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Mount Ruapehu
5.3 km
1 hour 30 minutes
326 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for a walk that combines rugged volcanic beauty with a deep sense of history, the Old Blyth Track on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu is a must-add to your itinerary. Located within the dual World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, this trail is more than just a path through the woods; it’s a journey back to the early days of New Zealand alpine exploration.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your backyard or a tourist wanting an authentic "tramping" experience, this 5.3km (one-way) trail offers a moderate challenge that rewards you with ancient forests, unique alpine wetlands, and glimpses of the majestic mountain peaks.
Stepping onto the Old Blyth Track feels like stepping into a living museum. The trail begins its steady ascent through a lush, dense canopy of native forest. You’ll find yourself surrounded by towering red beech trees and the distinct, scale-like foliage of kaikawaka (New Zealand cedar). The air here is often crisp and carries that unmistakable scent of damp earth and moss—a signature of the Ruapehu wilderness.
As a point-to-point track, it covers about 5.3 kilometres and rises 326 metres in elevation. While the distance might seem modest, don’t let it fool you; this is a genuine New Zealand tramping track. You won’t find perfectly manicured gravel paths here. Instead, you’ll be navigating a narrow trail that weaves between intricate tree roots and over large, natural steps. It’s the kind of walk that keeps you on your toes, literally and figuratively.
One of the most evocative features of the walk is the series of alpine bogs you’ll traverse. To help trampers navigate these muddy patches, early explorers laid down horizontal logs, known as "corduroy" paths. Walking over these century-old logs is a tactile connection to the past, though you’ll still need to watch your footing! In wet weather, these sections can become quite "gluggy," making sturdy, waterproof hiking boots an absolute necessity.
The track is classified as intermediate/moderate. While it is certainly kid-friendly for older children who enjoy a bit of an adventure and don't mind getting their boots dirty, it might be a bit of a scramble for the very little ones. It’s also worth noting that this area is a sensitive conservation zone, so dogs are not permitted.
The trailhead carpark is located 7 km up the Ohakune Mountain Road. It is very small, accommodating only 2-3 cars safely. For access to connecting tracks like the Round the Mountain Track, Waitonga Falls, and Blyth Hut, using the Waitonga Falls Carpark is recommended as an alternative.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
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Point to point
The Old Blyth Track is packed with features that make it stand out from other walks in the region:
To find the trailhead, head to Ohakune and drive approximately 7 kilometres up the Ohakune Mountain Road (the road leading to the Turoa skifield).
You’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for the trailhead sign, as the dedicated parking area is very small—safely accommodating only two or three cars. Because of this limited space, many hikers prefer to use the larger Waitonga Falls Carpark further up the road and use the connecting tracks to loop back, or arrange a drop-off. If you do manage to snag a spot at the trailhead, ensure you are parked well off the road, as the mountain road can get busy with traffic heading to the ski slopes or higher trailheads.
The Tongariro National Park is a haven for native birdlife, and the Old Blyth Track provides an excellent opportunity to hear and see some of New Zealand’s most iconic species.
The Old Blyth Track changes character with the seasons, but the best times to visit are Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
This track is steeped in the history of the Waimarino district. It was hand-cut in the early 1900s by Joe Blyth, a local school headmaster and a pioneer of tramping in the region. Before the Ohakune Mountain Road was built, this track was the primary route for people heading up the mountain to ski or explore.
For the local Māori iwi (tribes), Ngāti Rangi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Mount Ruapehu is a sacred ancestor. The mountain is a te kāhui maunga (a cluster of peaks) that holds immense spiritual significance. As you walk, remember that you are on land that is deeply revered. Conservation efforts in the area, led by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and local community groups, work tirelessly to keep the forest free of pests like stoats and possums, allowing the native birdlife to thrive.
Once you’ve finished your hike and made your way back down the Ohakune Mountain Road, you’ll likely be ready for some refreshments. Ohakune, the "Carrot Capital of New Zealand," has some fantastic spots to refuel:
The Old Blyth Track offers a perfect slice of the Ruapehu experience. It’s rugged, historic, and undeniably beautiful. So, lace up those boots, grab your camera, and go find out why this trail has been a favourite for over a hundred years.
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round
Acanthisitta chloris
The tītitiponamu is New Zealand's smallest native bird, often seen flitting quickly up tree trunks and branches.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
Also known as Whio, featured on the NZ $10 note. Found on fast-flowing mountain rivers.
Best time: Year-round