choice is yours: • Traditional Māori welcome ceremony • Marae (Māori village) accommodation / visit Canoe Safaris is the most • Epic story telling experienced operator on the • Opotaka – Home of the Haka - running • Corporate solutions – team building, professional development Guided tours and Canoe • Packages to suit your requirements Hire since 1987. The best food and guides on the river, and accommodation available at our Ohakune base. www.canoesafaris.co.nz

Canoe SafariS Email: [email protected] | Mobile: 021 2288 316 6 Tay St, Ohakune email: [email protected] phone: 0800 272335

TIMELESSEXPERIENCE Elegance High Tea & Elegant Accommodation with Surrounding Park Views. Visit www.chateau.co.nz for rates and information.

chateau.co.nz 0800 242 832 tongariro national park, new zealand Step into New Zealand’s Heart… Lake Waikaremoana, Tongariro, Coromandel, Great Barrier Island

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seasON free hot showers for freedom walkers sPeCIaL phone 0800 hump ridge and quote promo code: shower

Stop hot-spots in their tracks Wool-it is the ultimate friend 100% NZ wool against blisters. Available at DOC Visitor All natural, incredibly soft and centres, select retailers and biodegradeable online www.woolit.co.nz STOP BLISTERS WOOL-IT email: [email protected]

More wilderness Your place to stay and gateway to Tongariro National Park, ... less people The Crossing and Mt Ruapehu snow resorts. 3-day loop track And after — our hot tubs are waiting to sooth you. Treat yourself to a drink BOOK NOW: Packages from in front of our log fire before dinner at The Spiral, our cosy restaurant. Basic Tramping at $175 www.the-park.co.nz to Guided Walking at $1645 THE PARK HOTEL RUAPEHU Cnr SH4 and Millar St 03 226 6739 or 0800 HUMP RIDGE (486774) p email: [email protected] w www.humpridgetrack.co.nz e [email protected] phone: 0800 800 491 Where next...

We have your volcanic escape covered

a bed - private room - peace of luxury or camper site with us. We are with Great Walks | Kiwi-style Hiking | Alpine Hikes | Custom Tours communal lounge, kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities TALK TO US FOR GREAT WALK CHOICES Café/bars/supermarket/ train/bus HikingNewZealand.com 0800 697 232 all walking distance to & from Lodge

storage for bags & vehicles

$35pp Round trip

7am & 2.30pm - Returning 12noon & 4pm Located in National Park Village Get Lost! in the best possible way, with Ruapehu Adventure Hub Plan your Ruapehu adventure the easy way: let us do it for you! We can arrange transport, accommodation, mountain bike and canoe hire, and everything else you need to make Free call 0800 861 861 /[email protected] your experience fun, safe and memorable. plateaulodge.co.nz / book on line Book or enquire today: 0800 40 88 88 ruapehuadventurehub.co.nz • 10 Parapara Road, Raetihi

www.adventuresmart.org.nz Grea Walker deserve great hostels

YHA National Park, YHA Ohakune and YHA Taupo A ordable comfortable accommodation pre and post Great Walk

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Explore your gateway to Tongariro National Park. Department of Conservation Our Village covers all budgets of Accommodation, Transport, Visitor Centres Track Information, Cafés, DOC visitor centres are located nationwide and Adventure Activities. are staffed by DOC rangers with in-depth local www.nationalpark.co.nz knowledge about conservation places and activities. Visit them to plan and prepare for Published by: Editing and design: your outdoor adventures. Department of Conservation Publishing Team Marketing Team DOC National Office doc.govt.nz/visitorcentres PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 Te Hau Kainga Tuwharetoa New Zealand R112670 * Prices are accurate at the time of publication. August 2017 This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests.

Duration: Distance: Season: Duration: Distance: Season: 3 or 5 days 145 km 1 Oct 2017 – Lake Waikaremoana 3 – 4 days 46 km All year Whanganui Journey 30 Apr 2018

race the shoreline of beautiful Huts: he Whanganui River winds Huts: TLake Waikaremoana, ‘the sea Tits way from the mountains to $32 the Sea through countless $32 of rippling waters’, for spiritual adult/night adult/night and cultural enlightenment. Walk hills and valleys. This journey through ancient rainforest, pass lets you take a multi-day canoe or kayak trip to experience its most giant podocarp trees and admire remote scenic beauty, history and stunning views from Panekire Bluff. cultural significance.

Location: Te Urewera, east Location: , south-west North Island Nearest towns: Rotorua, Napier, Wairoa, Gisborne Nearest towns: Whanganui, Taumarunui, Ohakune

Tongariro Duration: Distance: Season: Abel Tasman Duration: Distance: Season: 3 – 4 days 45 km 20 Oct 2017 – 3– 5 days 60 km All year Northern Circuit 30 Apr 2018 Coast Track

inding its way past Huts: lessed with a mild climate, Huts from: WMount Tongariro and Bgolden beaches and coastal Mount Ngauruhoe, this Great Walk $36 $32 adult/night forest, the Abel Tasman Coast adult/night lets you explore dramatic volcanic Track has it all. Choose to walk landscapes including craters, glacial the whole track or water taxi or valleys, native beech forest, alpine kayak between different locations meadows and emerald-coloured at any time of the year. lakes in this World Heritage area.

