Went with friends on NZ’s 2023 election day. Nothing special about this except that we hardly see any souls during to hike to the hut. Clearly a good day to trek as sun was up and shining through the day. Wind was up too adding to the freezing and blowing conditions. At one stage walking on the wooden platforms we felt very unstable without the aid of walking sticks, albeit like driving a tall truck atop the Takapuna bridge swaying in high wind.
We first reached the Lipton Hut, a privately owned but well maintained small dwelling equipped with fireplace and 16 beds. This was about an hour into the trek. Suppose this be a good place to rest or shelter in event of blizzard. Blyth is another 40 to an hour hike, this time through rocky surfaces, streams and steep scoria to reach a flight of stairs (one of very few) before an open space to the hut.
The hut itself is pretty basic (better the Lupton), clean and has the view to the plains which was breathtaking on a good sunny day. Imagine what this be like in winter time when the place is covered with snow.
We stayed the night, some of us observed the election count as it was taking place during the night. We lit the fireplace, cooked hearty dinner and succumbed to the night from the day’s hike.
Same route out the next day which started out raining and wet. All in all a perfect hike, amazing volcanic structure carved out of glacier movements thousand of years ago.
Will be visiting this place again perhaps in winter time.
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Not a hike, a ride by bike. Glorious spring weather for a route with gradual climbs, reasonable road space, and stunning volcanic mountain scenery :-)
Worth it take the extra km up the side of Ruapehu to Whakapapa Village.
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A must do trek up and over a stark , beautiful volcanic landscape. Take extra food, water (2 liters), gloves, Goretex jacket, sun protection, short gators (keeps small volcanic stones and dirt out of boots) for the deep soft trail down from the Red Crater.
We started a bit later 0830 to avoid the earlier crowds. Worked OK. Took 3 breaks plus 30-40 mins for lunch at the top of Red Crater.
Portaloos spaced adequately. Always ‘go try’
Halfway point is approx. at Blue Lake on the downhill side. Need transportation at beginning and end.
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Easy circuit. Better to start on North path which is a steady incline and arrives at the falls
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We’d done this hike years ago, and while it’s busier these days, we got nearly perfect weather. We didn’t even recall the pretty forest area on the descent, because it was much too cloudy last time.
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This was a nice scenic hike (or trek as it is called here). The trail was nicely maintained and only a few wet spots despite the fact that it had rained for days on prior to my day on the trail. However, it is so popular so you feel like you are in the line at the grocery store at times. I hiked it during the early season and there were well over 1,000 people on the trail that day. So therefore I only give it 4 stars. It was very crowded.
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