Things to Do in Ohakune for Couples
If your idea of romance is the sublime mountain views, a hike over volcanoes, mountain biking through lush forest or paddling in a unique canoe journey among Jurassic-like landscapes, you and your loved one are going to adore Ohakune. First and foremost, Ohakune is a place for couples to adventure together but that’s not to say that there aren’t ways to relax with blissful spas, indulgent restaurants and romantic retreats. Start planning your couples’ getaway itinerary with this list of romantic activities in Ohakune for couples.
For more advice on planning your trip, check out The Honeymoon Guide to Ohakune.
1. Tackle the Tongariro Crossing Together
Ohakune is close to several of the North Island’s main natural attractions, including the Tongariro Crossing! This full-day hike, which many agree is a must-do in New Zealand, traverses over volcanic mountains to see waterfalls, forest, volcanic plateaus, steaming vents and colourful lakes. You’ll feel epic once you’ve accomplished this 19.2km (11.9-mile) journey together. Tackle the hike independently following the advice in A Guided Hike of the Tongariro Crossing or enjoy a fully guided hike with Adrift Tongariro. Find out more about Adrift Tongariro on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Mangatepopo Road car park, approximately 54km (36 miles) from Ohakune. Shuttle services available in Ohakune.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Test Your Teamwork in a Canoe on the Whanganui Journey
Is a one-day hike not enough? How about a multi-day adventure by canoe? Ohakune is the closest large town to the New Zealand Great Walk the Whanganui Journey – incidentally, the one that isn’t a walk at all. Couples must work together to paddle along this breathtakingly beautiful and historical river with waterfalls, caves and the famous Bridge to Nowhere all part of the adventure. Companies like Canoe Safaris, Adrift Tongariro and Whanganui River Canoes can organise the logistics from Ohakune. Learn more in The Guide to the Whanganui Journey.
Location: Canoe Safaris – 6 Tay Street, Ohakune town centre. Adrift Tongariro – Offers pick-ups from Ohakune. Whanganui River Canoes – 10 Parapara Road, Raetihi, approximately 11km (7 miles) from Ohakune town centre.
© Visit Ruapehu3. Experience the Ruapehu Scenery on a Horse Trek
What could be more romantic than watching your loved one riding a majestic steed to the backdrop of the snowcapped Mt Ruapehu? There is a couple of excellent horse riding stables near Ohakune, such as Ruapehu Homestead Horsetrekking and Mellonsfolly Ranch/Old West Town both offering scenic treks for all abilities. Ruapehu Homestead Horsetrekking is on the edge of town, taking couples on relaxing one-hour treks through streams and a historic village, if they are new riders, or taking them on 1.5-3-hour rides over farmland and bush if they’re experienced. Alternatively, Mellonsfolly Ranch is an old western-style theme park out in the isolated but beautiful Ruatiti Valley where cowboy hats are pretty much mandatory!
Ruapehu Homestead Horsetrekking – 4691 State Highway 49, approximately 5km (3 miles) from Ohakune town centre. Mellonsfolly Ranch – 440 Crotons Road, Ruatiti Valley, approximately 48km (30 miles) from Ohakune town centre.
© Mellonsfolly Ranch - Visit Ruapehu4. Indulge in a Couples’ Massage
After a strenuous hike, canoe journey or skiing, nothing feels better than a couple’s massage at Barefoot Beauty, Ohakune’s most comprehensive spa. Share this sensual experience with one of the couples’ therapies the spa offers. Otherwise, many of the accommodations we list in our 10 Best Romantic Accommodation in Ohakune offer spa pools for couples to enjoy. A spa day also makes a good option if you find yourself in Ohakune on a bad weather day. Check out more ideas like this in the 10 Things to Do in Ohakune on a Rainy Day.
Location: 78 Tawhero Street, Ohakune town.
© Pixabay5. Cycle the Ohakune Old Coach Road
More couples’ adventures await on the Ohakune Old Coach Road, a 15km (9-mile) one-way mountain biking trail following the remains of a historical coach road which once linked train passengers and cargo between the two North Island railway lines from 1906 to 1908. The ride starts with breathtaking views of Mt Ruapehu before you delve into the forest of the Tongariro National Park, seeing what’s left of the coach road as nature takes over. Cross the towering Hapuawhenua Viaduct, go through tunnels, old campsites and much more on this stunning journey. Bike hire and shuttles to the trail are available with Mountain Bike Station, SLR and TCB to take you to the far end of the Old Coach Road. The trail ends in The Junction part of Ohakune.
Location: Matapuna Road, Horopito, approximately 15km (9 miles) from Ohakune town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Learn to Ski Together
When there’s enough snow on the mountain, usually between July and September or October, the winter season is on in Ohakune! Head up to the slopes of Mt Ruapehu to either Turoa, just up the Ohakune Mountain Road, or to Whakapapa around the other side of the mountain, where there are ski instructors to teach you how to ski or snowboard at New Zealand’s largest ski fields. If you already know how to ski or snowboard, then we don’t need to say more. Head up there and enjoy the exciting terrain and awesome volcanic mountain scenery. See more activities like this in the 9 Luxury Activities in Ohakune.
Location: Location: Turoa – Ohakune Mountain Road, approximately 19km (12 miles) from Ohakune town centre. Whakapapa – Bruce Road, approximately 57km (35 miles) from Ohakune town centre.
© Visit Ruapehu7. Treat Your Loved One to a Night Out at Ohakune’s Restaurants
Ohakune might be a small town but it still has some foodie hidden gems that make a romantic treat for couples. There are two parts of the town with restaurants: the town centre or The Junction. In town, head to the effortlessly romantic Italian restaurant of Osteria featuring fantastic sharing boards, authentic Insalata, pizzas, pasta, risotto and much more. A similar vibe can also be found in The Junction part of town at La Pizzeria & Cafe serving wood-fired pizzas – get in early at this extremely popular joint in winter. For classic European and New Zealand cuisine, check out The Cyprus Tree or Industry Bar and Grill both in town and both offering a variety of well-presented meat dishes and extensive beer and wine menus to enjoy in front of a cosy fireplace.
Location: Osteria – 73 Clyde Street. La Pizzeria & Cafe – 6 Thames Street. The Cyprus Tree – 77 Clyde Street. Industry Bar and Grill – 55 Clyde Street.
© Visit RuapehuMore About Ohakune for Couples
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])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Visit Ruapehu NZ (Regional tourism website)
- Ruapehu District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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