What to Do

Ohakune’s major claim to fame for visitors is as a base for skiers and boarders taking to the slopes of Turoa and Whakapapa.

But there are oodles of other adventures and activities to be had in and around the area – bush walks, mountain treks and climbs, mountain biking and street cycling, canoeing, fishing, bungy jumping to name a few.

Ohakune was the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping back in the 1980’s when the adrenaline junkies of the day took off of the historic Hapuawhenua Viaduct. While this is no longer operating, bungy is still happening near the Rangitikei River south of Taihape and at Taupo, about 90 minutes’ drive.

For more leisurely experiences there are numerous scenic drives to be enjoyed. Ohakune is on the Volcanic Loop linking the highways that circle the magnificent volcanic mountains of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. You can also pass by the serene Lake Taupo and along the Desert Road, New Zealand’s cold desert on the eastern side of the Tongariro National Park.

Ohakune is an ideal base for tours through the historic and picturesque Whanganui National Park offering canoe trips from Whakahoro to Pipiriki on the Whanganui River, as well as jet boat rides to the famous Bridge to Nowhere. There’s also rafting on the Tongariro and Rangitikei rivers.

Other ways to fill your days in Ohakune include guided hunting trips, golf at “the best country course in New Zealand” The Waimarino 18-hole Golf Course, a game of tennis, a trip to the hot pools or climbing walls and time checking out the local art galleries and other retail therapy.

For a rural experience through some of the district’s lush farmland, taking in magnificent views across the countryside to Mt Ruapehu, there’s horse riding at Rangataua, near Ohakune, and at National Park, 20 minutes away. Or you can take a guided 4WD quad bike ride, or how about taking your own 4WD vehicle on some of the trails around Lahar Farm at Horopito?

Not far along State Highway 49 is the National Army Museum at Waiouru. Just a short drive around to the north side of Mt Ruapehu there are scenic flights, Whakapapa Village (with the iconic Chateau Tongariro) and the Whakapapa Visitor Centre, which features vivid explanations of the Tongariro area’s volcanic history.

If you enjoy fly fishing the Ruapehu District offers some of the best and most challenging trout streams and rivers around, such as the Manganui A Te Ao and the Tainui. If you prefer, there is the world trout capital of Turangi, just an hour’s drive from Ohakune, with the well-stocked Tongariro River and Lake Taupo.