Visitors can now book the iconic Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts and experience a summer taster of the Tongariro Northern Circuit while Oturere Hut is rebuilt.
Both huts have mattresses, water supply, toilets, heating, and cooking facilities, and Waihohonu Hut will have full-time wardens through the summer.
DOC Tongariro Senior Ranger Heritage and Visitors Jenny Hayward says it's 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," she says.
"A young family might tackle the easy 20-minute walk to Mangatepopo for their first hut stay.
"Alternatively, it's little more than 15 kilometres from Whakapapa Village to Waihohonu Hut, a nice manageable challenge on a well-formed track."
Both Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts feature stunning views across the unique volcanic landscape of dual World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park.
Jenny says the huts will also be cheaper to book this season.
"Usually $44 a night for an adult, they're down to $25 per adult for this season only. So, it's a perfect time for people to dip their toes in and have a great walk without going on the full Great Walk!"
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.
Bookings are now open for Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts for the period 24 October 2025 to 30 April 2026. Fees for adults are $25 per night, children/youth $12.50 per night, infants are free.
Background information
Tongariro Northern Circuit will not operate as a Great Walk without Oturere Hut. The walk between Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts is 20 km through steep, rough alpine terrain. It takes 8-10 hours in an environment with fast-changing, extreme weather.
While the tracks are open, we don't recommend that people hike between Mangatepopo and Waihohonu unless they are very fit and experienced backcountry trampers, carrying the gear to be self-sufficient.
