The Silica Rapids walk might just be the most underrated track in the whole of Tongariro National Park. The views of both Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu are simply sensational and you likely won’t have to share them with anyone else.
I lost count of the number of times we stopped to marvel at the views and wonder how on earth there was no one else at all on the trail. One of the boardwalks in particular is so picturesque we’d rate it right up there with its very famous counterpart on the Hooker Valley Track at Aoraki/Mount Cook.
The fact the walk is relatively easy makes this a great option for anyone wanting stunning views without having to put in too much effort. Just make sure you pick a clear day because this walk is all about the views.
Here’s what to expect on the Silica Rapids track.
The Silica Rapids Walk
The stats
Distance: 6.9km loop
Elevation gain: 200m
Difficulty: Easy, but not flat
Trailhead: Whakapapa Nature Walk
Summary: The Silica Rapids Track is all on good terrain - predominantly a gravel path with some stairs, boardwalk and dirt track mixed in. There is one very short rocky section (just a few steps) to reach the Silica Rapids lookout platform.
There are a few uphill sections, but no long steep climbs, especially by New Zealand standards! There’s plenty of flat paths to relax on.
The only downside to the walk is that the last 2km are on the road and there is no footpath for the majority of the time. There is room to walk beside the road rather than on it, but it’s not a fitting end to such a spectacular track.
Starting the trail: to Golden Rapids
From the small parking area (details below) the walk heads down a couple of steps and over the small wooden bridge. You’ll get your first glimpse of Mount Ruapehu from here on a clear day.
You’ll then follow the flat gravel path through beech forest. There are the odd stairs here or there, but the majority of this section is flat.
After 350m you’ll reach a signposted junction and head straight on. The path will undulate a little along this next stretch, but the majority is still flat and takes you through the shade of the forest.
After 900m (from the parking area) you’ll reach Golden Springs. The iron rich sediment gives the stream it’s orangey colour which definitely gives it a unique look.
The incredible volcano view boardwalk
After crossing a small bridge you’ll climb a few steps uphill and emerge from the forest into the open tussocks. The boardwalk has simply sensational views, though it is fully exposed to the elements.
Unfortunately, this stretch is something of a wind tunnel, so ideally you’d want a calmer day than we had, as we had to brace several times along this section.
However, even that couldn’t diminish how amazed we were to see such astonishing views. You have Mount Ngauruhoe behind you and Mount Ruapehu to your left.
The views of Ngauruhoe in particular are so good that even turning back here would make this one of the best short walks in the park (it would come in at 2km return).
The boardwalk stretches for just under 300m at which point you head back into some cover from the forest. It’s less dense, but for us it still acted as a perfect windbreaker.
The mostly level path now continues through the forest and there’s nothing much of note for the next kilometre until you reach some rapids and a small waterfall.
Even these are somewhat obscured, but you can peek through the trees to see them relatively well.
Arriving at Silica Rapids
Roughly 200m beyond the small falls you’ll again emerge from the forest into an exposed area on another boardwalk surrounded by tussocks. This allows you to pass with ease what would otherwise be pretty boggy terrain.
You’ll then start to get some more fantastic views of Mount Ruapehu ahead of you. The gravel path winds very gently uphill as you get closer to the mountain and rapids.
You’ll reach a signposted junction at the 3.1km mark and the viewing platform for Silica Rapids is just 50m away.
There is one tiny rocky section here of around three steps, which is pretty much the only part of the path which isn’t perfectly manicured. Even when icy as it was when we visited, it was still easy to get up.
The viewing platform offers a great view over the rapids and white silica terraces for which the track is named.
It’s a beautiful spot and interesting to look at, but didn’t wow us as much as the views, which is why you do really need to pick a clear day to get the most out of this walk.
Continuing on for more epic views
We knew that the last 2km of the circuit walk was along the road and we had no idea what was to come after the Silica Rapids, so we debated turning here and retracing our steps to avoid the road.
Thank goodness we didn’t because some of the most wow factor views are yet to come. In fact you have wonderful views most of the way back to the road.
The rest of the walk is all highly exposed to the elements, but luckily for us the ferocious wind died partway through.
As you continue along the well maintained path you’ll start to get some fantastic, if distant, views of Mount Ngauruhoe.
Ngauruhoe looks amazing in any conditions, but it’s especially magical with a good dusting of snow, which is why we felt so lucky to be able to visit in winter.
There are a few staircases along the next part of the track, both up and downhill, but only one downhill staircase is steep and it’s not very long.
The stairs are also very even, so it’s still an easy descent. You’ll pass over a wooden bridge with excellent views of Mount Ruapehu and then there’s a short climb up to some of the best Ngauruhoe views.
You’re closer to it now and you can also see Mount Tongariro to the left. The easy gravel path means you get to really make the most of the views as you don’t need to watch your footing.
The descent to the road and completing the circuit
From around the 4km mark the path will begin descending. It’s a mix of gentle sloped gravel track and stairs. The views continue to be stunning and the terrain is always good underfoot, so you never have to worry about slipping.
The exception to this would be if it’s icy, but if this was the case I would still feel very comfortable on this section if wearing Yaktrax.
You’ll reach the road at the 4.9km mark and head left, sadly that means the glorious views of Mount Ruapehu are behind you!
As mentioned there is no dedicated footpath, but there is room to walk fully off the road. It does have some blind corners, so you will likely want to switch sides every now and again.
For us, the road was not overly busy, but I can imagine in peak season it may be. Roughly 350m before you reach the car park you will have a narrow footpath, so it’s just over 1.6km walking beside the road without one.
It’s obviously not a great end to the walk, but the rest of the trail made it well worth it.
The Silica Rapids Track in winter
The Silica Rapids Track is a great choice for winter because it sits at an elevation which is usually below the snowline. Ice may be present on parts of the track, but it tends to be more of a problem in the early morning before the sun melts the ice.
We only had the odd tiny patch in areas which did not receive any sun. If you are walking early, or it’s been particularly cold, then a pair of Yaktrax should suffice.
If you are concerned about conditions, pop into the Whakapapa visitor centre to check with the DOC staff before you set out, but generally speaking this is a great winter walk. It’s also the most scenic time to be on the track as the volcanoes will be snow capped/covered.
Facilities at the Silica Rapids Walk
Whilst there are no facilities at the trailhead or anywhere along the route, you’ll find the Whakapapa Visitor Centre just a few minutes away. They have flush toilets as well as some limited food supplies and gear. You can also get an up to date weather forecast and details on the latest track conditions.
Getting to the Silica Rapids Walk
The car park for the Silica Rapids Walk is located in Tongariro National Park can be found here on Google Maps, it’s 250m from the Whakapapa Visitor Centre. The car park is very small, but it’s not a popular track, so hopefully there won’t be any trouble parking.
The car park is located 47km and a 35 minute drive from Turangi and 97km and a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Taupo.
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