Time: 5 - 6 hr return
Distance: 17 km return
Begin 100 metres below Whakapapa Visitor Centre at Ngauruhoe Place - an extension of the Taranaki Falls Walk.
After leaving the Taranaki Falls Walk, the track crosses undulating tussock country and alpine herbfields. Further on, the track branches to the left to Tama Lakes, while the main track continues on to Waihohonu Hut. There is a view of the lower lake (1240 metres), then the track climbs steeply to a viewpoint (1440 metres) of the upper lake. Tama Lakes occupy several old explosion craters on the Tama Saddle between Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. There are no formed tracks down to the lakes, the descent to both is via steep gullies.
Tama Saddle acts as a funnel for prevailing westerly winds and windproof clothing is recommended.