Tag Archive for: Waihohonu

Old Waihohonu Hut in Tongariro

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Old Waihohonu Hut, Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

The historic Old Waihohonu Hut, located in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island and the Tongariro National Park, was built in 1901. It’s a relic from the uncomfortable days of the coach connection from the Whanganui River up to the steamboat on Lake Taupo and further up via the Desert Road. The hut served as an overnight stop at the end of a tiring, bumpy stage along cart tracks through the wilderness. While the hardships of the journey for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers are less today, the rugged charm of the surroundings has fortunately remained unchanged. It’s understandable that the national park’s new huts have already recorded over 10,000 overnight stays.

Waihohonu Hut, Tongariro National Park

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Waihohonu Hut, Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

The (new) Waihohonu Hut is located at the only junction of four tracks southeast of Ngauruhoe — leading to Desert Road, Ruapehu, Whakapapa, and Oturere Hut. Waihohonu Hut is situated on one of the first tourist routes in this region, which began with the construction of the Old Waihohonu Hut in 1901. A small stream runs below the hut, which I loved using as a bathtub during my multi-day stays as a hut warden. I particularly enjoy remembering the many hikers and their evening accounts of their experiences during their stay in the park and the impressions it left on them.

Mountain rainforest near the Waihohonu Hut

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Mountain rainforest near the Waihohonu Hut, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Not far from the Waihohonu Hut, the Northern Circuit hiking trail passes through lush mountain beech forests at mid-altitude on the way to the Oturere Hut. This spot is a perfect example of this rich vegetation with its ferns and mosses. Stately streams meander through deep-cut valleys. Plenty of birds can be seen here, especially the curious fantails and robins.

Oturere and Waihohonu

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Chapter 4: Desolation and Abundance of Life

In the Oturere Valley, Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

The new day first takes me back along the Tongariro Crossing route to the crater plateau. Today, the magnificent theatre of nature presents a play of Shakespearean proportions on the stage of grand emotions. After the mountain so generously and proudly displayed its treasures yesterday, today it shrouds itself in thick clouds. Everything appears colourless and grey, and on such days, a depressive veil settles over my mood. The vast desolation, veiled in mist, awakens in me a desperate feeling of loneliness and being lost. Stripped of its meaning, the signpost for the Blue Lake stands by the wayside, surrounded by boundless grey. Thoughts and reality merge. The jagged boulders in the Oturere Valley suddenly transform into grotesque ghostly figures trying to lead me astray. Read more

Spectacular Tongariro

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Chapter 3: The Crossing and the Northern Circuit

Rainbow in front of Lake Rotoaira, Ketetahi Hut, Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

There are places where, upon returning, I realise just how much their atmosphere enchants me. One of these is Ketetahi Hut, which sits high on the sunny northern slopes of Tongariro and marks the start of the final stage of the Tongariro Crossing—the descent to the car park. I love lying on the terrace in front of the hut, enjoying the view over the wind-rippled surface of Lake Rotoaira, the lush green, forest-clad Kakaramea mountain range, and the silver mirror of Lake Taupo. The electrifying moods at sunrise or sunset are incomparable; those nights where the lights of Taupo merge with the twinkling stars into a single universe! Roaring hot sulphur steam rises from the nearby Ketetahi Springs, which doesn’t dampen the hut’s popularity for a rest, a spot of sunbathing, or an overnight stay. Consequently, it can get a bit crowded there on some days. Read more