© Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0 
© sarang
Sarang · Public domain Desert Road & Rangipō
Waihohonu Hut & Ohinepango Springs
Easy 14 kmreturn 3–4 hr return ↑ 189 m
Hut · Desert Road & Rangipō
Waihohonu Hut (historic & new)
1,150 m HistoricForestVolcanic
The park’s oldest hut (1904) and its newest Great Walk hut, in beech forest on the eastern side.
The historic Waihohonu Hut was built in 1904 for coach travellers and is the oldest hut in the park, lined with pumice for insulation. The modern 28-bunk hut nearby is a highlight of the Northern Circuit. From the Desert Road it is a steady walk in across open volcanic country with views to Ngāuruhoe.
Waihohonu Hut (historic & new) © sarang
Sarang · Public domain 
© Jeffrey Pang · CC BY 2.0 Tracks that reach Waihohonu Hut (historic & new)
© Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0 © sarang
Sarang · Public domain 
© Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0 
© Geoff McKay · CC BY 2.0 
Tongariro & Mangatepōpō
Tongariro Northern Circuit
Intermediate 43 kmloop 3–4 days ↑ 1517 m
© Sarang · Public domain 
© ShakyIsles · CC BY-SA 4.0 
Desert Road & Rangipō
Round the Mountain Track
Advanced 66 kmloop 4–6 days ↑ 2340 m
Also nearby
Rangipō Desert © Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 
© Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 
© Geoff McKay · CC BY 2.0 Desert· 1,100 m · Desert Road & Rangipō
Rangipō Desert
A high gravel desert in the volcanoes’ rain shadow, used for Mordor and the Black Gate.
Springs· 1,130 m · Desert Road & Rangipō
Ohinepango Springs
A cold, crystal-clear spring that bursts from beneath an old lava flow at huge volume.
Desert Road viewpoints © Geoff McKay · CC BY 2.0 
© Geoff McKay · CC BY 2.0 
© Geoff McKay · CC BY 2.0 Viewpoint· 1,050 m · Desert Road & Rangipō
Desert Road viewpoints
The classic drive-by panorama of all three volcanoes across the tussock plains.