Department of Conservation’s Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts open for bookings, prices reduced

Summer bookings are open for the Waihohonu Hut in Tongariro National Park. Photo / Anna Atchley, Department of Conservation

The Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts on the Tongariro Northern Circuit are now available for summer bookings for keen hikers and family adventures.

Both huts, located 20km apart, have mattresses, water, toilets, heating and cooking facilities.

The Waihohonu Hut will have full-time wardens through the summer.

Department of Conservation (DoC) Tongariro heritage and visitors senior ranger Jenny Hayward said it was a great opportunity for families to have overnight adventures in one of New Zealand’s most famous natural environments.

“These are both quite accessible locations to get outside and connect with nature,” Hayward said.

“A young family might tackle the easy 20-minute walk to Mangatepopo for their first hut stay.

“Alternatively, it’s little more than 15km from Whakapapa Village to Waihohonu Hut, a nice, manageable challenge on a well-formed track.”

The huts are renowned for their views across the volcanic landscape of dual World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park.

The Mangatepopo Hut is available to book from October 30 to April 30. Photo / Julia Wells

Hayward said the huts would be cheaper to book this season – down to $25 a night for adults, instead of $44.

“It’s a perfect time for people to dip their toes in and have a great walk without going on the full Great Walk,” she said.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk is closed for safety reasons while DoC works with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to replace the more than 50-year-old Oturere Hut.

DoC advises against hiking between Mangatepopo and Waihohonu unless hikers are very fit and experienced backcountry trampers who are able to carry gear to be self-sufficient. The 20km walk through steep, rough alpine terrain takes eight to 10 hours in an environment with fast-changing, extreme weather.

Bookings for Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts for the period October 30 to April 30 can be made on the DoC website.

Fees for adults are $25 a night, children/youth $12.50 a night and infants are free.