Leave the Whakapapa Village on Whakapapaiti Track. It starts opposite the Fire Station, just above the Holiday Park & 250m from the Whakapapa Visitor Centre.
For about 45 mins, the track undulates for a number of easy climbs and descents through groves of kaikawaka and cabbage trees amongst the beech forest.  The track then descends through an open tussock-covered area to a bridged river crossing over the Whakapapaiti Stream before coming across a track junction. Turn right (NW) on the Mangahuia Track and head to the Mangahuia campsite (2-3 hours). 

Track traverses forest, wetlands and open tussock lands. Can be boggy in the wet.  Track may be rutted.

Purchase campsite tickets at a Department of Conservation office prior to your walk.