Whakapapa Village Silica Rapids Track
Tongariro trip 2018
Silica Rapids Walk, Tongariro National Park :: Long White Gypsy
Tongariro National Park is arguably one of New Zealand's biggest attractions. Home to some of the best scenery in the North Island, and three of New Zealand's most recently active volcanoes (Mts. Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngāruahoe) it is a hit with outdoor enthusiasts the world over.
It also houses some of the best short walks the North Island has to offer. This summer, I'll be hiking as many of them as possible to give you a taste of what's available.
This week I'm hitting the Silica Rapids Walk. It's a 7km (2hr30min) round trip hike, which is accessible from Whakapapa Village at the top of State Highway 48. Drive 250m past the Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Department of Conservation) and park in the carpark on the right hand side of the road opposite the Whakapapa fire station.
The first 30 minutes of the track traverses lush beech forest, all the while weaving to cross and follow the Waikare Stream up to the rapids. As you near the rapids, the landscape begins to turn from forest to the barren environment distinctive of alpine slopes.
It will take you approximately 1hr15min to reach the creamy white terraces of the Silica Rapids. There are plenty of areas for you to stop and eat a light snack or picnic lunch as you gaze upon the turbulent waters as they cascade over the rapids. This is national park land, so make sure to stick to the boardwalk as much as possible, to protect the fragile ecosystem of our alpine country.
When you've had your fill of the rapids, take your pick as to whether to head back to the carpark the way you came, or return via the Bruce Road alternate (approximately 65 minutes return to the carpark). The track to the Bruce Road is distinctly different from that which takes you to the rapids, the first part comprising barren and swampy land, eerily reminiscent of the Dead Marshes in the hugely successful Lord of the Rings movies (I couldn't resist humming sections of In Dreams as I hiked along, perhaps the most recognisable composition from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack). The second part traverses the lee side of the mountain's alpine slopes, and as such is dry tussock for much of it. The views from this side of the track are stunning, and on a clear day you'll get excellent views of Mt. Ngāruahoe and Mt. Ruapehu. For those geological enthusiasts out there, you won't be disappointed in the wealth of volcanic geological features you'll spy along the way.
The short road walk back to Whakapapa Village will take you around 20 mins to complete, and is an easy (and relatively safe) downhill stride. Make sure to keep on the shoulder to the right hand side of the road. This road can be unpredictable, so most traffic tends to travel relatively slowly.
**TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK IS AN ALPINE ENVIRONMENT and you should always check the weather forecast (via MetService or the Whakapapa Visitor Center) and track conditions (via DOC website) before you go - links to both below. Conditions in the national park can change dramatically and quickly, and many people have lost their lives through not being properly prepared. Be prepared for COLD, WET and/or WINDY weather AT ALL TIMES (even in the summer months).**
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
**BECOME A PATRON FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT**
As a subscriber of my channel you'll automatically get weekly updates from my thru-hike of Te Araroa right here on this channel. But for as little as $1 per month you can also get access to heaps of exclusive content directly from the trail by becoming one of my Patrons. As a patron you can join in on live Q&As from the trail, get early access to every single YouTube update and MUCH MORE. Visit to find out more.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Visit My Website:
How To Support Me:
➡ Subscribe to this channel
➡ Become a Patron:
➡ Shop on Amazon:
➡ Like my Facebook Page:
➡ Follow me on Instagram:
➡ Follow me on Twitter:
Gear & Equipment Links:
➡ Pack:
➡ Footwear:
➡ Water:
➡ Gimbal:
DOC Website:
Whakapapa Visitor Centre:
MetService:
Camera Gear:
- iPhone 6S plus
- DJI Osmo Mobile 2:
Music:
- Roger That by Many Moons Ago
- Stomp by Martin Hall
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.
Silica Rapids - Tongariro - New Zealand (3)
Silica Rapids walking trail, Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand
Silica Rapids - Tongariro - New Zealand (2)
Silica Rapids walking trail, Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand
Silica Rapids Walk, Whakapapa, NZ
Silica Rapids & Beyond
Abel & Uncle Barry exporing Silica Rapids and beyond. Getting amongst the beautiful Tongariro National Park on a spectacular summers day.
Daily Selfseed #124 Silica Rapids, Tongariro National Park, NZ
The golden waterfall and stream. Mother Nature is so amazing in her diversity. The volcano has transformed the land in so many ways. Start your own transformation and plant a Selfseed today.
Selfseeds.com
Silicia Rapids - Tongariro - New Zealand (1)
Silica Rapids walking trail, Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand
Silica Rapids
Silica Rapids, Ruapehu
Ruapehu: running the Round the Mountain Track
Mount Ruapehu is the largest of the volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park in the centre of New Zealand's North Island. On 17th March 2018, from Whakapapa Village, Thom and I started our run around Mount Ruapehu. The first day was tough and slow-going for the 46km to Rangipo hut, but the variety of scenery and terrain is absolutely stunning. This took us 11 hours, including breaks and taking about 200 photos and videos between us. We were carrying enough equipment and food to be self sufficient, but our good friend James met us at Rangipo hut with a hot meal and extra gear, which was fantastic. The second day was shorter, only 30km, and much easier terrain, with the last 15km being mostly on well groomed tracks, and took us a little under 5 hours.
Taranaki Falls-Tongariro National park (NZ)
Mt. Ruapehu Crater Climb – a New Zealand Gem - other-worldly treasures await at the volcanic rim
Just finished the video of our Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb. It was a spectacular day out. The other-worldly treasures are hidden away until you get to the rim and then it's all on.
