Tramping - Lake Suprise Ohakune
It was an amazing experience to explore the southern side of Mt.Ruapehu
Lake Surprise- Ohakune.Mt Ruapehu Feb.2011
time: 5 hr return
This track begins on the Ohakune Mountain Road, 15 kilometers past DOC Visitor Centre.
After sidling down across open country from the mountain road the track descends into Mangaturuturu Valley beside a beautiful cascade flowing over smooth bedrock. The creamy coating on the cascade is due to silica and mineral rich water from an alpine spring. Waterfalls and bluffs complement the backdrop of Mount Ruapehu. The Mangaturuturu River is forded shortly after passing the Mangaturuturu Hut, 1 hour 30 minutes from the road. Evidence of the 1975 lahar (volcanic mudflow) can be seen here in the scoured treeless river banks. Lake Surprise, a broad, shallow lake set amongst beech forest and tussock, is reached after a steady climb from the river valley.
