FREE
Te Pōrere Redoubt is remarkable. It is the site of Te Kooti’s fortified Pa and is the last of the fixed armed conflicts in the NZ Wars (1869). It is a ‘must-see’ as it is one of the few physical anchors of NZ’s war history. Entry is off the National Park - Turangi Highway, near the Rangipo turnoff. Two Redoubts, 5 mins and 20mins walk from the carpark (60km/40min from Ohakune).
FREE
The 39m Waitonga Falls is Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall. The well-formed track passes through mountain beech and kaikawaka forest. The track begins from the parking area 11km up the Ohakune Mountain Road.
From $1
Perfect for the kids on a wet weather day or if the mountain is shut! Facilities include two mildly heated swimming pools; a toddler pool plus a 33 metre lane/recreational pool. They are located on the right towards the end of Hassett Drive, approx 27kms from Ohakune.
FREE
Swings, seesaws, picinic area, BMX track and a ridiculously big carrot that's perfect for a tourist-style photo – it's hard not to miss it, off State Highway 49 (Rangataua Road)! While there, follow the pathway and connect up with the Mangawhero River Walkway, a lovely meandering path that follows the Mangawhero River.
FREE
Both walks begin opposite the Ngāti Rangi Centre at the bottom of Ohakune Mountain Road, and lead you through a canopy of native trees and an under storey of ground ferns. The Rimu Forest Walk is only 15 minutes, perfect for little kids and pushchairs – the Mangawhero walk is apporximately 1 hour.
From $4
A family-orientated facility, an hours drive from Ohakune; warm up in either the public or private pools. And enjoy the free thermal bush walk (see photo) after with steaming water and splattering mud!
FREE
The pump track is a series of rhythmic rollers and berms placed in a circuit and suited to all ages. To access head to Old Station Road – the track is located on the right hand side of the road.
FREE
One for long summer days; the Ruatiti Domain is a swimming and freedom camping area situated 22 scenic kms west from the Ruatiti Road turnoff on State Highway 4 and is south of National Park Village. Enjoy the sandy riverside swimming spot, free use of BBQs and picnic facilities, and the papa cliffs for doing water bombs!
FREE
Breathtaking! Where to begin… this AMAZING walk, around 7-8 hours, takes you across the most stunning volcanic terrain on New Zealand's oldest national park. Check in with DOC to be sure the conditions are okay on the day, and be prepared with the right gear. For shuttle services from Ohakune to the start of the Tongariro track, head here: www.ruapehuconnexions.co.nz
FREE
Walk or ride this historic track, it's pushchair friendly too (unless very wet). Enjoy expansive views, a cobbled trail, paths through some beautiful native forest and a thrilling walk across the towering Hapuawhenua Viaduct. It's well signed with information panels along the way. The walk begins at the Marshalls Road carpark.
FREE
A little bit further a field and a little bit retro; Kowhai Park in Wanganui is an expansive playground with water park, pirate ship, mini train rides and various old school slides and climbing objects. Also hosts a skate and bike park for older kids. Worth the drive!
$5+
Located on Clyde Street; a counter-serve outlet for tasty fresh food and coffee, need we say more!
We love this region…
Ohakune and it's surrounding areas are beautiful; aside from the obvious winter activities there are many adventures to be had – during the summer months too, and suitable for all ages. To the left you'll find some of our favourites. Enjoy!
DEPT OF CONSERVATION WALKS
We've mentioned a few (left) but there really are too many to list – we would also recommend the Twin Lakes and the Taranaki Falls walks. Head here for even more www.doc.govt.nz/tongariro
A little bit ecentric but a well stocked museum with trinkets, memorabilia and enthusiastic staff – the Railway Museum is located further along the platform of Ohakune's historical train station and is found in a building that was originally a 1930's railway shed. www.visitohakune.co.nz/page/art,-culture,-heritage-&-museums/20/
This indoor rock climbing facility gets filled up fast during winter, so best to book online or phone ahead. Totally kid friendly with a couple of more challenging climbs for adults. www.slr.co.nz/page/slr-outlet/7/
Just up from the Chateau on the National Park side of Mt Ruapehu, the visitors centre is a mini museum specifically about volcanos and the Ruapehu Region. Great if you're desperate to get out of the house on a wet day, and worth popping next door to the Chateau just to see the interior, or to grab a coffee! Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre
National Army Museum
Perfect wet weather activity and surprisingly interesting even if the thought of a museum revolving around the history of war doesn't take your fancy! www.armymuseum.co.nz
About an hour from Ohakune and another activity for a wet day – at the centre you can view a trout hatchery, see and feed wild trout in the kids's pond and drive on to Turangi to walk along the banks of the mighty Tongariro River. www.troutcentre.com
Whakapapa & Turoa Ski Fields
Of course if you're here in winter you'll want to head to the snow – drive up the mountain, either side to Whakapapa or Turoa, where you'll come across plenty. If you're wanting to snowboard or ski, see the website below for details regarding lift passes, lessons, costs and opening times (note: you can ski/snowboard for free on the slopes as long as you're not using the chairlifts/magic carpet), and consider taking your own snacks – mountain cafe food prices are high: www.mtruapehu.com
If you're looking to hire gear, prices can vary, we recommend you shop around and book in advance to save queueing, here's a good place to start: www.snowzone.co.nz/rentals