Luckily there were no rumbles or lahars (this volcano has erupted 60 times since 1945!). Pele must have been watching over us.
The views on a clear day, from atop an active volcano, at 2,672m / 8,766 ft. are superb. It reminded me of how eloquently The Smithsonianmag.com described entering Haleakalā ‘crater’ like an exercise in sensory deprivation. This holds equally here as you gaze into the summit plateau replete with mini glaciers and again when you reach the hidden crater lake with its eerie lifeless hue. It's similtaneously fascinating and foreboding - evidence of the beauty, power and violence of nature surrounds you and is mesmeric. This is not a place to linger too long as you might do near a scenic lake. The frisson at Mt Ruapehu's crater is palpable:)
This is not a formatted Great Walk like The Tongariro Crossing or The Northern Circuit. DOC class this as an Alpine climb. This should not be attempted if you are not experienced and fit. Established navigational skills are essential here. The volcanic terrain is amorphous. There are few distinguishing landmarks, save for the chairlifts and t-bars, but they disappear rather quickly. There are numerous ridges to lead you astray and you could find yourself heading in the wrong direction at the end of the day.
A guided tour is an excellent way to do this hike if you are unsure.
This is a magnificent day out. Please let me know If you have done this hike and were as much in awe as we were. We had not looked at any images so it made the reveal greater. I had expected the usual
crater arrangement lol!
Happy and safe hiking, always:)
Princess Wears Hiking Boots
Whakapapaiti Valley 28 July 17
Abel & I exploring the Whakapapaiti Valley in winter. Chocolate chip biscuits and hot chocolate at the Whakapapaiti Hut were more delicious than normal.
Tongariro National Park 東加里諾國家公園 - 尋找 Silica Rapids Walk 步道 day 6 - 43 ( New Zealand )
2013.11.20
Tongariro N P - Turangi, Ohakune Trails - Nov. 2018
7 days in Tongariro National Park
#Turangi, Whakapapa Village, Tokaanu Thermal Pool, #Ohakune, Omori beach, #Taranaki Falls walk, Silica Rapids, #Tongariro River Trail, Scoria Flat, Steaming Cliffs, Waitonga Falls, Turoa Ski Field
#Taranaki_Falls
#Silica_Rapids
#Ohakune
#Tokaanu_Thermal_Pool
#Whakapapa_Village
* MUSIC *
Antonin Dvorak - Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88.
III. Allegretto grazioso - Molto vivace
Note -
I declare all my uploads to be for personal entertainment purposes and non-profit uses only, no infringement intended.
I do not own the copyright if any, in the video all rights go to the author or authorities.
Tongariro National Park 東加里諾國家公園 - 找不到 Silica Rapids Walk 步道 day 6 - 44 ( New Zealand )
2013.11.20
Taranaki Falls Walk, Tongariro National Park :: Long White Gypsy
The Taranaki Falls track offers a quintessential example of the volcanic and geological scenery you can expect from Tongariro National Park. An easy 6.2km / 3.85mi round trip, the track helpfully offers hikers a round-trip option (via the Upper and Lower tracks) or a one-way in and out via either of the two loops. I highly recommend (if completing the full loop) you start with the Upper track, as this affords (in my opinion) the best approach to the falls).
Standing at the top of the falls is an exhilarating experience, and one often reserved for those sacrificial selfies! Making sure not to get too close to the edge, lest the strong wind on this day knock me clean over the edge of the ancient lava flow over which the falls tumble, I gazed around at the state of the landscape around me and marveled at it's history. Mother Earth kindly took 250,000 years to expertly craft this vista, and I for one am grateful for it.
You can access the falls via Whakapapa Village at the top of State Highway 48 in the Tongariro National Park (New Zealand's North Island). Take the left hand turning immediately past the Château (Ngāuruhoe Crescent) and park in the carpark at the end of the road.
The trailhead is also one of the trailheads for the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of New Zealand's GREAT WALKS.
The circuit will take you 1hr30min to complete with some small breaks along the way. Allow 2hrs if you are planning to stop at the falls for lunch.
**SIDE NOTE: It is often windy, cold and wet at the bottom of the falls. Even though there is a seating area here, you may prefer to make your stop at the top of the falls, where there are plenty of rocks to spread out on, with spectacular views.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
**BECOME A PATRON FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT**
As a subscriber of my channel you'll automatically get weekly updates from my thru-hike of Te Araroa right here on this channel. But for as little as $1 per month you can also get access to heaps of exclusive content directly from the trail by becoming one of my Patrons. As a patron you can join in on live Q&As from the trail, get early access to every single YouTube update and MUCH MORE. Visit to find out more.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Visit My Website:
How To Support Me:
➡ Subscribe to this channel
➡ Become a Patron:
➡ Shop on Amazon:
➡ Like my Facebook Page:
➡ Follow me on Instagram:
➡ Follow me on Twitter:
Gear & Equipment Links:
➡ Pack:
➡ Footwear:
➡ Water:
➡ Gimbal:
DOC Website:
Camera Gear:
- iPhone 6S plus
- DJI Osmo Mobile 2:
Music:
- Pillars by Anders Schill Paulsen
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.
Whakapapaiti Hut Wardens Quarters
My favourite hut that I volunteered at during the 2012 / 2013 season. A true backcountry hut in a beautiful location... I spent 5 days there and had 3 customers all with backcountry hut passes.
Snow Trip to Whakapapa Village - Queen's Birthday 2019 With Friends
Snow Trip to Whakapapa Village - Queen's Birthday 2019 With Friends