Still a ‘great’ overnighter

The Tongariro Northern Circuit as a multi-day Great Walk loop is out of action over the 2025-26 season to make way for construction of a new Oturere Hut.

The Department of Conservation is encouraging people to instead take on shorter walks with an overnight stay in Mangatepopo or Waihohonu huts, which remain bookable through the DOC website.

Oturere Hut, on the Tongariro Northern Circuit is being replaced over summer.

DOC is working with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro on the Oturere Hut replacement with construction scheduled to begin this spring.

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.”

Mangatepopo Hut is still open and provides an opportunity for people to taste a smaller section of the Tongariro Northern Circuit.

She says Oturere hut is more than 50 years old and doesn’t meet the standards they want to deliver in what is a Dual World Heritage National Park.

Designers have worked closely with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to incorporate cultural elements and hapū identity across the design.

Oturere Campsite and all facilities associated with Oturere Hut are closed for safety reasons, meaning Tongariro Northern Circuit cannot operate as a Great Walk.

The walk between Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts is 20km, with a lot of elevation gain. It is challenging without Oturere as a stop, making it more demanding than what DOC usually offers with a Great Walk experience, Libby says.