Where to Go

The central plateau of New Zealand’s North Island really is the gateway to so many experiences. Ohakune offers a great base, whether summer or winter, for visitors looking to experience the outdoors, enjoy the snow or wanting to relax and find a bit of tranquillity.

You need to allow a full day for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and definitely make sure you dress and pack the right gear; the clue is in the ‘alpine’.

The Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park both have an abundance of things to see and do as well as some fascinating historical sites.

Take a trip back in time to experience the journey made by many prior to the main rail lines from the north and south finally being linked to form the main trunk line. Ohakune was the stopping point for travellers from Wellington and the south who were heading north. From here they would disembark their train and take a coach ride through the national park to Raurimu and join the train heading north. The coach ride would take most of the day and often passengers would break their journey with an overnight in Ohakune; on busy days the Junction would be a hive of activity. The Ohakune Old Coach Rd is an enjoyable walk and a must if you are visiting the area. You can also take you bike as there is a cycleway.

There are two museums nearby. The volunteer-run Waimarino Museum in Raetihi is open on weekends (check with the Raetihi Information Centre). The National Army Museum – a world-class facility – is a short drive away at Waiouru. It features numerous displays on New Zealand’s military history from the Maori Land Wars to modern day peacekeeping missions.

Also full of history – of the automobile kind – is Horopito Motors: a huge vintage car parts “supermarket”.

Being right next to the Tongariro National Park, Ohakune is a great place as a base for hiking, climbing and trekking, and there are also some easy bush walks right in town – one behind the main street, starting behind the Big Carrot and winding its way to Burns Street. Another walkway meanders alongside the Mangawhero River, from the State Highway end of town up to the Junction, finishing near the bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road.

There is a short loop track through beautiful native forest starting opposite the Ohakune Ranger Station at the bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road, and a 1-hour loop branching off from the “wheelchair track”.

There are several special spots around Ohakune worth a day trip – for a picnic or a spot of fishing in some cases. Ruatiti Domain (head north out of Raetihi and turn down the Raetihi-Ohura Road) is a lovely spot beside the pristine Manganui a Te Ao River – a great spot for a family picnic and to cast a line after trout or as a free camping spot.

Head out of Ohakune towards Raetihi and turn left down Lakes Road and keep an eye out for the Lakes Reserve turn off on your right, in amongst the bush. Wind your way through the forest to a beautiful lake surrounded on three sides by native forest. Head towards Waiouru and turn left up Karioi Station Road to get to the Rotokura Ecological Reserve. A short walk takes you up to two small lakes surrounded by native forest. A loop track circles the top lake.

A drive down to Pipiriki on the Whanganui River is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. The drive winds through farmland, past new pine plantations and regenerating native forest, then down to the tiny, tranquil settlement of Pipiriki on the banks of the River. You can sit on the banks and watch the river slide by, or take a jet boat ride up or down river, taking in the history and sights of this magnificent waterway that meanders through the forests of the Whanganui National Park, including the famous Bridge to Nowhere.

Further afield but still within an easy day trip distance are a number of activities. Lake Taupo is less than an hour’s drive to the north, with its many and varied adventures on and around the lake. Mokai Gravity Canyon near Taihape to the south of Ohakune, is home to the North Island’s highest bridge bungy jump, a 1km long flying fox and the giant bridge swing. Wanganui City, a little over an hour away, has numerous heritage buildings, art galleries and is at the end of the Whanganui River, with steamboat rides available.