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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: N/A
- Languages: Local language(s)
- Climate:
- Timezone:
- Population:
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Ohakune is during spring and autumn for optimal hiking conditions.
- Visa Requirements
About Ohakune
Ohakune is a charming town nestled in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure. It is particularly famous for being the gateway to the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visitors are drawn to Ohakune for its proximity to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand's most iconic hiking trails. The town itself boasts a lively atmosphere with a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and a vibrant food scene. Whether you're an avid hiker, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Ohakune has something to offer everyone.
Top Attractions
1. **Tongariro National Park**: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. 2. **Tongariro Alpine Crossing**: One of New Zealand's most famous day hikes, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes. 3. **Mount Ruapehu**: Offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking in summer, providing year-round adventure opportunities. 4. **Ohakune Carrot Park**: A quirky attraction featuring giant carrot sculptures, reflecting the town's history as a major carrot producer. 5. **Ohakune Old Coach Road**: A historic trail perfect for cycling or walking, offering insights into the region's past.
Popular Activities
Ohakune offers a wide range of activities for all interests. Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, skiing, and snowboarding on Mount Ruapehu. For a more leisurely experience, visitors can explore the town's cultural heritage by walking the Ohakune Old Coach Road or visiting local art galleries. The town also hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich history and natural surroundings.
Ohakune Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of North Island
- Duration Range: Ohakune offers a wide range of activities for all interests. Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, skiing, and snowboarding on Mount Ruapehu. For a more leisurely experience, visitors can explore the town's cultural heritage by walking the Ohakune Old Coach Road or visiting local art galleries. The town also hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich history and natural surroundings.
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Ohakune is during spring and autumn for optimal hiking conditions. Visitors should pack layers for unpredictable weather and sturdy hiking boots for outdoor adventures. Cultural etiquette includes respecting Maori customs and traditions, especially when visiting sacred sites. Safety tips include being prepared for changing weather conditions and staying informed about trail conditions.
Average Tour Price: $65
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: $312.05
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: $803.47
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: $267.82
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: $220.52
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: $803.47
Duration: 8 hours
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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 cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh local ingredients, often featuring game meats and seasonal produce. Signature dishes include venison and lamb, often served in traditional New Zealand style. The town is also famous for its carrot cake, a nod to its carrot-producing past. Noteworthy restaurants include those serving contemporary New Zealand cuisine with a focus on local flavors.
Getting Around
To reach Ohakune, visitors typically fly into Auckland or Wellington and then take a domestic flight or drive to the town. Local transportation includes shuttle services and car rentals, which are ideal for exploring the surrounding areas. Costs vary depending on the mode of transport, but car rentals offer flexibility and convenience.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Ohakune is during spring and autumn for optimal hiking conditions. Visitors should pack layers for unpredictable weather and sturdy hiking boots for outdoor adventures. Cultural etiquette includes respecting Maori customs and traditions, especially when visiting sacred sites. Safety tips include being prepared for changing weather conditions and staying informed about trail conditions.
Culture & Customs
Ohakune's culture is deeply rooted in its Maori heritage and its history as a rural farming community. Visitors can experience this through local festivals and by visiting historical sites. Social customs emphasize respect for the land and its indigenous people. Important etiquette tips include removing shoes when entering homes and respecting sacred sites within the national park.
