Whakapapanui Walk
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
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NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
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Forecast point: Tongariro VC (1160m) · 0.8km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Follow Whakapapanui Stream and enjoy the shelter of the forest.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
After a 10–15 minute walk, the Whakapapanui Walking Track branches to the right (don’t follow
the Whakapapaiti Track sign in error!) and heads downstream. Water-logged clearings are passed as the track follows Whakapapanui Stream. Here, storm damaged beech forest is slowly regenerating.
Keep a look out along the river for the endangered whio/blue duck. They are the same colour as the rocks so can be very difficult to spot, but you may hear the male’s whistling call.
The track comes out at the bridge of SH48 3 km below Whakapapa Village. On fine days, enjoy the views walking back along the highway; on wet/windy days, enjoy the shelter of the forest and return back along the trail.
Getting there
The track is in Whakapapa Village on SH48. It starts 250 m above the Tongariro National Park
Visitor Centre.
Know before you go
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track