10 October 2026
Mainly fine, some morning cloud about the tops. A few showers developing in the afternoon.
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Tongariro National Park
The trail begins at the Waitonga Falls trailhead car park, just off Ohakune Mountain Road. From here, the track climbs gently through beech forest, passing the junction with the Old Blyth Track before continuing towards Rotokawa Tarn. On a clear day, the tarn offers beautiful mirror-like reflections of Mount Ruapehu. From the tarn, continue along the track towards Waitonga Falls, which can be viewed from the trail. You’ll then cross the unbridged Mangateitei Stream before joining the Round the Mountain Track. The track to Blyth Hut branches off to the left, climbing gradually towards Lupton Hut , a standard eight-bunk hut located just a few minutes before Blyth Hut. Along the way, you’ll cross several unbridged streams. These can become difficult or impassable during and after heavy rain, so be prepared to turn back if conditions are unsafe.
Distance
3.7 km
Walking time
1-3 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
10 October 2026
Mainly fine, some morning cloud about the tops. A few showers developing in the afternoon.
11 October 2026
Showers, some heavy with snow to 2100 metres, becoming isolated in the afternoon but remaining cloudy.
12 October 2026
A few showers.
13 October 2026
Showers easing.
14 October 2026
Showers developing, some heavy.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
The trail begins at the Waitonga Falls trailhead car park, just off Ohakune Mountain Road. From here, the track climbs gently through beech forest, passing the junction with the Old Blyth Track before continuing towards Rotokawa Tarn. On a clear day, the tarn offers beautiful mirror-like reflections of Mount Ruapehu. From the tarn, continue along the track towards Waitonga Falls, which can be viewed from the trail. You’ll then cross the unbridged Mangateitei Stream before joining the Round the Mountain Track. The track to Blyth Hut branches off to the left, climbing gradually towards Lupton Hut , a standard eight-bunk hut located just a few minutes before Blyth Hut. Along the way, you’ll cross several unbridged streams. These can become difficult or impassable during and after heavy rain, so be prepared to turn back if conditions are unsafe.
The weather in Tongariro National Park is often more extreme than other places in the North Island. Be prepared for cold, wet, snowy/icy, or windy weather at any time of year. Heavy rain can make the unbridged streams and rivers impassable on this track. Be prepared to wait for water levels to drop. Never cross a flooded river.
Blyth Hut Lupton Hut
Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dogs prohibited
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.