Last Updated: 30th Dec 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Horopito Schmito

Ohakune, Manawatu - Wanganui

Submitted by Orla Drylie

Last Updated: 30th Dec 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 19 ?

Gnarl Factor: 31 ?

16.0km

325m

1035m

1527m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

30%
70%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +2.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.5%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:15

Moderate

1:45

Fast

The trail starts 500m below Turoa skifield on the left hand side as you're going up. It is the Round the Mountain Track. Follow the signs for Mangaturuturu Hut. Within 1.5km you will find yourself clambering down the amazing Cascades. Take your time as this is very slippery after rain, and can get icy during the winter months. 3km in, you will be at Mangaturuturu Hut. Left turn to the side of the hut, following the sign for Horopito Road-end. From here, follow the orange triangles for the rest of the route. There is one long, steep climb approx 4km in, but after that it is a gentle descent the whole way back to the road. It is quite boggy underfoot for a major part of this trail. From 13km to 16km, you will be on private land on a working farm, so keep to the gravel track and leave gates how you find them. No landowner permission or permits are required. As this is a one-way trail, transport will be required at either end. The trail comes out at Lahar Farms - approx 1.5km from Horopito Motors/Smashed Palace along Matapuna Road, before the intersection with Kamahi Way. It is not signposted on the road so it is easy to miss, unless you go down the gravel driveway approx 100m to the first DOC sign. No parking in this driveway, so park on Matapuna Road.

Clambering down Cascades Waterfall. Trail finishes closes to Horopito Motors/Smashed Palace

Parking available at the beginning and end of the trail

17 km

21 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Follow the orange triangles. If it doubt... go downhill

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions).

Mangaturuturu Hut has a water tank - boiling before drinking is recommended.
Streams to top up en-route - drink at your own risk

This trail should not really be attempted July-September due to icy, winter conditions and potential road closure of Ohakune Mountain Road, or access to skiers only

Icy descent on Cascades. Boggy underfoot past the hut

Trail Legend

Jonathan Drake

Jonathan Drake

has completed Horopito Schmito once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Horopito Schmito

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Well its a trail of 2 halves. 1st half stunning varied mountain & beech forest, with couple of stream crossings (depending on flow, you'll be in for wet feet), simply awesome. 2nd half, well- from 7km mark for next 4kms is boggy, swamp/marsh. Not that deep, but just goes on & on. I ran it in Nov after a few good rain falls, but may dry out & be quite runnable late summer?? The top section makes up for bottom.

Glen Brownlee

November 23, 2021

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Other trails nearby
Ruapehu - West Side

Ruapehu - West Side

Length: 19.6km

Level: Intermediate

Ohakune-Horopito Powderkeg Loop

Ohakune-Horopito Powderkeg Loop

Length: 29.5km

Level: Experienced

Old Coach Road Ohakune - return trip

Old Coach Road Ohakune - return trip

Length: 20.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Ohakune Town/Forest Loop

Ohakune Town/Forest Loop

Length: 11.3km

Level: Beginner

Find more trails and peaks nearby