Location: Tongariro National Park, central North Island Location: Abel Tasman National Park, north-west Nearest towns: Ohakune, Turangi, National Park, Whakapapa Village Nearest towns: Nelson, , Takaka

Duration: Distance: Season: Opening Duration: Distance: Season: 4 – 6 days 78.4 km All year 2018/19 2– 3 days 55 km All year

rom forest to coast, the Heaphy Huts: xperience the natural wilderness FTrack combines all of New Eof the West Coast on the $34 Paparoa Track, the newest Great Zealand’s scenic beauty into adult/night one Great Walk. Travel through Walk. This gentle walking and expansive tussock downs, lush mountain bike track crosses the taking you through forests and nīkau palms to the alpine tops, limestone karst roaring seas of the wild West Coast. landscapes and thriving rainforest.

Location: , north-west South Island Location: , west South Island Nearest towns: Nelson, Westport, Collingwood Nearest towns: Blackball, ,

Duration: Distance: Season: Duration: Distance: Season: 2 – 4 days 32 km 24 Oct 2017 – 3 – 4 days 60 km 24 Oct 2017 – 30 Apr 2018 30 Apr 2018

he Routeburn Track traverses Huts: n adventure above the Huts: Tthe Southern Alps of New Aclouds! The Kepler Track Zealand and passes through $65 takes you from the gentle, beech- $65 adult/night adult/night ice-carved valleys and beech forested shores of Lakes forest. Walk alongside pristine and to the exposed rivers and glistening alpine lakes tussocklands and the summit of offering breathtaking views and Mount Luxmore for spectacular mountain scenery. alpine views.

Location: Mount Aspiring & National Parks, South Island Location: , south-west South Island Nearest towns: Queenstown, Glenorchy, Te Anau and Invercargill Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill

Duration: Distance: Season: Duration: Distance: Season: 4 days 53.5 km 24 Oct 2017 – 30 Apr 2018 3 days 32 km All year

xperience the stunning grandeur Huts: scape on an island adventure Huts from: Eof the Milford Track including Eand exchange the hustle and rugged mountain peaks, breathtaking $70 $22 adult/night bustle of mainland life for the adult/night sheer canyons and majestic waterfalls. tranquillity of the Rakiura Track. Walk beside pristine rivers and Revel in the peacefulness and among lush, green rainforest before idyllic surroundings, with the crossing Mackinnon Pass and bush, birds and beach at your side. reaching spectacular .

Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill Nearest towns: Invercargill (20 min flight) or Bluff (1 hr ferry)

Prices are accurate at time of printing

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Village granted by landowners. Please respect this access. m a e r t S i ir ip ir P Te Know before you go Tongariro Northern Circuit safety It is important to plan your trip thoroughly to ensure you The information in this brochure relates to the Tongariro Northern Circuit Track stay safe, and have a great time. Before you go, know in the Great Walks season (20 October 2017 to 30 April 2018). the Outdoor Safety Code – 5 Simple rules to help you  This track is not recommended for children under age 10, due to the #makeithome. exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions. 1. Plan your trip. Travel times vary greatly in New  The Tongariro Northern Circuit is considered challenging terrain – most of Zealand, so carefully planning your route is essential. it is open, exposed and on uneven track surfaces. Seek local information about what to take, and allow enough time for the journey. Book accommodation,  The weather can change suddenly, from warm and sunny to cold and wet transport and transfers to the start/end of track early. with strong winds of over 60 km/hr that can close the track. Dress warmly as wind-chill danger is worse at these times. 2. Tell someone your plans. Safety is your responsibility. Leave your intentions – including your trip details and  From Red Crater to Te Maari craters is an Active Volcanic Hazard Zone. emergency contact information – with a trusted contact. There is still an increased volcanic risk following the eruption of the Te It could save your life if things go wrong. Head to Maari Crater (near Ketetahi Shelter) in 2012. Eruptions are possible without adventuresmart.org.nz for more information. warning. Please pay attention to signs.  In 1887, Ngāti Tuwharetoa’s tuku of the sacred peaks of Tongariro, 3. Be aware of the weather. New Zealand weather is Ngauruhoe, and part of Ruapehu to the people of New Zealand created the very changeable. Plan for the worst, expect the best. Tongariro National Park. Climbing Mount Ngauruhoe breaches the tuku, Check metservice.com for the most up to date info. and is also discouraged because of its unique hazards and environment. 4. Know your limits. Always follow the track markers Contact the Tongariro Visitor Centre for more information. and signposted tracks. Off-track navigation is not  Go to greatwalks.co.nz/tongariro ‘Know before you go’ section for detailed recommended for novice walkers in New Zealand. safety information, and ‘What to take’ section for a comprehensive gear list. A good level of fitness is required to walk the track. You can expect to walk up to 6 hours a day depending on your fitness level. If you get into trouble don’t make You are strongly recommended NOT to attempt this track between early a bad situation worse. Think STAR – Stop / Think / May and late October (outside the Great Walks season). The winter Assess / React. environment in Tongariro National Park is very cold and wet, with ice, snow and short daylight hours. DOC does not manage flooding hazards. Avalanche 5. Take sufficient supplies. With NZ’s changeable Advisory information is available during this time at road ends, DOC Visitor Centre conditions many hikers are frequently caught out by and online at www.avalanche.net.nz. isolated local conditions. Carry – and expect to use – Walking the Tongariro Northern Circuit at this time should only be attempted rain jackets all year round. Take an extra day’s supply by people who are very experienced in the New Zealand backcountry and have of food and an emergency shelter. Don’t rely on navigation, river crossing and alpine skills. Alpine-specific trip planning is critical for cellphone signal alone for communication. Food and you and your group safety. The consequences are severe if not correctly managed. drinks are not available to purchase at Great Walks huts or campsites. Plan to be self-sufficient. In addition, facilities are greatly reduced – including no gas for cooking, a limited water supply, and no rangers or emergency radio facilities. For more information, see ‘Outside the Great Walks season’ at Remember – your safety is your responsibility greatwalks.co.nz/tongariro.