"Went up with 2 adults and 4 kids aged 8-11 up the Mahaukura track (est4-6hrs) took us all of 9hrs as it is a challenging track and we were in no rush with plenty of stops for snacks along the way. We tented as the hut was fully booked and so were the tent sites in the end so a busy time of year. Weather was cool but sunny for the walk up and overcast and mild on the way down, the tents were tucked away under the bush so it was quite warm considering the overnight was forecasted to be 7C. Great walk if you like a challenge but could be done a lot quicker." — loganscott • Apr 24, 2025

"Day trip up from Mangatepopo hut. Not ideal weather... -2°C, 80km/h gusts and 5 metres visibilty on summit. Face sandblasted with snow. Still memorable experience though, plenty of fumaroles around crater rim melted all snow back. " — AidanAstwood • Jun 24, 2024

"Hiked up to the Pahuatea hut where we put down out overnight packs and headed to the cone via bell track. In a word it was 'Mud' the kids mostly enjoyed jumping from log to log but it wasn't the fastest trip ever." — loganscott • Apr 24, 2023

"Went up via Corcoran Road entrance, up to Ruapane summit/Tirohanga track and across to the Pahuatea hut. Once at the hut we trekked to the Cone and back-it was very muddy. We left the hut the next morning via the Tahuanui track to the Kaniwhaniwha carpark. This was a fun walk for the two 10yr old boys and their Dads, the hike was well within their capabilities." — loganscott • Apr 24, 2023

"Started 7 pm on a rainy day after a heavily rainy week, extremely wet ground. A certain lack of human frequentation on this track with some branches across the way. Otherwise short and easy trail. Access requires to go throught some gates that have to stay closed for the horses living here." — etiennedelabarre • Feb 3, 2023