There are several day walks from Whakapapa Village, with most of them departing from near the information centre.
The shortest is the Whakapapa Nature Walk (15 minutes) that starts 250m from the information centre taking in some of the regions unique flora.
The Mounds Walk (20 minutes) starts 5km south of the information centre. This interpretive walk takes you past mounds that were formed thousands of years ago by Ruapehu’s volcanic activity.
The Ridge Track (30–40 minutes) is another short walk that departs from the information centre. This walk climbs through beech forest to the ridge where you are rewarded by panoramic views.
The varied Silica Rapids Walk (7km, 2½ hours) leaves from the information centre and follows a stream before arriving at Silica Rapids.
Taranaki Falls Walk (6km, 2 hours) is a longer walk that takes you to Taranaki Falls, which drop over a lava flow into a pool surrounded by boulders.
Whakapapaiti Valley Walk (4–5 hours) is a diverse walk through beech forest and along mountain ridges with fabulous views.