Day Four, the final day of my solo backpack hike of the Tongariro Northern Circuit track saw me hiking from the Waihohonu Hut and campsite to Whakapapa Village and the completion of the Circuit.

The strong head winds continued making it a slow but enjoyable walk up to the Tama Saddle.

Highlights of the day included the beautifully preserved old Waihohonu Hut which is well worth the brief detour off the main track. I was interested to approach the Tama Lakes from the South and in summer, a marked contrast to my winter walk. Having already completed this walk I didn’t repeat it but thoroughly recommend it when there’s a dusting of snow about. Taranaki Falls is also worth a look, if you choose the high track you’ll completely miss them.

Challenge again was the wind but nowhere near as difficult as on Day 3 where I was more exposed to it.

ℹ️Stats

📅 Date: 10th January 2022

☀️Weather: High cloud with wind gusts.

⏮ From: Waihohonu Hut

⏭ To: Whakapapa

⛺️ Accommodation: $ Camping

👏 Difficulty: Intermediate Great Walk / Easier Tramping Track

🥾Distance: 17.49 km

🏔 Elevation Gain: 456 metres

🏔 Max Elevation: 1,347 MASL

🏃🏼‍♀️Average Speed: 4.1 km/hour

🏃🏼‍♀️ Moving Time: 4:17:50 hours

🕘Elapsed Time 6:08:46 hours

🥑Calories burned: 1,182

🥾 Boots: Iowa Lavenaii GTX Lowa Boots

Subjective feeling out of 10 on:

Enjoyment: 8/10

Fatigue: 5/10

Ease of terrain: 7/10