Construction of a new Oturere Hut will mean the Tongariro Northern Circuit as a multi-day Great Walk loop is out of action this summer.
However, the Department of Conservation is suggesting trampers and hikers look at taking on a Great Walk ‘taster’ instead.
DOC operations manager Libby O’Brien says it’s a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy small sections of the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
“This is a great chance for people who might never have stayed in a DOC hut, or perhaps in Tongariro National Park, to have an overnight experience this summer. These small bites of the normal loop track are suitable for families and those not quite ready for a full great walk.”
DOC is working with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to replace Oturere Hut which is more than 50 years old with construction scheduled to begin this spring.
The Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts will remain bookable online through the DOC website, opening in July.
O’Brien says the Oturere hut no longer meets Great Walk standards.
“So we’re working with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to deliver a new building which better reflects the mana of the Dual World Heritage National Park.”
Designers have worked closely with the hapū to incorporate cultural elements and hapū identity across the design.
The rebuild means the existing hut site, Oturere Campsite and all facilities associated with Oturere Hut are closed for safety reasons this summer, meaning Tongariro Northern Circuit cannot operate as a Great Walk for the 2025-2026 season.
O’Brien says the walk between Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts is challenging without Oturere as a stop.
“It’s a 20 kilometre walk with a lot of elevation gain, so it’s a lot more demanding than what we offer with our Great Walk experiences… we’re encouraging people to try a small bite of the circuit by having an overnighter at Mangatepopo or Waihohonu huts.”
DOC says the work on the new Oturere Hut once completed will make the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk a better experience and enable it to be enjoyed for many years to come.
