Child friendly rating: 4 stars

Distance: 3.6km

Signposted time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bookings Required? No

Suitable in Winter? Likely not

Camping Available? No - could maybe squeeze a small tent in somewhere.

4wd required? No

Parking: There is a carpark off Ohakune Mountain Road for the Waitonga Falls carpark. This is the easiest access, but you can also access via any other point on the Round the Mountain track. It's just a much bigger challenge like this.

The Track: As far as the Waitonga Falls, the track is in extremely well-graded condition, as this is a popular day walk.

After the Waitonga Falls, there is a small creek crossing. It's not deep or technical, but you will get wet boots.

The track isn't rough past here, but it's no longer as wide.

Around 10 minutes before the hut is the Whanganui High School owned Lupton Hut. If not in use by the school, you can stay here if it's not safe to continue on, or if Blyth Hut is full.

Past Lupton Hut, there is a rocky clearing to cross. In winter this can by icy or covered in snow, and dangerous to cross. Be extra cautious on this section during winter.

With a just turned 5 year old who walked the whole way and mama carrying a 9 month old, it took 4 hours to get to the hut at a relaxed pace. The uphill really slowed us down. The just turned 5 year old was also carrying all her own gear, and this was only the 2nd hike I did solo with both kids, so we were very slow. We would likely walk it faster now, even with 3 kids, but this short distance hut is just not to be underestimated if you haven't tramped a lot before.

Hut: Lockwood-style. There are two seperate bunkrooms on either side of the lounge/kitchen area. If you have the hut to yourself, there's plenty of space to pop two mattresses on the floor in front of the fire.

Recommendations: While this can be a great hut to visit due to the short length, the up and down can be a bit hectic. It's best if you're prepared to carry toddlers for sections. 4yo+ should easily be able to walk the whole way, just make sure to take your time. It's best to not visit in winter due to the risk of ice and snow on the track.