The Central Plateau region is an outdoor paradise for those looking for adventure, adrenaline, or to just take it easy and relax in a stunning mountain and river setting. The following activities are within the area:

Cycling Trails – Ohakune and surrounding areas are now part of the larger NZ Cycle Rail Project.

Old Coach Road - Early stages of the Old Coach Road cycleway, near Ohakune have already been completed. This is part of the Mountains to the Sea trail.

42 Traverse - This is considered to be one of the premium bike tracks in the North Island, located in State Forest 42 in the Tongariro Forest Park. Follow old logging roads as you navigate challenging downhills and muscle testing uphill paths.

The Bridge to Nowhere - An iconic trail, it follows the Mangapurua Stream before reaching the Bridge to Nowhere, on the Whanganui River.

Fisher’s Track - Be ready for a steady climb to the summit and then zoom along the 17km downhill stretch. Located near Whakahoro and Whanganui National Park.

The Ohakune Mountain Ride - drive up to 1620m (5315 ft) then ride down at your own pace back to town. See alpine flora, water falls, beech and podocarp forests and native bush.

OHAKUNE BIKE AND HIKE CAN ORGANISE IT ALL FOR YOU...FREE! Ohakune Bike and Hike is an ‘all inclusive’ local company with local knowledge that offers walking or biking tours and itineraries designed around your specific requirements. They understand that everyone has different needs, whether they are adrenaline junkies, family oriented adventurists or retirees looking to spend some time enjoying the stunning scenery either biking or hiking in this area. 

How It Works: Ohakune Bike and Hike operates just like a travel agency. You call or email them your requirements: your dates, approximate level of fitness, desired level of accommodation, and whether you require bike hire, bike accessories and bike transport, then they will work with you to build a FREE itinerary based on your individual needs. And because they are locals they have all the knowledge of the area and can help with just about anything in between.

Why use their FREE booking service? Using an itinerary planning service takes the guess work out of your trip and ensures there are no unexpected hiccups. They will plan it, look after the logistics, and you just enjoy the scenery.

Contact Ohakune Bike and Hike today:

Ph+64 6 3859598

Mobile: 021 2522 369

Email: enquiries@ohakunebikeandhike.co.nz

Web: www.ohakunebikeandhike.co.nz

Ski Ruapehu - Ruapehu is home to the most awesome natural skiing and snowboarding terrain in the country: huge snow filled basins, steep chutes, drop-offs and secret powder stashes. Mt Ruapehu offers something for everyone: fantastic learners' facilities, terrain parks for snowboarders and freeskiers of all abilities, and the best spring skiing in New Zealand.

Turoa Ski Field has NZ’s biggest vertical drop at 720m and over 400 hectares. 12 lifts – 2 quad chairs, 2 triple chairs, 3 T-bars, 4 platter lifts and 1 rope tow. It is just a 20 minute drive approx from Ohakune township.

Whakapapa Ski Field offers more than 30 groomed trails as well as its steep chutes, couloirs and superb off-piste skiing. Whakapapa is NZ’s largest ski area, with 675 metres of vertical drop: 23 lifts – 1 express quad chair, 1 quad chair, 4 double chairs, 4 T-bars, 4 platter lifts, 7 learner tows.

For more information visit: www.ohakune.info/ruapehu_turoa_in_winter.html or www.mtruapehu.com

Walking - There are countless strolls, walks, hikes, tramps and climbs in and around Ohakune, including the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. For more information visit www.ohakune.info/whattodo/walks-hikes-climbs.php

Tongariro National Park - Established in 1887, Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. For more information visit www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/tongariro

Whanganui National Park - The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches - the heart of Whanganui National Park (established in 1986). Tramping tracks through wild lowland forests and river trips down the mighty Whanganui are popular activities. The area has a unique history and Maori culture is an important part of the park experience. For more information visit www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/whanganui

Jet Boating and Canoeing - The Whanganui River begins high up in the volcanic plateau of the central North Island at Mt Tongariro, then travels north towards Taumarunui before heading south towards Wanganui. Its journey to the sea passes through the native tree and fern clad hills of the Whanganui National Park. See where they filmed the movie River Queen. You can explore the river by Jet Boat, Canoe/Kayak or on foot, with some of the following tour operators:
Bridge To Nowhere Tours: www.bridgetonowheretours.co.nz
Whanganui River Adventures: www.whanganuiriveradventures.co.nz
Whanganui Jet: www.whanganuijet.co.nz
Canoe Safari’s: www.canoesafaris.co.nz
Whanganui Riverboat Centre: www.riverboatswanganui.co.nz
Go Bush: www.gobush.co.nz
Whanganui River Guides: www.whanganuiriverguides.co.nz

White Water Rafting - Enjoy the thrill and beauty of the Whakapapa River with a Half Day Adventure Kayak Tour. For more information visit: www.npadventures.co.nz

Fishing - Ruapehu and the surrounding areas boast world class wilderness fishing. For more information visit: www.whanganui.co.nz/Trout_Fishing

Horse Treks – Get off the beaten track and discover the area on top of a horse.

Scenic Flights - Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight over the Central Plateau. For more information visit www.mountainair.co.nz or www.heliview.co.nz

Hunting - NZ offers some of the finest trophy hunting and shooting in the world. From clay shooting to hunting deer, pigs, goats and more, you can enjoy a unique hunting or shooting experience in Ohakune or Raetihi. Contact: Wades Landing Outdoors Ph: 07 895 5995

Army Muesum - Be inspired by real life soldier’s stories. Discover New Zealand’s military history. Learn the campaigns of the New Zealand Army. Reflect on how conflict has shaped our nation. For more information visit www.armymuseum.co.nz

images: Mt Ruapehu courtesy of Geonet, Cycling courtesy of Tourism NZ