Ruapehu / Tongariro / Ohakune / National Park tracks

[andysh]

Hey guys,

Heading down to Ruapehu this weekend and the weather is not looking the flashest so thought we might go for a little explore if we can't get up the mountain.

I have been searching the forums and see people saying that there are great tracks in this area but can't seem to pinpoint where abouts they are, and there also seems to be some issues of unformed roads being blocked etc. So am hoping the people in the know may be able to point me in the right direction of some tracks in the area.

I have got a LWB Nissan safari on new AT's with winch, shovel, and recovery gear. But only one 4wd so not looking for anything to difficult

So if anyone can give me a heads up on the tracks around this area that would be awesome.

andysh

[PeterVahry]

Andy, there is no legal access to any DoC managed land at this time of year in the Ruapehu region. The 42 Traverse is closed to 4x4 use during winter and that's the only DoC route that's legal for vehicle use.
There are some unformed legal roads and old legal roads but most are subject to contention by locals who can make a bit of a fuss. (a slow process to alter that situation)

For a bit of fun you may find the Tukino skifield road the most interesting.

[andysh]

Cool thanks for that Peter, never been over to Tukino so should be good.

Did 42nd traverse last Easter and was a blast, looking forward to when that opens again in December.