Bike Trails in Ohakune You Can’t Miss!
There’s a whole lot of two-wheel fun to be had in the town of Ohakune! With Mt Ruapehu on one side, rivers running through the town, and historic roads running through native forest, Ohakune gives you access to many different types of cycling experiences. We list all the highlights in this list of cycle trails in Ohakune!
All the bike trails below are easily accessible from Ohakune town. Local bike hire and shuttle operators can sort you out with return transport on the one-way trails.
If you want to bike further, check out our 10 Epic Bike Trails Around Tongariro National Park.
In between cycling, check out these other 15 Outstanding Things to Do in Ohakune and save some cash by staying in one of the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Ohakune or treat yourself to the 10 Best Boutique Accommodation in Ohakune.
Table of Contents
1. Ohakune Old Coach Road (3-4 Hours One Way)
Ohakune’s most popular bike trail that’s suitable for beginner riders and experienced alike, the Ohakune Old Coach Road is steeped in history on what used to be the connecting road between two main railway lines of the country.
See huge viaducts and railway tunnels being reclaimed by native forest. There are a lot of sightseeing opportunities for a slower more scenic ride, but advanced riders will find this a fun winding trail taking about 1 hr 30 mins if you power through!
Location: Start from either the Ohakune Railway Station or Horopito.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Mangawhero River Track (10-20 Minutes One Way)
Short, scenic and perfect for when you only have a few spare minutes, the Mangawhero River Track is one of Ohakune’s most accessible cycle paths. This easy riverside ride follows a well-formed gravel trail that winds through beech and mountain toatoa, staying close to the melodic flow of the Mangawhero River.
Despite its short length, the track feels surprisingly tranquil. You’ll pass picnic spots, little bridges and photo-friendly bends in the river, all set against views of bush-covered valley walls.
Because it’s flat and sheltered, it’s also a go-to option on days when the weather higher up the mountain isn’t cooperating. Whether you’re warming up, winding down or simply exploring Ohakune between coffee stops, this bite-sized ride is an easy win you can complete without planning or equipment beyond your bike and a jacket.
This trail can be connected with the Ohakune Old Coach Road and the Ohakune Mountain Road (see below).
Location: Start from either the corner of Ayr Street and Tohonga Road in the main Ohakune town or from where Old Station Road and Thames Street join in The Junction end of town.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Ohakune Mountain Road (1 Hour One Way)
Looking for high-speed downhill thrills? The Ohakune Mountain Road is 17 km (10.5 mi) of downhill with a 1,000 m (3,281 ft) descent!
You’ll get a mix of awesome scenery and native forest on this sealed road (be aware of vehicles). There’s the option to stop by Mangawhero Falls (10 minutes walk) or the Waitonga Falls Track (1 hr 30 mins walk) along the way. This is a summer-only ride.
Find out more about the Waitonga Falls Track in our 15 Outstanding Things to Do in Ohakune.
Location: Start from the Turoa ski area base for the descent, or at the bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road for the ascent.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Downtown Ohakune Track (5-30 Minutes One Way)
This pleasant ride takes you alongside the Mangateitei Stream on the southern edge of Ohakune town, linking the centre with the Junction area through smooth gravel paths and boardwalk sections.
The track winds through pockets of native forest, small wetlands and quiet green spaces tucked behind local streets, offering a calm, scenic alternative to the main roads.
It’s perfect for beginners, ideal for warming up before a bigger ride, or great for getting kids comfortable on uneven terrain.
Because it avoids traffic entirely, you can move easily between Ohakune’s cafés, bike shops and après-ski hangouts at your own pace.
The track also connects with other short trails in the area, letting you turn a quick ride into a casual mini-network to explore.
Location: Start from Burns Street just over the bridge where the track is on the left. Or start from the track behind the Ohakune Carrot. Additionally, you can also access the trail from behind the information centre and near the gas station.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Ruatiti Road and Middle Road (3-4 Hours One Way)
If you love long, quiet country rides with wide-open vistas, this scenic backroad route delivers one of the most underrated cycling adventures near Ohakune.
The ride starts at Horopito, making it a great option for a full day’s ride if you connect Ruatiti Road and Middle Road with the Old Coach Road trail, starting in Ohakune and ending at the Ruatiti Domain.
You’ll pedal through remote valleys and farmland north of Raetihi, with rolling gradients that keep things interesting without being overly punishing.
The route traces alongside sections of the Manganui-o-te-Ao River, famous for trout fishing, and passes through pockets of native forest, farmland flats and rugged hill country that feels wonderfully far removed from town life.
The destination, Ruatiti Domain, is a free riverside campsite perfect for a well-earned rest.
Location: Start from Horopito following signs for the Mountains to Sea trail. The trail ends at the Ruatiti Domain.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Lake Reserve and Ratamaire Road (1-2 Hours One Way)
This winding and quiet gravel road makes a pleasant trip for the whole family taking in views of Mt Ruapehu and the surrounding countryside.
For something relaxed but undeniably scenic, the Lake Reserve and Ratamaire Road ride is a gem just outside Ohakune. Starting at the tranquil Ohakune Lake Reserve, the route eases you in with flat, family-friendly terrain and beautiful views across the water toward the foothills of Mount Ruapehu.
From here, you follow quiet rural roads through farmland and gentle rolling countryside, making it a perfect choice for casual riders or anyone who wants a low-stress outing with plenty of photo opportunities.
Location: Start from Clyde Street in Ohakune, follow the Ohakune-Raetihi Road then turn off when you see the sign to the Lake Reserve. Continue on Lakes Road then turn off onto Ratamaire Road. Ratamaire Road ends in the Rangataua side of Ohakune.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Rangataua Mountain Bike Tracks (45 Minutes – 1h30minutes)
For intermediate to advanced riders looking for something more adventurous in Ohakune, head to Rangataua on the east side of town where there are four mountain biking trails.
Either ride or take a 4WD up the Rangataua Road (gravel and mud) to access the North Track, Middle Track, East Track and West Track.
Location: Rangataua Road. If you are riding to Rangataua Road from Rangataua along the Foresty Road that runs parallel to the railway line, be aware that there are two streams to cross.
© Rangataua huntaway on WikipediaMore About Ohakune and Mountain Biking
That’s it for our guide to the must-do cycle trails in Ohakune; for more information about adventures in the area, check out the following articles:
- 10 Mind-Blowing Mt Ruapehu Walks
- Mountain Biking in New Zealand: A Complete Guide
- 10 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Ohakune
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Ohakune.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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