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 11 Epic Bike Trails Around Tongariro National Park.
In between cycling, check out these other 14 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.
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 1h30mins if you power through!
Location: Start from either the Ohakune Railway Station or Horopito. Shuttle services with the TCB Bike Shop run from Ohakune taking riders to Horopito so riders can make their way back to Ohakune. Book your shuttle and bike rental on Viator and Tripadvisor.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Mangawhero River Track (10-20 Minutes One Way)
A scenic option to get between the main Ohakune town centre and The Junction side of town, the Mangawhero River Track follows a quaint stream and crosses a swing bridge. This trail can be connected with the Ohakune Old Coach Road and the Ohakune Mountain Road.
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 17km (10.5 miles) of downhill with a 1000m (3281ft) 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 (1h30minutes walk) along the way. This is a summer-only ride. Find out more about the Waitonga Falls Track in our 14 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 end of Ohakune town. For the full 30-minutes ride, start from Burns Street and follow the track all the way to the Ohakune Carrot!
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)
Ride through the scenic countryside on wide gravel roads on your way to the Ruatiti Domain, a free riverside campsite! The ride starts at Horopito, so makes a great option for a full days’ ride if you connect the Ruatiti Road & Middle Road with the Old Coach Road trail, starting in Ohakune and ending at the Ruatiti Domain.
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.
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
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 [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
