Whakapapaiti Valley Track

This track can be walked in either direction, but is described going counter-clockwise. Follow Silica Rapids Track for about 45 minutes to the junction with Whakapapaiti Track. The track goes through forest then an open tussock-covered area. There is a bridged crossing of Whakapapaiti River, then the track continues up the valley, passing the junction with Mangahuia Track (2-3 hours to campsite). Further up the valley there is an unbridged river crossing - it may not be possible to cross safely when the river is high following or during rainfall. Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. Whakapapaiti Hut is 10-15 minutes further up the track. Leaving the hut, the track winds its way through stunted beech forest, then up the valley to the Round the Mountain Track junction. Turn left here towards Bruce Road. The track zig-zags up and over a moraine ridge with great views of Whakapapaiti Valley and the surrounding landscape. Continue to the Scoria Flat area on the Bruce Road. Form here it is approximately 5 kilometres down the road to Whakapapa Village.

The Whakapapaiti Valley track begins in Whakapapa Village 250 metres above the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre. The upper section begins 5 kilometres up the Bruce Road from Whakapapa Village. Use this location on Google Maps to help 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 . We recommend trying these 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

No dogs.