Ruapehu District no longer just a winter destination

Hikers in Tongariro National Park

No longer just a winter destination

A post COVID holiday in the Ruapehu District is just what you need according to the Ruapehu District Mayor, Don Cameron.

“There’s huge appreciation now, about the value of time spent in the great outdoors,” he says.

“There’s a sense of freedom here and the air is fresh. We took these things for granted before but they’re now considered really good for our mental health.”

He says the area which is rich in pre-European and colonial history also boasts a palpable spirituality.

“Ascending Ruapehu in a chairlift on a blue sky day, it’s all around you.”

6,730 k’s of scenic beauty and adventures

Ruapehu is one of New Zealand’s largest districts by land area, but has one of the smallest permanent populations, mostly rural, and geographically well spread.

The region boasts three mountains, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu; two National Parks - Tongariro which is a world heritage park and the Whanganui National Park; and several major rivers including the Tongariro and Whanganui.

It’s bang slap in the middle of the North Island, an easy four hour drive from Wellington and Auckland but much closer for those from Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Whanganui wanting to holiday closer to home.

No longer just a winter destination

Summer visitor numbers now exceed winter numbers with cyclists, trampers, fishers and families now arriving all year round to explore the mountains, walk the hugely popular Tongariro Crossing, fish the rivers (graded best fishing in the world), hunt and cycle some of the best cycleways in the country.

The two day Pureora Forest ride from Waitomo to Ruapehu attracts 15 to 20 thousand people a year.

A more rugged ride is offered with the Mountains to Sea cycleway, connecting two national parks and running alongside the Whanganui and it’s tributaries.

Or if an easier ride appeals, the half day Ohakune Coach Road trip might be your jam. The very popular ride takes in the Tongariro world heritage area, colourful pioneer stories and interesting viaducts.

It’s still a hugely popular winter holiday spot though and the small town of Ohakune comes alive at this time of year, when skiers from north and south descend on the town to take advantage of two great ski fields Whakapapa and Turoa.

Sky Waka Sunset

MtRapehu.com

“Take only photographs – leave only footprints.” (Tiaki promise)

Mayor Cameron is proud of the relationships his council has forged with local iwi and says visitors now benefit from some great partnerships around trails, cycleways and river use.

New Zealand made world headlines in 2017 when the Whanganui river was declared a living being, the first river in the world to be declared such.

“We’re currently working with Maniopoto and Regional Council on bringing back passenger rail between Ohakune and Taumarunui.”

The Mayor says a greener future is always front of mind and visitors benefit from not only work on the environment and waterways, but a great network of EV charging stations throughout the district.

What’s with that Carrot Capital moniker?

The Mayor has no problem with it. “Absolutely not. We produce 30% of the country’s carrots after all.”

He says the giant carrot that stands guard in Ohakune was actually a film prop picked up in Wellington and hauled back to the town in a bid to capture the imagination, and put the town back on the map after the 1966 eruption adversly affected it.

“Since then the locals have raised half a million dollars and helped fund the family friendly Carrot Park, which attracts up to 500 people a day at weekends.

So with a Carrot Park, the world's first living river, internationally acclaimed fishing, a world heritage National Park, three mountains, history by the bucketload and three fabulous Marram holiday homes, a holiday in the Ruapehu district is well worth considering.

Early morning fly fishing

MtRuapehu.com

Marram’s Mountain Village Chalets: There are three holiday homes in Ohakune. The homes sleep eight to ten people. They're warm and well appointed for family groups, ski groups or adventurers. There’s a dishwasher, heat pumps and a drying room. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from the Turoa ski field. Three and a half hours from Wellington and an hour forty from Taupo. You can book them up to 12 months in advance.

Ohakune Carrot Park

MtRuapehu.com