Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Round the Mountain Track | Stunning scenery and challenging terrain | Central North Island
The Round the Mountain Track is one of Tongariro National Park’s most rewarding multi-day hikes. Skirting the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, this 66 km circuit crosses rugged river valleys, alpine ridgelines, vast desert plateaus, and lush beech forest. It’s more remote and demanding than a Great Walk, and best suited to experienced trampers with solid river crossing and navigation skills.
In this video, we walk through the full track section by section, starting from Whakapapa Village and heading clockwise. You’ll see the range of terrain, get a feel for key hazards like unbridged rivers and slippery rock sections, and find out where the best views and side trips are, including Lake Surprise, Ohinepango Springs, and the Tama Lakes.
We highlight each section of the track, show you where the huts are, and cover key details to help you prepare for this remote and rewarding adventure.
Plan ahead with Plan My Walk:
🌐 planmywalk.nz
📱 Google Play: bit.ly/google-play-pmw
📱 Apple Store: apple.co/44Sg2Ut
Produced by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (2025) with Quite Nice Films.
Thanks to the NZ Lottery Grants Board for their ongoing support.
Get ready for the outdoors – mountainsafety.org.nz
#RoundTheMountain #RuapehuHiking #TongariroNationalPark #TrampingNZ #MountainSafetyCouncil #NewZealand #MakeItHomeNZ
Round the Mountain Track | Stunning scenery and challenging terrain | Central North Island
The Round the Mountain Track is one of Tongariro National Park’s most rewarding multi-day hikes. Skirting the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, this 66 km circuit crosses rugged river valleys, alpine ridgelines, vast desert plateaus, and lush beech forest. It’s more remote and demanding than a Great Walk, and best suited to experienced trampers with solid river crossing and navigation skills.
In this video, we walk through the full track section by section, starting from Whakapapa Village and heading clockwise. You’ll see the range of terrain, get a feel for key hazards like unbridged rivers and slippery rock sections, and find out where the best views and side trips are, including Lake Surprise, Ohinepango Springs, and the Tama Lakes.
We highlight each section of the track, show you where the huts are, and cover key details to help you prepare for this remote and rewarding adventure.
Plan ahead with Plan My Walk:
🌐 planmywalk.nz
📱 Google Play: bit.ly/google-play-pmw
📱 Apple Store: apple.co/44Sg2Ut
Produced by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (2025) with Quite Nice Films.
Thanks to the NZ Lottery Grants Board for their ongoing support.
Get ready for the outdoors – mountainsafety.org.nz
#RoundTheMountain #RuapehuHiking #TongariroNationalPark #TrampingNZ #MountainSafetyCouncil #NewZealand #MakeItHomeNZ
