Enjoy the terrain and landscapes on this easy overnight loop.

Start on the Lower Silica Rapids Track and head south-west through mountain beech forest. The track crosses Whakapapanui Stream on a high bridge at the outset then gradually ascends towards Waikare Stream, which is also bridged, and passes the intriguing Golden Rapids.

A short, sharp climb at Waikare Stream has you out of the forest and onto a boardwalk over an alpine bog. Expect to see large dragonflies and alpine plants and shrubs here. Over your shoulder you may see Mt Ngāuruhoe poking above the forest. To your left, if clouds haven’t obscured it, is Mt Ruapehu.

At the end of the bog the track dips back into the forest and heads west, skirting the tributary headwaters of Whakapapaiti Stream. Slips have cleared large sections of forest, but the trail is well maintained and easy to navigate. 

Next is another board-walked alpine bog section that leads over a lip before descending into Whakapapaiti Valley. The track now turns directly south to reach a footbridge over Whakapapaiti Stream. The valley track is a softer volcanic soil and passes through alpine shrubs and tussock. At all times, on a clear day, Mt Ruapehu is visible directly ahead. Though exposed, this is a lovely, more natural section of the walk. 

After 1km the track crosses Whakapapaiti Stream. Care is needed here to follow the route as the way can easily be mistaken among the jumble of boulders. Be sure to make for the tributary on the furthest left, as shown on the map. The ground trail from here is easy to follow to the hut. 

Whakapapaiti Hut sits above the stream, and from the deck there are grand views of Mt Ruapehu and the valley. 

A lovely bush trail leads from the hut to near the valley head where there are dramatic cliff views with waterfalls tumbling and the massive bulk of the mountain. At the junction with the Round the Mountain Track, turn left (north) and climb the zig-zag trail out of the valley. Hope for a clear day, because the view of Mt Ngāuruhoe as you crest the ridge at 1500m is spectacular. 

The track descends and heads north-east across yet another unique landscape – a volcanic moonscape with unusual alpine plants lining the track. 

After 1.5km you will meet Bruce Road at Scoria Flat, and a 2km road walk ensues. It could be boring if not for the views of Ngāuruhoe and the wider national park. The road walk can be shortened by hopping the safety barrier where a bend in the road nearly touches the Silica Rapids Upper Track; a 200m bash through scrub will have you on the track in no time. Turn left and follow the track for 1km to Silica Rapids, which are stained sulphur yellow-orange with the crystal clear mountain stream frothing over the top.

From here the track heads north alongside Waikare Stream to rejoin Lower Silica Rapids Track – walked the previous day – and the route back to Whakapapa Village.