Friday 20 October 2023

Various trips using the Ruapehu Round the Mountain (RTM) track, with an early morning start from Auckland.

Easy

Friday early morning departure from Auckland, drop Medium & Fit parties at Whakapapa then drive up Ohakune Mountain Road to upper carpark just below ski field. Take track down the cascades to Mangaturuturu Hut (2hrs).

Saturday return to bus, drive 3km down road to Waitonga Falls/RTM carpark, walk RTM track to Mangaehuehu Hut (6hrs in total).

Sunday head back towards Waitonga Falls on RTM track until Blyth Hut turn-off. Up past Lupton Hut to Blyth Hut (3hrs). Follow the track up from the hut to explore the alpine environment above in the afternoon if conditions are favourable.

Monday return to bus (2hrs) to meet Medium party, drive to Whakapapa to pick up Fit party, return to Auckland.

Leader and booking details at this website link.

Medium

Friday early morning departure from Auckland, drive to Whakapapa Village, RTM track to Whakapapaiti Hut (3hrs).

Saturday RTM track to Mangaturuturu Hut (6hrs).

Sunday continue on RTM track up the cascades to Ohakune Mountain Road then on to Mangaehuehu Hut either by the standard route down the road and along the track (5-6hr) or cross-country from the top of the road to Blyth Hut then via the track (6+hr) or cross-country in a longish but pleasant sidle to .1626 then down its southern ridge to the scrub line, then following the stream immediately west till it hits the RTM track, then head west along it for 10 minutes to the hut (7+hrs). Route selection at leader’s discretion, dependent on conditions and party’s navigational confidence/competence.

Monday return to bus (3hrs) to meet Easy party, drive to Whakapapa to pick up Fit party, return to Auckland.

Leader and booking details at this website link.

Fit

Friday early morning departure from Auckland, drive to Whakapapa Village, Silica Rapids track then cross-country to Scoria Flat-Whakapapaiti track. Camp in upper Whakapapaiti Valley or drop down to hut (3hrs).

Saturday RTM track past Mangaturuturu Hut to Mangaehuehu Hut (10+hrs).

Sunday RTM track past Rangipo Hut to camp Mangatoetoenui Stream (8+hrs).

Monday early start, RTM track to Whakapapa Village (5hrs), return to Auckland.

Leader and booking details at this website link.

Transport: Club bus
Drivers: Chris Burnett and Lee McKay
Transport Cost: $105 members, $130 non-members
Destination: Whakapapa Village
Departure: Friday 7.00 am, Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Road
Notes:
- Trip is limited to 21, 7 per party
- Maps: NZTopo50 BJ34 Mount Ruapehu, BJ35 Waiouru, BH34 Raurimu
- Tents essential for Fit party, recommended for Easy & Medium parties given the long weekend and the area’s popularity
- Huts are serviced so a $25 green hut ticket to stay in them, a $10 blue hut ticket to camp at them. Probably easier just to have a valid Backcountry Hut Pass which covers both eventualities.