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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: NZD
- Languages: English, Māori, some visitors also speak German, French
- Climate: Temperate
- Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
- Population: Approximately 1,200 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit depends on your interests: winter for snow sports and summer for hiking and biking.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries including the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan can enter New Zealand visa-free for tourism up to 3 months. Others may require a visa or an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) before arrival. Visa on arrival is generally not available. Travelers should check New Zealand Immigration for specific requirements based on nationality.
About Ohakune
Ohakune is a charming small town located in the central North Island of New Zealand, renowned primarily as the winter sports hub of the region. It serves as the main access point to Mount Ruapehu, home to some of the country’s best ski fields, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Beyond winter, Ohakune offers a picturesque setting with lush native forests, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant local culture. The town’s friendly atmosphere, combined with its unique blend of outdoor adventure and rural charm, makes it a compelling destination year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the nearby Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ohakune’s iconic giant carrot statue symbolizes its agricultural roots and adds a quirky local character. The town’s cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops provide a warm welcome, making it an ideal base for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax in a scenic environment.
Top Attractions
1. Mount Ruapehu Ski Fields – Premier ski and snowboard destination with extensive slopes and stunning alpine views. 2. Tongariro National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site offering hiking trails like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 3. Ohakune Old Coach Road – A historic trail perfect for cycling and walking through native forest and farmland. 4. The Giant Carrot – A quirky roadside attraction symbolizing Ohakune’s farming heritage. 5. Ohakune Museum – Showcases local history, culture, and the development of the town and surrounding region.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Ohakune can indulge in skiing and snowboarding during winter on Mount Ruapehu’s slopes. Summer opens opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running in Tongariro National Park and the Old Coach Road. Fishing, horseback riding, and scenic drives are popular year-round. Cultural experiences include visiting local art galleries, attending community events, and exploring Māori heritage sites nearby. The town also offers relaxing spa options and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Ohakune Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of North Island
- Duration Range: Visitors to Ohakune can indulge in skiing and snowboarding during winter on Mount Ruapehu’s slopes. Summer opens opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running in Tongariro National Park and the Old Coach Road. Fishing, horseback riding, and scenic drives are popular year-round. Cultural experiences include visiting local art galleries, attending community events, and exploring Māori heritage sites nearby. The town also offers relaxing spa options and family-friendly outdoor activities.
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit depends on your interests: winter for snow sports and summer for hiking and biking. Pack layered clothing suitable for variable mountain weather and sturdy footwear for outdoor activities. Respect local customs and the natural environment, especially in protected areas. Carry cash and cards, but note some smaller businesses may prefer card payments. Safety tips include being prepared for changing weather conditions and informing someone of your plans when hiking. Always check local advice for volcanic activity updates.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $220
5 Available Tour Excursions in Ohakune
Looking for a challenge? Make sure you tick Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau off your list. Climb above the clouds to see sweeping views of Tongariro National Park and the entire volcanic zone. Have lunch on the summit plateau on New Zealand’s highest volcano from where you can gaze down at the crater lake. We guide all year, summer and winter, with snow up until the end of December. This is a fantastic snow experience using crampons and ice axes. Our guides are personable, friendly, qualified and ready to guide you. Adrift provides instruction, transport, equipment and gear hire. We guide every day and guarantee trip departures with wind, rain, snow and even shine.
