Round Ruapehu (RTM Track)

This is a super-serious run and should only be attempted by strong, experienced runners.
The best time to run the circuit is between October - May, as this is an all-day affair you'll want to maximize daylight hours, and being a remote alpine environment, bad weather can also make this run dangerous. Plenty of food, thermals and a wind-proof jacket are essential. Ruapehu's east-side is particularly remote.

Begin your run along the Lower Silica Rapids/Whakapapaiti track, through lush beech forest and crossing several bridged stream crossings until you reach the Whakapapaiti Stream. You will cross to the far side, where you make your way through muddy tussock lands (some on boardwalk). Re-cross at the forked section of the stream shortly before reaching the hut. About 2 hours in, you should wake up the trampers and invite yourself in for some morning coffee fresh off the primus.

Continue on the trail and you'll soon intersect the Round the Mountain circuit track. Turn right and begin 'The Goat' section - steep, gnarly gullies will work you up and down, but with any luck, stunning views of Paretetaitonga will inspire you onwards. The trail swings you down a spur where you pass the pristine Lake Surprise and descend a steep gulley to Mangaturuturu Hut. Follow the boardwalk to the river, cross, and the trail continues to the left, towards the Cascades waterfall. This steep waterfall face is a tough climb which will reduce even elite runners to a walk.

Jog down Ohakune Mountain Rd for 3km, and reconnect the track at car park to your left. The section to Mangaehuehu hut is a well groomed trail, and features a 39m waterfall - Ruapehu's highest, a 3-wire bridge crossing, and some interesting sub-alpine running through alpine herb fields. Refill your bladder here before heading into the wilderness that is the Rangipo desert. The trail turns into a poled route shortly after leaving the hut, so a compass would be useful in low visibility conditions. The Waihianoa glacial valley is spectacular, stop for a moment to take it in. Then blitz the descent and carry your momentum up the following, grueling, ascent. Apart from this workout, climbing is moderate; simply follow the undulating traverse across barren desert towards Rangipo hut.

Once you reach the Tukino Ski field road you are on the home-straight, only 27km of relatively fast running remains. The landscape is vast and exposed. Don't venture all the way to Waihohonu hut, instead cut the corner to the left and clip onto the Tama Lakes track and begin the gradual ascent on good trail to Tama Saddle. Switch on the headlamps (if they've not already been on for hours!) and finish strong along the easy board-walked and gravelled track. Listen out for the gushing Taranaki Falls, and flickering lights of the Chateau. You've done it, a complete circumnavigation of the North Island's most predominant mountain. 'One does not simply walk into Mordor - one simply runs!'

(Thanks to Alastair McDowell for the original version of this guide)