10 Things to Do in Ohakune on a Rainy Day

1. Learn Something New at the Ohakune Railway Museum

Of course, any rainy day activity list needs a museum and Ohakune has many! The Ohakune Railway Museum is a free museum telling the stories of The Main Trunk Railway, which opened in 1908 and is an important part of the town’s history.

See railway relics and learn about the railway’s history, about local feats of railway engineering like the “Raurimu Spiral”, and about New Zealand’s worst-ever rail disaster, the “Tangiwai Train Disaster”. The museum also features displays on timber milling tramways that were once vital to the region’s forestry industry.

Admission is free, though donations are warmly appreciated to help maintain this collection of historic treasures.

The museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm (or by appointment if you’re visiting outside these hours).

Location: 62 Thames Street, The Junction (just past the railway station).

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2. See the Tanks at the National Army Museum

Next on the museum list is the National Army Museum in Waiouru, a short drive from Ohakune.

From the early Maori battles and New Zealand’s contribution to the world wars to today’s conflicts, the museum tells the history of New Zealand’s military with realistic scene displays, weapons and military vehicles including tanks!

While there is a small admission fee, we also list this activity in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ohakune.

Location: Hassett Drive, State Highway 1, Waiouru, approximately 28 km (17 mi) from Ohakune town centre.

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3. Tackle the Indoor Climbing Wall

And you thought we were going to give you another museum… An alternative thing to do in Ohakune on a rainy day is climbing at the town’s indoor climbing wall complex, Vertigo Adventure Centre.

With their Clip ‘N Climb systems, people aged three to 83 can enjoy climbing the array of crazy kids’ climbing walls and more challenging rock climbing walls both safely and independently.

Check out more activities like this in the 10 Things to Do in Ohakune with Kids.

Location: Corner of Goldfinch Street and Ayr Street, ​Ohakune town centre.

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4. Visit Dinosaur House

Back to the museums, this might just be the most random one yet. Travel to the neighbouring town of Raetihi and you’ll find a dinosaur museum!

Located in a 1922 heritage building, Dinosaur House is New Zealand’s largest collection of privately owned dinosaur skeletons, fossils and life-size models.

With an affordable admission fee, it’s definitely worth a look.

Location: 102 Seddon Street, Raetihi, approximately 12 km (7 mi) from Ohakune.

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5. Walk the Mangawhero Forest Walk

If you’re still dying to get outside, then a short walk under the cover of Mt Ruapehu’s dense lower mountain forest is a great option. The Mangawhero Forest Walk is only an hour loop walk, so even if you do get wet, it won’t be for long.

See stunning displays of mature native trees covered in moss, looking all the more vibrant in the rain.

The walk also follows the picturesque Mangawhero River and has a short side loop with a nature walk to learn more about the trees on interpretation panels.

Location: Bottom of Ohakune Mountain Road, approximately 3 km (2 mi) from Ohakune town centre and within walking distance of The Junction.

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6. Unwind with a Massage Treatment

Ease the aches from your strenuous hikes, mountain biking, canoe journeys or skiing with a blissful massage at one of Ohakune’s indoor spas.

Barefoot Beauty offers a comprehensive menu of organic facial treatments and skin care, body treatments, herbal soaks, couples therapy, warming massages and much more.

For travellers wanting a peaceful, restorative experience, Restorative Massage by Alexis Gault offers soothing, professional treatments tailored to reset tired muscles, perfect after tackling the slopes or a day exploring Tongariro National Park.

Alternatively, Snowman Lodge and Spa offer aroma massages in their treatment room, as well as a sauna and a spa pool.

Location: Barefoot Beauty – 78 Tawhero Street. Snowman Lodge and Spa – 68 Clyde Street.

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7. Do Some Boutique Shopping in Ohakune Town

A rainy day in Ohakune is a good excuse to hit the boutique shops of the town. Commemorate your time on the mountains of the Tongariro National Park with some modern NZ-made apparel from Strange Dog Print and Design.

For something functional yet stylish, stop by Opus Fresh Apparel Co. Their premium merino and natural-fiber clothing is designed for adventure, comfort and longevity, perfect for travellers who want gear that performs well in all weather.

Or how about picking up something unique from Cornercopia, which sells locally-made crafts?

The Craft Haus at the railway station is also worth a look around, selling premium merino wool clothing, luxury homewares, artwork and more. It even have an espresso bar in-store so you can warm up before heading back out in the rain.

Location: Strange Dog Print and Design – 19a Goldfinch Street. Cornercopia – 33 Clyde Street. The Craft Haus – 31 Thames Road.

© Visit Ruapehu

8. Grab a Bite to Eat

Ohakune is not a bad place to get caught in the rain if you like foodie experiences. You’ll find cafes, bars, restaurants and takeaways lining the town centre, as well as The Junction part of town.

In town, grab a coffee at Utopia Cafe.

For dinner, The Cyprus Tree is a standout: they serve generous, soul-warming portions made from locally sourced produce, alongside a wide selection of New Zealand craft beers and wines.

At The Junction, take in the apres-ski vibe of The Powderkeg or Kings Ohakune or try the popular wood-fired pizzas of La Pizzeria.

If you’re craving brunch, lunch, or comfort food in a relaxed garden-setting, Frank’s Eatery & Bar is your spot. Their menu ranges from fluffy pancakes and breakfast dishes to buttermilk chicken burgers, fresh salads, and craft beers.

Check out more of our recommendations in The Luxury Guide to Ohakune, The Honeymoon Guide to Ohakune and The Guide to Ohakune on a Budget.

Location: Utopia Cafe – 47 Clyde Street. Cyprus Tree – 77 Clyde Street. The Powderkeg – 194 Mangawhero Terrace. Kings Ohakune – 3 Rimu Street. La Pizzeria – 6 Thames Street.

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9. Visit the Waimarino Museum

You didn’t think we’d finish this rainy-day-in-Ohakune list without mentioning another museum, did you? Well, this one is only open on Sundays between 2pm and 4pm so you’ll have to time it right.

The Waimarino Museum is based at the Raetihi Railway Station, home to an interesting collection from early Maori settlers, through the age of Ruapehu’s timber industry until the present day.

There’s an interesting exhibition space in the former stables and jail cells of the building. Entry is free but a donation is appreciated.

Location: 101 Seddon Street, Raetihi, approximately 12 km (7 mi) from Ohakune.

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10. Binge-Watch 365 Days, 365 Activities in New Zealand

If all else fails, you can always get some inspiration for your next epic New Zealand activity by watching New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year on YouTube.

Watch as the team behind NZ Pocket Guide take on 365 Days: 365 Activities in New Zealand! Make sure to subscribe.