Tramps & Walks

Whether chasing the sheer exhilaration of exploring the volcanic plateau or pausing to stand in the shadow of a 1250-year old Totara, the area surrounding Wades Landing Lodge is blessed with an abundance of national parks and conservation areas providing a wide range of treks and walks.

Mt. Ngauruhoe

Varying in length and difficulty level, visitors should observe the required fitness, always wear suitable clothing, and constantly check the ever-changing alpine weather conditions.

Tramping Charter

The two most recognised tramping tracks in the Whanganui National Park are the Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauku and Matemateaonga Tracks. Our tramping charter utilises our jet boat service for the Whanganui River access points, while our shuttle service can provide transport for the road ends.

Both tracks have stunning views of the Whanganui and Tongariro National Parks. The ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ is located on the Mangapurua Track.

Charter Costs

Jet boat to Mangapurua Landing - $150 pp
Jet boat to only Matemateaonga Track - $160 pp
Road transport only to Matemateaonga Track -$140 pp

Guided Tours

Guided tours are fun, informative, luxurious, safe, and hassle free. Guides are available for all our canoeing, jet boating, and tramping trips, including the 1-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

We will provide information on the cultural and geological points of interest. Packages include catering and all party gear, DOC passes, and canoe and/or jet boar hire. Self catering options are available. Prices are available on application.

Guided tours are also available to film locations for the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

(about 20 minutes from Wades Landing Lodge)
18.5 km, 7-8 hours. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often described as the best one-day hike in New Zealand.

This trek provides an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic and volcanic areas of the park. Starting at the end of the Mangatepopo Valley Road, the track winds up steep volcanic terrain to the saddle between Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe, then climbs to the Red Crater (1886 m).

Tongariro Crossing

Next the trail goes down to the Emerald Lakes, then passes the Blue Lake and around the northern edge of Mt. Tongariro, and finally descends to the Ketetahi Hut.

Tongariro Crossing Graph

From the hut, the track continues down the mountain through tussock plains and into native forests to the Ketetahi car park.

Meads Walk

Walk 30 minutes along a marked track through rugged volcanic terrain and cinematic history. Meads Wall was a filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The view across to Mt. Ngauruhoe (Mt. Doom in LOTR) is spectacular.

Mounds Walk

(about 15 minutes from the Lodge)
This 20 minute return walk winds through mounds believed to be formed by debris avalanches during Mt. Ruapehu’s volcanic activity thousands of years ago.

Tongariro Crossing Side Tracks

Mt. Ngauruhoe Summit (2287 m) (about 15 minutes from the Lodge)
Climb from the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe from the Mangatepopo Saddle and directly up to the crater. The best way is up the rocky ridge to the left of the scree slopes. If there have been signs of increased volcanic activity, the summit should be avoided. Allow 2 hours return.

Mt. Tongariro Summit (1967 m) (about 15 minutes from the Lodge)
Climb from the Red Crater following the markers. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours return.

Round the Mountain Track (about 15 minutes from the Lodge)
This 4-6 day track circles Mt. Ruapehu, traversing a myriad of landscapes, ranging from mountain beech forest, tussock country, alpine herb fields, desert, and glacial river valleys.

There are no major alpine passes on this route, although most of the track is considered to be in an alpine environment. There are 5 huts on this circuit: Waihohonu, Rangipo, Mangaehuehu, Mangaturuturu and Whakapapaiti. Passes for these huts must be purchased from the DOC in advance.

Northern Circuit
This is a two-night, three-day trek around Mt. Ngauruhoe, including much of the Tongariro Crossing. This trek starts at Mangatepopo and finishes at Whakapapa Village.

Tama Lakes (about 15 minutes from the Lodge)
The trail to the Upper and Lower Tama Lakes starts from the Whakapapa Visitors Centre. The trek takes 5-6 hours return and climbs to the deep and pure lakes. The lakes were named after Tamatea, the high chief of the Takitimu Canoe, who explored the area six centuries ago.

Taranaki Falls (about 15 minutes from the Lodge)
Starting from the Whakapapa Visitors Centre, this easy loop hike takes 2 hours return. The falls drop 20 metres over the edge of a lava flow that erupted from Mt. Ruapehu 15,000 years ago.

Silica Rapids Loop (about 15 minutes from the Lodge)
This 2.5 hours loop follows the stream through beech forests, subalpine plants, swamp, and tussock country to the creamy-white terraces of Silica Rapids. On a clear day the track provides spectacular views of Mt. Ruapehu and Mt. Ngauruhoe; return on Bruce Road.

Okupata Caves (about 25 minutes from the Lodge)
Located on SH 47 on John McDonald Road, these natural and unmarked caves in the Tongariro Forest feature an underground river, pumice, and glow worms. It is recommended to go with someone who knows the caves well as it is easy to get lost and heavy rainfall my result in rising water levels in the caves.

Tupapakurua Falls Track (about 10 minutes from the Lodge)

Only a short drive from Wades Landing Lodge, the Tupapakurua Falls are not to be missed. This walk is done from the National Park crossing over the railway line at the bottom of Carroll Street and taking Fisher Road, which was an old logging road, through the Erue Forest for 2.5 km where the track is signposted.

This 4-5 hour (return) track can be muddy after a rain, but the view of the falls emerging out of dense forest is spectacular. The track starts on Fishers Road and begins with an easy 20 minute walk to the Taranaki Lookout, then becomes a back country track suitable for experienced trampers.

The track follows a ridge through dense native bush and then descends steeply down to a stream. There is a wonderful diversity of plant and tree species with good stands of tawa, mature rimu, miro, and totara. Native bird life is plentiful such as Tui, Bellbird, Kereru, Waxeye, Tomtit, and Bush Robins.

Ascending from the stream, the track winds its way around the bluffs with beautiful forest views and good lookout points to the falls. Tupapakurua Falls plummets 50 metres to the valley floor in splendid isolation at the head of a small canyon amidst tree ferns and a forest of regenerating podocarps.

Lake Rotopounamu Loop Track (about 25 minutes from the Lodge)
This 2 hours loop track around the ‘Greenstone Lake’ on the side of Mt. Pihanga and is perfect for tree lovers, bird watchers, walkers, and swimmers. The lake is located 11 km from Turangi on SH 47. Lake Rotopounamu was formed 10,000 years ago by a landslide and is 9 metres deep.

This leisurely walk is great for families.

Whakapapa Nature Walk (about 20 minutes from the Lodge)
This 15 minute walk begins 200m above Whakapapa Village and is formally known as the Alpine Garden. The sealed loop track provides wheelchair access for a glimpse of the unique flora of Tongariro National Park.

Tokaanu Thermal Walk (about 45 minutes from the Lodge)

This is a short 20 minute walk through hot geothermal water and mud pools.

Ridge Track (about 20 minutes from the Lodge)
This 20 minute walk begins 3.5 km below Whakapapa Village on SH 48. After a short climb through low beech forest, the track emerges into alpine shrub lands with panoramic views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and the surrounding National Park.

Mt. Ruapehu Crater Lake Walk (about 25 minutes from the Lodge)

This 5 hour track starts at the top of the Whakapapa Ski Field. You can rise two chairlifts 2,020 metres above sea level to the Knoll Ridge Chalet. Then follow up the knoll ridge T-bar line, and T-bar pylon. At this point a narrow foot track zigzagges up the face and onto the dome ridge. Follow the Dome Ridge to Dome shelter.

Dome Ridge is narrow and steep in places and care should be taken if there is ice on the track. You will need crampons and an ice axe. The lift staff should provide a small map with a suggested route; stick to it as it is easy to get lost on the mountain.

Dome Shelter is also one of the seismological survey stations for the volcano. The actual equipment is in a concrete vault beneath the shelter - for a good reason: the shelter was extensively damaged during the eruptions.

Traditionally people return to the ski field via the upper route.

Tawhai Falls Walk (about 15 minutes from the Lodge)

Tawhai Falls walk is a short track through beech forest and mountain Toatoa. People seem to enjoy paddling over these falls which is a great sight if you happen to be there when they are in action.

Allow 20 minutes return