Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Tramp
Day 1: Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo Hut
3-5 HOURS, 8.5KM
Many trampers skip this first day of the circuit, because, in the past, the Mangatepopo
Track had a reputation for being uninteresting and extremely muddy. The scenery has not
changed but the track has certainly improved over the years with the addition of boardwalk
and bridges. That said, it may take all of five hours in bad weather.
From 100m below the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre ( Click here ) , head up
Ngauruhoe Pl to the signposted Mangatepopo Track on your left. The tramp begins here,
along a well-maintained track that wanders through tussock grass and a few stands of beech
for 1.5km. At Wairere Stream it passes a signposted junction with a track that leads to
Taranaki Falls, and eventually to the Tama Lakes.
Within 3km of the start are impressive views of the volcanic cones of Ngauruhoe and
Pukekaikiore to the northeast. Straight ahead is the small cone of Pukeonake, formed by a
continuous eruption of scoria - small pebbles of lava that have erupted from within.
After a few more stream crossings the track swings eastward around Pukekaikiore, and
you quickly climb a ridge from which you can see Mangatepopo Hut (20 bunks), 2km in the
distance.
The hut sits at 1180m in a pleasant spot. On clear evenings you can enjoy fine sunsets
over Mt Taranaki, around 140km away, and by looking in the other direction you can study
the climb to South Crater, the destination for the next day. The campsite is situated next to
the hut.
To the west of the hut is a track that after 30 minutes reaches the car park and shelter at
the end of Mangatepopo Rd, which connects to SH47. This is where the Tongariro Alpine
Crossing day hike begins.
 
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