Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
RTM - East & North
Submitted by Tim Carpenter
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 87
Gnarl Factor: 61
45.0km
2140m
2175m
1551m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Tim Carpenter
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 87
Gnarl Factor: 61
45.0km
2140m
2175m
1551m
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Mountainous
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Volcanic
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.3%
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10:00
Slow
7:00
Moderate
5:00
Fast
Starting from the carpark, follow the track, which will take you past the waterfall.
Cross the river and follow the trail around the mountain.
The track is well marked, and there are numerous bridges and board walks to run.
Mangaheuheu hut takes around 1 hour.
Leave the hut and you will be entering the volcanic desert area. This can be very hot, cold, dry, windy and there is no natural protection.
The track takes you up and down numerous ridges and valleys, past Rangipo Hut, before crossing the Tukino Access Road.
You can also start at Tukino Access Road, the distance to Whakapapa is around 25km.
Continue to the follow the trail and you will pass Waihohonu Hut ( which is pretty flash).
You are then into the grind for the next 10km, gradual up hill along the trail, nice views of Ngarahoe and The Pinnacles, heading for the distant ridge.
Once you reach the ridges there are 2-3 more to negotiate, and then you will be on the Taranaki Falls track to finish at the Whakapapa Village
You will see some desolate volcanic areas that look like they belong on the moon, and pass a Lahar Zone
There are numerous shuttle companies who will drop you off for a fee.
Ensure that your car is secured.
15 km
17 minutes
Unknown
No
Hard.
Follow the trail and markings.
Very patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.
Available at the huts. There are 3 huts on the trip.
Weather is changeable can be very cold at any time of the year, high likelihood of snow in the winter
There is a Lahar Zone, heed the signs and keep moving.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and RTM - East & North
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Incredible!! Such a vast array of scenery, changing landscapes and constantly differing underfoot! We did the full RTM over three days, taking our time and enjoying every second! Breathtaking and challenging!
June 20, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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