Tama Lakes makes a fantastic day walk near Mt. Ruapehu. This hike is an alternative to the busy Tongariro Crossing with alpine views.
Mt. Ruapehu is the hulking mass of rock that juts up from the central part of the North Island. The area around this mountain, inside of Tongariro National Park, has heaps of hiking trails. There are some epic multi-day walks such as the Tongariro Northern Circuit or the Around The Mountain. Additionally, there are tons of great day walks, including the famed Tongariro Crossing and Tama Lakes. Tama Lakes is a great day walk alternative to the crossing that doesn’t need a car shuttle and can be done in less time.
Tama Lakes Hike Highlights and Logistics
Highlights – Alpine scenery, secluded lakes, and a waterfall.
Location – Whakapapa village on Mt. Ruapehu in the central North Island.
Length of Walk – 17 km return, 5-6 hours
Difficulty – moderate/advanced
Tama Lakes Hike
The Tama Lakes hike is a wonderful alternative to the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This walk may be quite long, but it is mostly on a very well formed trail. However, do not think that this is an easy walk that can be done at anytime. A good portion of this walk is above treeline and thus exposed to the elements, so be sure to pay attention to the weather. Make sure you have a rain jacket and warm clothing as you never know when you may need it in the mountains (we had to use both).
The trail leaves the carpark near Whakapapa Village and is the start of the Taranaki Falls walk. The part of the track to the falls can be done as a loop, so you can head up to the falls one way and then return the other way. It takes about one hour to walk to the falls either way, with the upper track leading you to the top of the falls and the lower track to the bottom of the falls.
It’s nice to take one direction on the way and the opposite way on the return. The lower track passes into more Beech forest and then follows a beautiful river where you’ll pass over a bridge that looks down on a stunning gorge.
From the falls the track to Tama Lakes is above treeline and begins to climb and make its way across the open landscape covered in tussock and alpine herb fields on the way to the Tama saddle. The walking here is nice as the trail is so well formed.
The Tama Lakes junction is about one hour along the track after leaving the falls. From the junction the track continues along until there is a view of the Lower Tama Lake. This can be a good stopping point, or you can choose to carry on.
From the view the track becomes more of a route with loose rock as it climbs a ridge. It is a short climb, but at the top of the ridge you will get incredible views of the Upper Tama Lake and out to the surrounding landscape. Close to the north is Mt. Ngaruhoe and then off to the south is the bulking mass of Mt. Ruapehu. It feels like a true alpine wonderland up here in this volcanic world.
My Insider’s Tips To Tama Lakes Hike
Parking can be a problem in the busy time of year. Luckily, anywhere that you can park in Whakapapa Village is OK since the hike starts at the end of a short road just below the Tongariro National Park visitor centre.
There are a couple of superbly made and disguised toilets along this walk. One is just above Taranaki Falls, set back from the trail, near the junction with the Tama Lakes Walk. The other is at the junction where the Tama Lakes leaves the main trail that heads over the saddle to Waihohonu hut.
You can swing in the Chateau Tongariro for a coffee, hot chocolate, or beer in the lovely lounge after your hike. It’s a super cool building and nice after a good walk.