Emerald Lakes to Oturere Hut Track

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

From Emerald Lakes, the track branches off from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track, and descends steeply into the Oturere Valley with views of the valley, the Kaimanawa Ranges and the Rangipo Desert. The track weaves through an endless variety of unusual jagged lava forms from early eruptions from Red Crater which filled Oturere Valley.

This is a magical place to visit, especially on a misty day. The Oturere Hut is nestled on the eastern edge of these flows. There is a pretty waterfall over the ridge from the hut, which makes a scenic resting point.