There are countless strolls, walks, hikes, tramps and climbs
in and around Ohakune–
OHAKUNE MOUNTAIN ROAD A number of walks, all of which
are well signposted, begin just off the Ohakune Mountain Road
which is conveniently signposted with kilometre markers.
The RIMU and MANGAWHERO FOREST walks begin just
beyond and opposite the Ranger Station at the bottom of the
Mountain Rd. The Rimu walk takes 15 minutes and is suitable
for prams and wheelchairs. The Mangawhero walk takes you through
the magnificent Ohakune podocarp (native pine) forest. Allow
1 to 1½ hours.
Near the 11-km marker is a track leading to the WAITONGA
FALLS – the Park’s highest waterfall. The track
crosses an open area of tussock with Rotokawa – an alpine
tarn that reflects views of the southern face of Mt Ruapehu.
Along the way, look out for the native mistletoe. Allow about
one hour return for this walk.
The MANGAWHERO FALLS are reached via a 5-minute walk
which starts near the 13-km marker. The track provides great
views of a beautiful waterfall over volcanic rock formations,
close to the road. Spectacular icicles form around the falls
in winter.
LAKE SURPRISE – This track begins on the Ohakune
Mountain Road, 15 kilometres past the Ohakune Ranger Station.
The track passes by a cascade flowing over smooth bedrock which
is coated in white silica deposited from the mineral-rich alpine
spring water. Lake Surprise, a broad, shallow lake set amongst
beech forest and tussock, is reached after a steady climb from
the Mangaturuturu River Valley. Five hours return.
OLD BLYTH TRACK – Beginning from the Ohakune Mountain
Road, 7 kilometres past the Ohakune Ranger Station. Following
part of the historic route up Mount Ruapehu, the track climbs
gradually through one of the few red beech stands in the park
and then passes through kaikawaka and mountain beech until it
crosses the Waitonga Falls Track. Allow 4 to 5 hours round trip.
LAKE ROTOKURA – Another popular walk which is easy
and very pretty. The track takes you from the car park up to
man-made Dry Lake and then onto and around Lake Rotokura. On
a clear day Mt Ruapehu can be seen reflected in Lake Rotokura.
The area adjacent to the lakes is the Karioi Rahui – a
Mainland Island. Intensive pest control is being carried out
in this area to return the forest to its natural state, with
kiwis being reintroduced. The road to the lake walkway is signposted
14 kms from Ohakune on SH49 towards Waiouru.
CRATER LAKE CLIMB – For the more adventurous, a
hike to the Crater Lake at the top of Mt Ruapehu is a spectacular
experience, offering a close-up look at an active volcano as
well as stunning views of much of the North Island. In summer,
when conditions are safe, the climb is not technically difficult
but is strenuous and you need to seek advice from the Department
of Conservation as to the conditions on the day. It is not recommended
in winter nor in some conditions in summer. There are other,
unmarked walks near the Turoa Ski Field – ask at the Department
of Conservation ranger station at the bottom of the Ohakune
Mountain Road.
MANGAWHERO RIVER WALKWAY – developed by Ohakune
2000 Incorporated with assistance from Atihau Incorporation,
the Department of Conservation, Ruapehu District Council and
Horizons.mw, this easy walking track winds along the banks of
the Mangawhero River. It starts near State Highway 49 and ends
at the bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road at the Ohakune Junction.
The walk takes in open areas as well as beech trees with pleasant
views of the mountain and surrounding countryside. The group
is working on restoring the river margins to their natural state,
replanting native species to bring back the native birds such
as tui, bellbird and fantail.
JUBILEE WALKWAY – Right across the Mangateitei
Stream from the commercial area of Ohakune and State Highway
49 is Jubilee Park. Its main track starts near the Ohakune Big
Carrot and wends its way along the stream, ending at Burns Street.
From there it is a short walk to the start of the Mangawhero
River Walkway.
These are some of the walks close by Ohakune. Call into the
Department of Conservation office and the Ruapehu Visitor Centre
for more information. SAFETY: Always check the weather forecast.
Conditions in the Tongariro National Park area can change rapidly
at any time of the year. Contacts : DoC, 06 385 0010, Ruapehu
Visitor Centre, 06 385 8427.
