Child friendly rating: 5 stars

Distance: 1.8km

Signposted time: 40 minutes

Parking: End of Mangatepopo Road, Tongariro Alpine Crossing carpark

Suitable to visit in winter: Yes

Bookings Required? Yes in season, No off-season

The Track:

This is the hut that my child called "The hut that was so easy I didn't even need a break"

The signposted time is very generous. With a baby and a 5yo walking, it took us around 25 minutes to walk the easy well formed very flat track.

The track is wide enough and formed enough that you could even push a stroller the whole way.

HOWEVER, this hut is best visited off-season. (1st May - Late October). In season, there is a 4 hour parking limit at the trailhead, meaning that you'll need to find someone to drop you off and pick you back up as you won't be able to park here. There are shuttles available too.

The Hut:

There is a fireplace inside the hut, and it wasn't too cold for us South Islanders. In the October school holidays we shared the hut with one single person.

As long as you are aware of ice, this hut is suitable to visit in winter time during snowfall. A great entry-level winter hike, as you're not too far from the road and the track is so straightforward.

Plus there's enough to explore around the hut and great views to keep everyone happy.

Recommendation: A fantastic first hut for anyone. Visit off season so you don’t have to worry about parking. Pick a better weather day and be aware of ice on the track if it’s freezing or if there’s snow on the ground.