Seven Family Friendly Must Do's in Ruapehu

Nestled amidst two national parks, iconic mountains, and majestic rivers, Ruapehu boasts an array of otherworldly landscapes, offering authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences for families. From indoor fun to outdoor adventures, here are seven family-friendly activities to explore in Ruapehu.

Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park

Located in the carrot capital of New Zealand, Ohakune, this park features a giant 7.5-meter tall carrot and offers fun activities for all ages. Navigate through larger-than-life vegetables, enjoy see-saws, swings, a carrot race car, an obstacle course, swimming holes, a BMX track, and more. Don't forget to visit Youngs Honesty Box on State Highway 4 for locally grown produce, including the iconic carrots.

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The beginning of the obstacle course at the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park.

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Kids on the obstacle course at the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park.

Ohakune Disc Golf

Experience the latest craze in NZ's carrot capital with Ohakune Disc Golf. Play day or night at Mangawhero Terrace Domain on a riverside course with 7 baskets and 4 different 9-hole courses. Disc hire is available at various locations in town.

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People getting ready to play disc golf.

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Goal!

Picnic with Alpacas

Head to Taumarunui's Nevalea Alpacas, the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand, where you can picnic, feed, walk, and cuddle alpacas. Open year-round, it offers hands-on alpaca activities for the whole family.

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Mother and daughter feeding an alpaca.

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Family picnicking with the alpacas.

The Dinosaur House

Explore the prehistoric world at The Dinosaur House in Raetihi, just a short drive from Ohakune. Discover over 100 specimens, captivating fossils, and a life-sized T-Rex. Enjoy the dinosaur arcade and shop for unique items.

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Welcome to the Dinosaur House.

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Look at the exhibits!

Indoor Rock Climbing

If the weather doesn't cooperate, enjoy indoor rock climbing at Vertigo Climbing in Ohakune or National Park Backpackers in National Park Village. Both locations offer a variety of climbs suitable for beginners to advanced climbers.

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Enjoying the view at Vertigo Climbing.

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Group of people enjoying their time at Vertigo Climbing.

Jet Boat Along the Whanganui River

Experience the beauty of the Whanganui River on a thrilling jet boat ride, explore the river's rich history and culture. Learn from locals about the significance of the Whanganui River, the first in the world to be granted personhood in 2017.


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Jet boating along the Whanganui River.


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Feel the thrill!

Forgotten World Adventure Rail Cart Journey

Embark on a unique rail cart adventure with Forgotten World Adventures. Self-drive through hand-built tunnels and bridges on a decommissioned railway line, covering 40 km in half-day tours. Full-day and overnight options are also available, providing a glimpse into the region's pioneering history.


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A Forgotten World Adventure rail cart.


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A rail cart travelling through the Forgotten World.

Start planning your epic family getaway here.

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Posted by on 08 January 2024