The Top Places to Visit Near Ohakune
Sitting at the bottom of New Zealand’s largest volcano, Ohakune is nestled between both the Tongariro National Park and the Whanganui National Park. Basing yourself in the alpine town means that you have some unforgettable day trips at your fingertips, from hiking the iconic Tongariro Crossing to sampling the Whanganui canoe journey. There are also some interesting Kiwi towns to explore too, like the fishing and white water rafting mecca of Turangi and the artsy city of Whanganui. Plan the road trip that appeals to your sense of wonder with these day trips from Ohakune. Plus, we include some relevant day tours from Ohakune too.
For more trip-planning wisdom, head on over to The Complete Guide to Ohakune.
5 Best Day Tours from Ohakune
Before we get into the self-drive day trips, check out these day tours from Ohakune. These Ohakune day tours don’t require you to have your own vehicle.
Guided Day Tours from Ohakune
- Tongariro Crossing Guided Trek with Adrift Tongariro (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk with Adrift Tongariro (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Full-day Lavendar Farm Canoe Trip with Canoe Safaris
- Ohakune Old Coach Road Self-guided Bike Tour with TCB (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Horse trekking with Horsetrekking Ruapehu Homestead.
© Visit Ruapehu - Tourism New ZealandWhanganui National Park
The Best Day Trip from Ohakune for Couples
Travel time by car: 45 minutes to 1 hour one-way
Ohakune is one of the best towns to visit the otherwise hard-to-reach Whanganui National Park. Take the stunning drive to Pipiriki for a jet boat tour to the Bridge to Nowhere or use the jet boat to transfer your bikes to the national park’s biking trails. Alternatively, start a one-day canoe journey on the Whanganui River from Taumarunui to get a sense of the Whanganui Journey Great Walk.
For more ideas for your day trip from Ohakune, take a look at the 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Whanganui National Park.
© Tourism New ZealandTongariro National Park
The Best Day Trip from Ohakune for Budget Travellers
Travel time by car: 15 minutes to 45 minutes one-way
Relevant tour: Tongariro Crossing Guided Trek with Adrift Tongariro (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
Whether you want to tackle the half-day bike journey of the Ohakune Old Coach Road or the full-day volcanic hike of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a day trip in the Tongariro National Park. There are transfers and guided options taking you to the Tongariro Crossing from Ohakune. Alternatively, drive to Whakapapa Village to take on its myriad of short walks.
For more day trip ideas, check out the 10 Tongariro National Park Must-Dos.
© PxhereMt Ruapehu
The Best Day Trip from Ohakune for Luxury Travellers
Travel time by car: 20 minutes to 55 minutes one-way
Relevant tour: Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk with Adrift Tongariro (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
An ever-present sight in Ohakune, Mt Ruapehu hosts an array of adventures. In winter, head up the Ohakune Mountain Road to ski at the Turoa Ski Field or head around the mountain to Whakapapa, New Zealand’s largest ski field. You could join a guided hike to the volcanoes iconic Crater Lake or do an independent walk like the Waitonga Falls Track.
Check out more activities on the mountain on the 10 Mind-Blowing Mt Ruapehu Walks.
© NZPocketGuide.comWhanganui
The Best Day Trip from Ohakune for Foodies
Travel time by car: 1h25mins one-way
Travel from mountains to sea on a scenic road trip to Whanganui. This city at the end of the Whanganui River offers its own unique attractions like the Durie Hill tunnel, historic elevator and tower. Hop on a historic paddle steamer for a boat trip on the river or culture yourself at the city’s art galleries, glass studios and the Whanganui Regional Museum.
Plan more of your day trip from Ohakune using the 10 Best Things to Do in Whanganui.
© NZPocketGuide.comTurangi
The Best Day Trip from Ohakune for Families
Travel time by car: 1 hour one-way
Head to the southern shores of Lake Taupo to the avid fishing town of Turangi. Travel via State Highway 47 to do the Lake Rotopounamu Track along the way. In the town itself, experience the Tongariro River via a guided trout fishing trip, white water rafting (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), or on the Tongariro River Trail.
For more inspiration for your day trip, check out the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Turangi.
More About Ohakune Day Trips
That’s it for the best day trips from Ohakune. For more day trips, you might like to hit the following destinations:
