EXPLORE THE REGION
Whether it’s exploring the National Parks, enjoying the snow at the largest ski areas in New Zealand or enjoying Ohakune’s varied entertainment, restaurants and cafés, there’s something for everyone in the region, summer or winter.
Ohakune Township
For its size, Ohakune is surprisingly well equipped and local providers can offer everything from refuelling to relaxing, restocking to restyling. It’s selection of bars and restaurants is fantastic and you’ll find a information on these in your room or contact us for recommendations.
Skiing / Snowboarding
Mount Ruapehu is home to the North Island's ski fields and Ohakune is the number one location in which to base yourself to experience the slopes. The superb views and runs to suit all abilities are enough in themselves, but the opportunity to ski a live volcano is one that few can pass up!
Museums & Galleries
The Ruapehu district is rich in history and culture, visit our local Railway Museum which has a wide variety of displays on the history of the Railway Settlement. Take a walk around The Junction area where laborer’s and engineer’s settled, some of the buildings date back as early as the 1800’s. Take the family for a short 20 minute drive to The National Army Museum Waiouru that showcase’s NZ Military History. There is so much to learn and explore from historical photos to their extensive Library and Archives, you won’t want to miss their amazing displays and exhibitions of Military Equipment and Memorabilia.
Hiking / Bushwalking
Perfectly positioned at the southern gateway to the dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park and just a short drive from huge selection of tracks and trails, Ohakune's facilities and services are geared towards outdoor activities and the wealth of local knowledge can only serve to enhance your experience.
We’re happy to provide further info on routes.
Mt Ruapehu Summer Magic
Mt Ruapehu isn’t just about snow. It’s just as attractive in summer. Experience a spectacular journey to the pristine Crater Lake near the highest point in the North Island. You will be hosted and entertained by local Ngati Hikairo Cultural Guides along with our own Safety & Mountaineering Guides. Venture through rugged volcanic terrain and learn about the geological and cultural significance of Mt Ruapehu, the Tongariro National Park and New Zealand's first Dual World Heritage Site.
Mountain Biking
Ohakune is fast becoming one of the North Island's premier cycling destinations with fantastic trails ranging from easy 15 minute riverside tracks to 5 day cross-terrain expeditions. Home of the Ohakune Old Coach Road, Bridge To Nowhere, 42 Traverse and the starting point for the Mountains to Sea cycle trail.
Bikes can be hired from several operators in Ohakune. These companies can also transport you to trail heads and provide maps of the routes to help you on the way.
TCB Ski, Board Bike, 27 Ayr Street Ohakune (06) 385 8433
We also have secure storage for your bikes if required.
Golf
Just 5 minutes' drive from Ohakune sits the Waimarino Golf Club, a championship 18 hole par 71 course with great views and good year round ground conditions. Whether in summer with it’s peaceful setting and native bush surroundings or winter with the backdrop of the snow clad mountain, it's the perfect alternative if the slopes are closed.
Ruapehu Golf
Taihape and Taumaranui also have clubs within the region.
Kayaking
The great variety of activity rivers in the Ruapehu region which offer everything from peaceful canoe treks to white water rafting. Paddle along the Tongariro River, kayak through the rocky boulder chutes of the Whanganui River and take in the stunning scenery of the Whanganui National Park or take a raft along the Grade 5 rapids of the Rangitikei River.
Rafting
A family run business established in 1991 RNZ prides itself on its fun, friendly award winning service and impeccable safety record. With an "all Kiwi" professional guide team, the best raft base facilities, combined with awesome white water rivers – a rafting adventure with RNZ is not to be missed.
Fishing
Ruapehu rivers provide very productive fly fishing, perhaps because the run off from the snow and glaciers of Mt Ruapehu creates fast running rivers with such crystal clear waters.
Local fly fisherman Bob heartily concurs - "As good, if not better than the Tongariro River" he says, having caught 6 good sized trout in 2 hours the day before.
Hunting
The Department of Conservation maintains a selection of hunting grounds around the Ruapehu and Tongariro regions including Tongariro National Park, Whanganui National Park, Kaimanawa Forest Park, Erua Forest and Lake Taupo Lakeshore Reserve. Many of these are less than an hour's drive from Ohakune and the high number of logging tracks in the area make this one of the most accessible regions for landing large trophy animals in the North Island.
Quad Biking
Ruapehu Adventure Rides offer guided rides on either quad bikes or L U V buggies. Rides range from half an hour for a good effortless ride to see the Raurimu Spiral through to full day rides in beautiful native bush with treat views of the rivers and mountains.