Beyond The Snowline
Volcanic Plateau Tracks
When the snow melts, the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park opens up. Our Whakapapa lodge is the ideal basecamp.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
AdvancedWorld-renowned day hike across volcanic terrain, emerald lakes, and active craters. Starts from Mangatepopo Road, a short drive from Whakapapa.
Taranaki Falls Track
EasyA great introductory walk from Whakapapa Village, featuring a stunning 20m waterfall and varied alpine scrub. Suitable for all ages.
Silica Rapids
EasySpectacular terraces coated in white silica deposits. Walk through beech forest and alpine bog with excellent birdlife throughout.
Mount Ruapehu Crater Climb
ExpertAn unformed, challenging route to the crater lake. Requires navigation skills, alpine experience, and a settled weather window.
Waiopehu Hut
Tucked into the southern Tararua Range above Levin, Waiopehu Hut is LWTC's second base and one of the club's most treasured assets. Named after Mt Waiopehu — the prominent peak on the ridge above — it sits at roughly 1,000 metres and offers a genuine backcountry experience just an hour from home.
The Tararua Forest Park is one of New Zealand's oldest protected forests, blanketed in dense podocarp and broadleaf bush, with a rugged, changeable alpine climate. On a clear day from the hut's ridge, the view sweeps from the Horowhenua plains and Kapiti Island out to Cook Strait — one of the best outlooks in the lower North Island.
Getting There
The track starts at the end of Gladstone Road, approximately 10 km east of Levin. Follow the Waiopehu Track as it climbs steeply through native bush before emerging onto the open ridge. The final section to the hut follows the ridge with expansive views on both sides.
Tararua Tracks from the Hut
Waiopehu Track
ModerateThe main access track to Waiopehu Hut. Starting from Gladstone Road near Levin, the track climbs steeply through dense native podocarp-broadleaf forest before emerging onto the open ridge. Rewarding views over the Horowhenua plains and Kapiti Island.
Waiopehu–Gable End Ridge
AdvancedA demanding ridge traverse south from Waiopehu Hut along the main Tararua Range. Exposed tops with views to Cook Strait on clear days. Requires experience with navigation on open, unmarked terrain.
Southern Tararua Explorer
ModerateUse Waiopehu Hut as a base to explore the southern Tararua network of huts and tracks. The area is remote, with few other trampers — ideal for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience close to home.
Know Before You Go
Weather in both the Tararua and Tongariro ranges can change rapidly and without warning. Always check DOC track conditions, carry a personal locator beacon, and leave your intentions with someone before departing.
The Tararuas in particular are known for their severe weather — they receive some of the highest rainfall in New Zealand and conditions can deteriorate quickly even in summer.