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Great Walk ‘tasters’ are on offer this summer while the Tongariro Northern Circuit as a multi-day Great Walk loop is out of action to make way for construction of a new Oturere Hut.
The Department of Conservation is working with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to replace Oturere Hut. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring, and Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts will remain bookable online through the DOC website.
Department of Conservation operations manager Libby O’Brien says it’s a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy small tasters 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.”
She says the existing Oturere hut is more than 50 years old.
“It no longer meets the standards we want to deliver for this Great Walk, 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 Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to incorporate cultural elements and hapū identity across the design.
Due to construction taking place at 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.
Libby 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.
“While the new Oturere Hut is under construction, we’re encouraging people to try a small bite of the Circuit by having an overnighter at Mangatepopo or Waihohonu huts.”
Bookings for Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts will open on the DOC website in July.
The work on the new Oturere Hut will make the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk an even better experience and help it be enjoyed for many years to come.
