From the carpark the track heads across farmland, skirting around a swampy piece and jumping a small stream on the way. It climbs up to reach a stile over a fence marking the forest boundary.
Enter the sanctuary and enjoy a short flat section before doing the main climb on the track. A steep piece in the middle needs a little more effort. Towards the top it begins to flatten out and passes Hihitahi Trig with fantastic views to the central North Island mountains.
The track continues on then heads down a grassy slip before sidling around and down into the valley to the old hut site. The new one is 200 m further on past this.
Zekes Hut is in the Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary which lies between Taihape and Waiouru. Travelling north, access to the track is off SH1 on the right beginning at a DOC sign about 17 km north of Taihape.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
| Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 7 892 3729 |
| tongarirovc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Whakapapa Village State Highway 48 Mount Ruapehu 3951 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |