ROAD TRIP - Waiouru to Taumarunui

A journey through Ohakune

Waiouru to Ohakune via SH 49 20min, 27km

Ohakune to National Park Village via Raetihi and Raetihi Ohakune Rd 33min, 46km

National Park Village to Taumarunui via SH 4 30min, 42.1km

Head west from Waiouru along SH 49, tracing the lower boundary of Tongariro National Park. Pass through Tangiwai to reach Ohakune.

The town is New Zealand’s ‘carrot capital’ which is celebrated by a giant statue of the orange vegetable on the edge of the village.

Keep going to Tohunga Junction, turning left to Raetihi. Consider stopping here to stretch the legs and visit the museum before journeying north along SH 4 to National Park Village, sitting just outside the boundary of Tongariro National Park and with Whanganui National Park to the west. The village reveals spectacular views of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngāuruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. Carry on north to Taumarunui, the starting point for most canoe and kayak safaris along the Whanganui River.

Carrot Car, Ohakune

© Visit Ruapehu

HIGHLIGHTS

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK New Zealand’s first National Park covers a staggering 78,618ha of terrain, dotted with three iconic peaks – Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngāuruhoe and Mt Tongariro, and one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Tongariro Northern Circuit.

WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK Created to protect the 290km-long Whanganui River, Canoe, kayak and jetboating excursions regularly zip up and down the waters. There’s also a collection of walking tracks and camp sites and the renowned Bridge to Nowhere.

MOUNTAINS TO SEA CYCLE TRAIL Made up of six sections designed as a multi-day adventure or single-day rides.

TAUMARUNUI Known for its farming, trout fishing, railway and forestry history, Taumarunui is also an access point for the Forgotten World Highway, the Timber Trail cycleway, the Whanganui River and Tongariro National Park.

THE MANGAWHERO RIVER WALKWAY Meanders along the riverbanks for 2km, flush with native plants and birdlife.

MT RUAPEHU Home to New Zealand’s two largest ski areas: Tūroa and Whakapapa. The ski season falls between June and October. In summer, the Sky Waka ski lift remains open, accessing some great walks.

Tongariro National Park

© Adobe Stock

> Tūroa Ski Field

> Jubilee Park Scenic Reserve

> Whakapapa Ski Area

> Lake Rotokura

OHAKUNE

A popular base for skiers, snowboarders and adventurers, Ohakune’s proximity to the mountain has led to a lively apres-ski scene. The region has a reputation for producing some of the country’s highest quality and sweetest carrots; hence the ‘Big Carrot’ on the main street. In warmer months, keen trampers come to complete the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, among other walks. Mountain biking is popular year-round thanks to the Old Coach Rd, the cycle trail following the main trunk line between Ohakune and Horopito; part of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail.

TOP TIP: Shuttle buses run from Thames Street in Ohakune for the Tūroa ski field and from the Park ‘n’ Ride at National Park for the Whakapapa ski areas.

Ohakune

© Visit Ruapehu

FAMILY FUN

MT RUAPEHU The slopes are child-friendly with a learner’s area and children’s ski school. Make a snowman, snow angel or bring a sled.

THE DINOSAUR HOUSE, RAETIHI A real hidden gem and one the enthusiastic collector is happy to share with you. The astonishing exhibits include exciting models and animatronics.

FORGOTTEN WORLD ADVENTURE RAIL CARTS Trundle along a decommissioned railway line in a motorised rail cart in Taumarunui, zipping through forgotten world tunnels. Fully guided with captivating commentary, too.

OHAKUNE DISC GOLF Grab a Frisbee and head to the Disc Park. Fun and free, available day or night.

SKY WAKA CHAIRLIFT Climbs to Knoll Ridge Café: the country’s highest restaurant. Some gondolas have glass floors, allowing riders to observe the powder below.

The Dinosaur House, Raetihi

© Visit Ruapehu