Winter Getaway in Ohakune
Nestled at the foot of Mt Ruapehu in an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Area, Ohakune is a winter wonderland of skiing, hiking, mountain biking and gentle horse trekking trails. Or just perch yourself at one of the cosy village cafes or bars and soak up the apres-ski vibe.
Here we round up the best winter activities in Ohakune for families, nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
Turoa for first timers
The snowy playground of Turoa is one of the main Ohakune attractions as this popular ski field features natural bowls with a vast number of downhill runs, ranging from beginner level to advanced. If this is your first visit, here’s what you need to know about Turoa.
Buy your ski passes online and book a lesson for any beginners in your group. Always check the local weather and road status before heading up the mountain (as conditions can differ markedly from town) and drive a 2WD or 4WD vehicle suitable for icy conditions with snow chains on hand. There is limited free parking on the mountain so head up promptly after a hearty breakfast or save the stress and book a local shuttle operator. Above all, dress warmly and be prepared for extreme weather as you’re in alpine country now!
There’s also the option of skiing Ruapehu’s Whakapapa field, just a 40-minute drive from Ohakune. With its varied terrain and eight chair lifts, including the 1.8-kilometre Sky Waka gondola, it’s your only alternative if Turoa is closed.
Best rainy-day activities in Ohakune
If Turoa is closed or the kids are worn out, there's lots of indoor fun to enjoy around Ohakune.
A 30-minute drive from town is the National Army Museum in Waiouru. For a small admission fee, you can spot impressive tanks, browse firearms, learn about the New Zealand land wars and the country's valiant contribution to both world wars.
For the more limber, the Vertigo Adventure Centre in Ohakune provides a challenging way to stretch the muscles and burn off steam. Get strapped into a Clip ‘N Climb harness under the guidance of a friendly instructor and tick off their twelve crazy climbing walls, designed for a range of ages and agility.
One of the best free winter activities in Ohakune is the Ohakune Rail Museum. Learn about the daring construction of the 1908 Main Trunk Railway, which unlocked the remote centre of the North Island. Discover the innovative engineering of the famous Raurimu Spiral and learn about New Zealand’s worst-ever rail disaster, the Tangiwai tragedy, where 151 people died on Xmas Eve 1953, just 15-kilometres south of Ohakune. The museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
Best places to eat in Ohakune
Before heading up the mountain, detour to the Junction, for the best places to eat in Ohakune. Grab a coffee and bite-to-go from the groaning food cabinets at the friendly Utopia Cafe or Mountain Rock Café. Their breakfast hash stack and date scones are epic. Or treat the kids to a world-famous éclair at The Chocolate Éclair shop, which has whipped up homestyle baking for over 75 years.
In the evening, relax over a pint at the popular Powderkeg or rustic Matterhorn before heading to Osteria for an aperitif and Italian-style food. Their delicious arancini, ribeye and spaghetti gamberi are highly rated by the locals. For a taste of the Mediterranean, the Cypress Tree is consistently good. With a menu designed for sharing and larger dishes like pan-seared salmon with cauliflower rice or venison medallions, there’s also a well-equipped play area to entertain younger guests.
Best short walks in Ohakune
Just a leisurely stroll from town is the picturesque Mangawhero Forest Walk, one of the best free things to do in Ohakune.
Discover Mount Ruapehu’s lush canopy forest on this easy, sheltered loop walk. Volunteers maintain the track and have planted native flora along the trail to attract more birds. Learn about the towering Rimu, Matai and other mature native trees from display boards, as the trail meanders alongside the pretty Mangawhero River. Hikers seeking a longer trail can combine the Mangawhero River Walk with the Jubilee Walkway.
Mountain bike the Old Coach Road
One of Ohakune’s top attractions is the popular Old Coach Road bike trail, which is best enjoyed on an e-bike (hey, it’s not cheating when you’re on holiday!). Hire a bike in town and prebook a winter shuttle to the trail head at Horopito then start the 4-hour downhill ride back to Ohakune. The trail is challenging in places, especially on a normal bike, but it offers spectacular views of Mount Ruapehu plus train tunnels and viaducts with lots of information panels along the route. On the final leg, enjoy a serene ride along the Mangawhero River before cruising back into Ohakune.
Best horse trekking Ohakune
Nearby, Ruapehu Homestead Horse trekking offers a range of mounts suitable for beginner and experienced riders. Discover mountain views from the back of a friendly horse and enjoy a scenic ride to a mountain stream or the village of Rangatira. You’ll also learn about local history enroute from your knowledgeable local guide with guided one-hour excursions from $60.
With so many things to do in Ohakune, ask the HobbitTM Motorlodge team for winter activity recommendations. They have a fantastic 2-night accommodation and bike hire package deal including transfers to the Old Coach Road.
The team can also book other tours or transport on your behalf and suggest the best places to eat in Ohakune.
Plan your Ohakune trip
For Ruapehu conditions (updated daily 6:30am) and online ski passes:
https://www.mtruapehu.com/whakapapa/report
For the latest National Park weather forecast:
https://www.metservice.com/mountains-and-parks/national-parks/tongariro
