Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
scape of reddish sand with small clumps of tussock, this unique desert landscape is the res-
ult of two million years of volcanic eruptions - especially the Taupo eruption about 2000
years ago, which coated the land with thick deposits of pumice and destroyed all vegetation.
The track weaves through a moonscape created by early eruptions from Red Crater.
Oturere Hut (26 bunks) nestles on the eastern edge of these flows. Don't forget to check out
the waterfall over the ridge in front of the hut.
SIDE TRIP: MT NGAURUHOE SUMMIT
3 HOURS RETURN, 781M ASCENT
The near-perfect cone of Ngauruhoe (2287m) is a tantalising proposition, but as will be ob-
vious when you eyeball it, this is not a climb for the faint-hearted. It should only be attemp-
ted by fit, strong, sensible people.
Follow the poled route to the foot of the ridge near the centre of the northern slope. From
here the route is not marked, but climbs a band of scoria to the summit. It gets increasingly
difficult the higher you climb, with the last 100m or so a near-spirit-breaking two steps for-
ward, one step back. The views from the top are undeniably worth it - in good weather, that
is. In bad weather don't even think about it. Keep an eye out for untoward volcanic activity,
and your nose turned on to overpowering gases.
The descent is best made via the scree slope, which you can clamber over to once you've
negotiated the first stretch of red scoria. Take large, carefully planted strides and be very
wary of what's happening above you. Other people can dislodge large rocks that will then
chase you down the mountain.
Day 3: Oturere Hut to Waihohonu Hut
3 HOURS, 7.5KM, 240M ASCENT, 400M DESCENT
This relatively short day's tramp will leave you plenty of time to take in a couple of leis-
urely side trips.
From Oturere Hut the track swings southwest through open country as it skirts the eastern
flanks of Ngauruhoe. It descends straight towards Ruapehu, working its way across numer-
ous streams, before a lengthy 120m descent bottoms out at a bridge over the upper branch of
Waihohonu Stream
, 1½ to two hours from Oturere Hut.
On the other side, climb through a beech-clad valley, topping out on the 1269m crest of
an open ridge before making a final descent to Waihohonu Hut (28 bunks) in the next valley.
