Please remember this is a hike in an alpine environment in which we recommend you using a guide. The weather is changeable, ice and snow are present even into early summer
The 19.4km hike starts from the Mangatepopo Carpark off State Highway 47 south of Lake Taupo and is just 20 minutes from National Park Village, a 35 minute drive from Whakapapa or Raetihi, approximately an hour from Ohakune, Turangi or Taumarunui and a 90 minute drive from Lake Taupo township.
Between October and 30 April there is a four-hour time restriction for private vehicles at the Mangatepopo Road-end.
This gives visitors time to enjoy short walks but people wanting to do the entire hike, which takes an average of 7-8 hours, will need to use shuttle transport.
