Ohakune

A mountain village nestled at the southern base of Mount Ruapehu, popular with skiers and adventure enthusiasts year-round. The town offers excellent accommodation, dining, and access to hiking, mountain biking, and alpine activities.

Things to do

• Mount Ruapehu Skiing — Access world-class ski fields via the Whakapapa and Tūroa skifields on New Zealand's most active volcano, just 45 minutes from the village.
• Ohakune Old Coach Road — Ride or walk the historic 17 km rail trail through native beech forest and river valleys, connecting Ohakune to Horopito with stunning mountain views.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing — Tackle New Zealand's most famous one-day alpine hike featuring emerald lakes, volcanic terrain, and panoramic views starting from nearby Whakapapa Village.
• Mountain Biking Trails — Explore the extensive network of trails around Ohakune including the Mangawharua Falls Track and Riverbend Track with varying difficulty levels.
• Turoa Skifield Bungy — Experience a thrilling 43-metre bungy jump in summer months at the Turoa skifield base, offering unique views of the volcanic plateau.
• Raurimu Spiral — Drive or cycle the historic engineering marvel, a figure-eight road descent that drops 208 metres over just 7 kilometres south of Ohakune.

Food to try

• Carrot Cake at Local Cafés — Ohakune celebrates its agricultural heritage with exceptional carrot cake featuring locally-grown carrots, often served fresh at village bakeries and cafés.
• Farm-to-Table Venison — Local restaurants serve wild venison sourced from the surrounding Ruapehu region, prepared with seasonal vegetables and forest ingredients.
• Fresh Trout — Lake and stream-caught trout is a staple at Ohakune restaurants, often prepared simply grilled or pan-fried to highlight the pristine water sources.
• Manawatū Cheese Board — Sample artisan cheeses from nearby Manawatū farms paired with local craft beers at village hospitality venues.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan for Weather Changes — Mountain conditions change rapidly; always bring layers and rain gear even on clear days, as weather on Ruapehu can shift within hours.
• Winter Season Booking Essential — During ski season (June to August), accommodation and restaurants fill quickly; book well in advance to secure lodging and dining reservations.
• Respect Mātauranga Māori — Mount Ruapehu holds deep spiritual significance to Māori iwi; respect closure notices and understand the mountain as a tapu (sacred) place, not just a recreation zone.
• Adopt Tramper Etiquette — Follow Leave No Trace principles on hiking trails, pack out all waste, and sign in at track registers to support search and rescue operations.