If you don't have time or energy for the whole track, at least go up to the first big lookout. The view I stunning and you can sit on a rocky ledge, so you get a free view onto the whole lake. Amazing!! Beware, it's still an hour of steep climb through the forrest

We just made this hike in 3 days, the last day was very heavy rain so instead of 17km we made just 6km snd came back with the boat taxi, other hroup of prople were booked a boat so we just waited with them and got lucky. In general the best lookout point is like 1 hour hike from Onepoto, we don’t think so that it was worth to hike all track. Panekire hut was full of people. So just check the weather before going, cause if it’s going to rain it’s nor going to be fun ?

Beautiful stone ledge lookout located about an hour’s walk up the track. We didn’t continue to the bluff or first hut that are marked on the map. There are a few smaller lookouts along the way to the larger lookout. The lookout was a lovely view, and the walk was nice with only a few muddy areas after it had rained all night.

A really beautiful Hike! But don't go to Panekiri or Marauhiti Hut they are dirty and have mice in it which will disturb you at night. Especially at Mahauriti Hut. They did even eat some of our food in the backpack. The other Huts seemed to be fine.

Just mega the Walk if the weather suits !!

Very nice great walk !! Wonderful landscapes !! Possibility to continue until the end but watch out for falling trees. If you want to come back in stop (not to pay water taxi) very few cars pass but doable

Wonderful sights and the trail is great. The end of the track is closed though so you either have to book a water shuttle for 40 dollars pp or go back to the beginning by foot.

At 21 August 2016 the great walk is closed because of damage due to recent snowfall

Walked up the first hour have seen the sunrise at a good look out point the rest od the track was closed because of snow and trees

Did just about 60 minutes hike up the mountain and it was amazing! Hike is really steep so It might take you a while but it's worth it. If you can, go for the sunrise or sunset.