Price: $302.42
Duration: 8 hours
Worthy of a place on anyone’s bucket list. The volcanic crater of Mt Ruapehu and its milky blue waters are an impressive sight, making this a hike to remember. The lake changes colour from an amazing deep green to pale blue to solid dark grey depending on the craters temperature. Run exclusively for you and your family or friends, private tours are more flexible and can accommodate different fitness levels and avoid weather-exposed sections. We guide all year, summer and winter, with snow up until the end of December. This is a fantastic snow experience using crampons and ice axes. Please note this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Price: $778.66
Duration: 8 hours
Experience the majestic Tongariro National Park and feel the crisp mountain air as you follow your expert guide across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for a view of the volcanic landscape during this 8-hour trek. Soak in the snowy white expanse in winter or the lush, blooming beauty during summer on your 19km hike. Learn about the secrets and history of the landscape around you. Travel through volcanic craters, mountain springs, and vivid emerald lakes - natural wonders that leave you inspired and breathless. Notice the gradual change in flora as you climb higher in altitude. Witness the grandeur of Mount Ngauruhoe, which lies between Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu. Your guides are well informed and keep you safe by constantly assessing the weather and track conditions, timing for your personalised pick-up, and other little details to maximise your enjoyment.
Price: $259.55
Duration: 8 hours
If time is limited or you are unable to spend the whole day walking, join us on a half day tour, perfect for families and travellers of all ages and fitness levels. Start on the Tongariro Crossing track and experience some of its splendour as you walk amongst the volcanoes up to the Soda Springs waterfall. Mt. Ngauruhoe’s cold water springs create a small oasis of lush yellow mountain buttercups and white foxgloves, and the pure Soda Springs allows us to refill our water bottles with Tongariro pure spring water, whilst having morning tea. Here we will talk and show you all things relevant to Tongariro and New Zealand including recent and past eruptions, geology, flora and fauna discovery and settlement of NZ. At Soda Springs we give you the option to return to the start or if conditions and logistics allow, upgrading to the full day walk to complete the Tongariro Crossing and see other key highlights such as the Blue and Emerald Lakes.
Price: $213.71
Duration: 4 hours
Enjoy the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a private guide from Adrift Tongariro. This 19km trek is New Zealand’s best day one-day walk. The track leads up to the saddle between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. The landscape on Tongariro is peppered with the different coloured and shaped craters that have been active at different periods, scoured volcanic rocks, mountain springs, and brightly coloured emerald lakes. Our privately guided trips provide you with a really personal, informative and friendly experience you will never forget. Experience a majestic landscape of recent resultant volcanic activity. There is a vast array of colours and textures created from Sulphur, Aluminium, Silica, and many other mineral deposits released from within the Earth’s Crust. In summer this track can get crowded and where possible, we take our clients away from the masses while making sure that the popular sights are still experienced.
Price: $778.66
Duration: 8 hours
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Ohakune’s food scene reflects its rural roots and outdoor lifestyle, with hearty meals and fresh local produce. Signature dishes include venison, lamb, and trout, often served in cozy cafes and pubs. The town features a mix of casual eateries and fine dining, with popular spots offering wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and locally brewed craft beers. Must-try foods include New Zealand lamb and locally grown vegetables. Noteworthy restaurants include The Station Café and The Black Stump, known for their welcoming atmosphere and quality fare.
Getting Around
Ohakune is accessible by car via State Highway 4 and by train on the Northern Explorer route connecting Auckland and Wellington. The nearest airports are in Palmerston North and Taupō, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by road. Local transportation includes taxis and limited shuttle services. Walking and cycling are popular ways to explore the town and nearby trails. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility, especially for accessing surrounding natural attractions.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit depends on your interests: winter for snow sports and summer for hiking and biking. Pack layered clothing suitable for variable mountain weather and sturdy footwear for outdoor activities. Respect local customs and the natural environment, especially in protected areas. Carry cash and cards, but note some smaller businesses may prefer card payments. Safety tips include being prepared for changing weather conditions and informing someone of your plans when hiking. Always check local advice for volcanic activity updates.
Culture & Customs
Ohakune’s culture is a blend of Māori heritage and European settler traditions. Visitors should show respect for Māori customs, including greetings and protocols when visiting marae (meeting grounds). The community celebrates events like the annual Ohakune Winter Festival, which features music, food, and cultural performances. Social etiquette is relaxed but polite; locals appreciate friendliness and environmental stewardship. It is customary to remove shoes when entering some homes and to be punctual for appointments or tours.
