Best walks in the Manawatu region
Most of our Manawatu walks are in Tongariro National Park, around Mt Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the big day walk, Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids are the best half day walks, and Tawhai Falls is a 20 minute stroll anyone can do.
Every walk below has been walked by me or one of our team, with route details, parking and photos.
Tongariro National Park walks at a glance
Here’s how the walks compare. Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere in the national park.
| Walk | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tawhai Falls | 1 km return | 20 min | Easy | SH48 below Whakapapa Village |
| Taranaki Falls | 5.3 km loop | 2 hrs | Easy | Whakapapa Village |
| Silica Rapids | 4.7 km loop | 2 hrs 10 min | Easy | Whakapapa Village |
| Blyth Hut via Waitonga Falls | 7.4 km return | 3 hrs | Easy to moderate, steps and a stream crossing | Ohakune Mountain Road |
| Tama Lakes | 17 km return | 2 hrs 30 min to Upper Tama, one way | Moderate | Whakapapa Village |
| Tongariro Alpine Crossing | 19.7 km one way | 7 hrs | Hard | Mangatepopo Road end |
| Tongariro Northern Circuit | 45 km | 2 to 4 days | Moderate, alpine | Whakapapa Village |
Northern Circuit 2026/27 season: Mangatepopo Track is closed after fires in late 2025, so the circuit runs as an end-to-end tramp between Mangatepopo Road end and Whakapapa Village.
All Tongariro National Park walk guides
Every Tongariro walk we’ve done, with full route details, photos and maps.
White Cliffs Walkway, Tongaporutu
Tawhai Falls
Tongariro Northern Circuit – Great Walk
A Day of Adventure: Conquering The Tongariro Crossing
Taranaki Falls Walk, Mt Ruapehu
Blyth Hut via Waitonga Falls Walk in Tongariro National Park
How to get to Tongariro National Park walks
Drive to Whakapapa Village on State Highway 48, about 1.5 hours from Taupo. You need a car or shuttle for every walk here, there’s no public transport to the trailheads.
InterCity buses and the Northern Explorer train stop at National Park Village and Ohakune. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one way, so book a shuttle from National Park Village, Whakapapa or Turangi. Parking at Mangatepopo is time limited, so don’t plan on leaving your car there for the day.
For Blyth Hut, drive 11 km up Ohakune Mountain Road from Ohakune to the Waitonga Falls car park.
Best time to walk in Tongariro National Park
Late October to April is the best time. Outside those months the higher walks are alpine, with snow, ice and short days.
The weather changes fast at any time of year and it can snow in summer. Take warm layers and a rain jacket even on a clear morning. The short walks like Tawhai Falls and Taranaki Falls are fine in winter if you dress for it. Start the Crossing early in summer to beat the crowds.
Walks near Tongariro National Park
Taupo and Turangi are both under 1.5 hours away and have heaps of easy lake and river walks. Mt Taranaki is a good next stop if you’re heading west.