By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -39.34628, 175.49377. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 5.3 km one way
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 mins to Round the Mountain track junction
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Tongariro National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Follow this historic trail through red beech and kaikawaka forests to connect with the Waitonga Falls and Round the Mountain tracks.
This DOC directory entry covers Old Blyth Track in Central North Island, within Tongariro National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 5.3 km one way
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 mins to Round the Mountain track junction
- DOC grade: Intermediate
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Constructed in the early 1900s, the Old Blyth Track follows a historic route that ascends through the bush up Mount Ruapehu. Much of the path traverses’ alpine bogs, where you can still see the horizontal logs (corduroy) used to stabilise the muddy surface.
This track can give you a taste of a backcountry track with close access to the road. Expect a narrow path, muddy sections, tree roots and big steps to navigate.
Walking time to the Round the Mountain Track junction is 1 hr 30 mins. Users should allow extra time during and after wet weather as the track can become very muddy.
The Waitonga Falls Track is an easier track option to access the falls or Blyth Hut.
Getting there
The track begins from the parking area 7 km up the Ohakune Mountain Road.
Know before you go
The car park is very small
The car park at the road end of the track is small and only fits 2-3 cars safely.
For access to the Round the Mountain Track, Waitonga Falls and Blyth Hut, we recommend that you use the Waitonga Falls Carpark and entrance.
The track can get very muddy when wet
The track traverses' alpine bogs and can very muddy during and after long periods of rain. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
