Oh Ohakune! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

1. Op shops, locally made arts, crafts, teas and beauty balms

- Ethical Waste – a treasure trove of pre-loved goodness for the thrifty shopper looking for fantastic finds in Ohakune.

- Volcano Vibe Collective – a beautiful space full of local arts, crafts and goods carefully curated by a passionate group of doers, makers, dreamers in Raetihi with over 100 local artists represented.

- Wild Forest Collective – from beauty balms to holistic therapies, bespoke clothing, tantalising teas, sound healing and cacao ceremonies in Ohakune.

- Opus Fresh – previously known as Craft Haus, sip some delicious coffee fireside and check out the beautiful collection of premium merino adventure wear made in New Zealand, born and bred in Ohakune - located at the Ohakune Railway Station.

- Strange Dog– part print and design shop, part retail, Strange Dog has a large selection of carrot loving gifts and fun collectibles galore – from carrot earrings, carrot pens and an awesome Colouring in Ohakune book too!

^{Volcano Vibe Collective}

^{Opus Fresh}

2. Short walks immersed in nature 

- Jubilee Walkway - an easy central stroll between Carrotland Adventure Park and the Ohakune isite is the perfect pick me up and great for families. This 1 km return walk is just one street back from the main road, weaving through mountain streams and lush native bush - linking these local landmarks. There’s plenty of off-street parking at either Carrotland Adventure Park or the Ohakune isite carpark (with a TLC EV charging station) entrance along the Raetihi Ohakune Road. 

- Mangawhero Forest Walk – located at the bottom of Ohakune Mountain Road, this 3.4 km enchanting loop walk takes you through mountain streams, lush native forest and lovely swimming holes. It’s also part of the newly opened cycling trail Te Ara Mangawhero for those who want to explore on two wheels.

- Rimu Walk– A portion of the Mangawhero Forest walk, this 15 min easy loop walk is super accessible and family friendly - suitable for wheelchairs and child prams and buggies. 

- Waitonga Falls – the highest waterfalls in Tongariro National Park, this beautiful 4 km return easy track offers striking views of Mt Ruapehu amidst alpine wetlands and the Rotokawa pools along the picturesque boardwalk as you make your way to the 39 m cascade of Waitonga Falls. 

- Mākōtuku River Walkway – Nestled in Raetihi, this tranquil 4 km riverside walkway winds through a glowworm grotto, orienteering course, a Fairy Lane for kids with gorgeous mountain views and unique art along the way. Family friendly and dog friendly too!

- Ameku Road Walkway – a historic walkway tucked away in Raetihi south of the sawmill.  Climb 90 m of elevation to enjoy panoramic views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngāuruhoe as well as Mt Taranaki and is 1 km each way from the carpark.

- Puketawa and Slip Tracks– Discover two walking tracks in Raetihi located in a private, protected rainforest home to kiwi and other native bird life. Choose from 1 to 2.5 hour circuits that require a moderate fitness level to enjoy the stunning views of Mt Ruapehu and surrounding landscapes. A $5 koha or donation is requested to help with conservation efforts and maintenance.

^{Mākōtuku River Walkway}

^{Puketawa and Slip Tracks}

^{Share your love for Ruapehu #OurGreaterOutdoors}

3. Local eats and treats

For foodies and lovers of unique local delights, Ohakune is home to award-winning craft beers from Ruapehu Brewing, phenomenal Philly Cheesesteaks at Honeycomb Kitchen, super fresh super juice from Kombi Ohakune, world-famous chocolate eclairs from Johnny Nation’s. You can also find your favourite slice of carrot cake of course at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Ohakune- the carrot capital of New Zealand!

^{Carrotland Adventure Park}

^{The famous Ohakune Carrot}

Top tip! Young’s Honesty Box is the perfect roadside pitstop along State Highway 4 to grab fresh Ohakune carrrots in abundance amidst other fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables - with gorgeous views of Mt Ruapehu to boot! $3 for 1 kg or $8 for 10 kg – it’s cash only so good to have some handy. Located between the Tohunga Junction and Horopito, just a 10 minutes’ drive north of Ohakune. 

^{Share your love for Ruapehu #OurGreaterOutdoors}

4. Wonderful activities for wet weather days

When wet or wild weather hits, after you’ve had your coffee fix and perused some cool shops, there are plenty of local activities to enjoy in Ohakune and surrounds. If you can’t climb the mountains outside, head to Vertigo Climbing for some action packed indoor rock climbing. This purpose built climbing centre has over 20 climbing challenges so you can clip n climb to your hearts content – from ages 4 and up. Or head to the award-winning National Army Museum Te Mata Toa in Waiouru, the largest private collection of dinosaur memorabilia at the Dinosaur House museum, explore the treasure trove of train history at the Ohakune Railway Museum or travel back in time at the fascinating Waimarino Museum. And for those looking to warm up, why not indulge in a hot soak and relax at the open-air, wood-fired Ohakune Hot Tubs?

5. Boutique accommodation, riverside cottages, award-winning holiday parks and a totally enchanting tiny house

From the gorgeous Powderhorn Chateau, the one of a kind Pumice Tiny House, the iconic Kings Ohakune, and award-winning Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park – there is a variety of accommodation options to choose from in Ohakune so you can find your home away from home in Ruapehu’s Greater Outdoors. And with plenty of dark skies, crisp mountain air and no traffic lights around, you can enjoy plenty of stargazing at your doorstep. 

^{Pumice Tiny House}

^{Powderhorn Chateau}

Getting to Ohakune

From the North - Travellers from Auckland can journey along State Highway 4 from the top of the Adventure Highway, passing through Taumarunui, National Park Village and Horopito before arriving to Ohakune.

From the South - Travellers from Wellington can turn off State Highway 1 in Waiouru where the Adventure Highway signpost beckons for slow travels to begin in the majestic Ruapehu region. Keep a look out for the world’s biggest carrot as you arrive in Ohakune!

Share your love for Ruapehu #OurGreaterOutdoors