The Complete Travel Guide to Ohakune

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What to Do in Ohakune

A small town with big character and adventure nestled in the heart of New Zealand, Ohakune is a pint-sized powerhouse of charm and excitement. We’re big fans of this little gem, and for good reason! (I mean, have you seen the “Carrot Playground”? It’s as quirky as it gets!) According to our very own travel manager, Robin, “Ohakune packs more adventure per square metre than most big cities.”

From cycling on one of the most historically fascinating trails in the country to unique clothing stores to breweries and meaderies, there’s something to tickle every fancy. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history buff, or just looking for a good pint, this mountain town has got you covered.

The Top Experiences in Queenstown

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Queenstown highlights:

• Cycle through history on the Ohakune Old Coach Road
• Ski on the country’s largest volcano at Turoa Ski Field
• Set off on a unique canoeing adventure down the Whanganui River Journey, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks”
• Explore the mountainside forest on the Mangawhero Forest Walk
• Get obligatory photos with all the vegetables at the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park
• Shop and sip at Ohakune’s local artisans, from picking up merino goodies from Opus Fresh Apparel Co. to trying the local Ruapehu Brewing Co. craft beer.

… And the list continues over in our 15 Best Things to Do in Ohakune.

Rainy Day Activities

Don’t let a rainy day spoil the fun! Make sure you have a few wet-weather backups at the ready, such as:

• Learn something new at the Ohakune Rail Museum
• See the tanks at the National Army Museum
• Tackle the indoor climbing wall at the Vertigo Adventure Centre

If you need more ideas, head to the 10 Things to Do in Ohakune on a Rainy Day.

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Where to Stay in Ohakune

Other than the accommodations we recommend on the righthand side of this complete travel guide to Ohakune, we have compiled entire lists of places to stay based on price, what’s best for families or a couple’s getaway, as well as premium stays. What’s more, each list is compiled by real writers, not some algorithm!

• 10 Best B&Bs & Boutique Accommodations in Ohakune
• 10 Best Motels in Ohakune
• 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Ohakune
• 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Ohakune
• 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Ohakune
• 10 Best Family Accommodations in Ohakune
• 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Ohakune

… And for a compilation of all of the best stays, check out our guide, 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Ohakune.

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Luxury Accommodation: Two Rivers Ohakune

If you’re looking to truly treat yourself in Ohakune, choose Two Rivers Ohakune. Offering a modern and deluxe B&B experience just a 10-minute riverside stroll from town, this boutique accommodation features two guest rooms and one stand-alone cabin, two of which boast private hydrotherapy spa pools. The cleverly designed “cosy” rooms include walk-in wardrobes and custom-made beds with under-bed storage for suitcases.

Soothing decor and artwork highlight the region’s beauty, while the property’s location allows guests to bask in riverfront views with Mt Ruapehu as a backdrop.

Thoughtful touches include a drying locker, breakfast hamper and welcoming hosts who are passionate about local artisans and activities. Guests also enjoy a 10% discount at one of the town’s most revered restaurants, The Cyprus Tree, and TCB, a ski and bike rental service.

All in all, Two Rivers Ohakune truly stands out as a top-tier luxury accommodation in Ohakune. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a base for your outdoor adventures, this cute and cosy B&B provides all the thoughtful touches and unique location that provide a memorable stay in Ruapehu.

Learn more about their lavish property and book your stay at tworiversohakune.com

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Where to Eat in Ohakune

This is the part of our destination guides where we offer you all of the foodie activities, tours and farmers’ markets of the town. Well, in Ohakune, your foodie experiences are limited to just some of the fantastic eateries, which isn’t all bad.

Many will say that a must-do is picking up a chocolate eclair from Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Eclair Shop (and, according to Ula and Scott from Two Rivers Ohakune, their cheesecakes aren’t half bad either!) during the winter season or indulging in a wood-fired pizza at La Pizzeria.

There are coffee containers, cosy bars and restaurants where sitting by the fireplace is a standard. And if you’re a big fan of vegetables, well, there’s a giant carrot sculpture and vegetable-themed playground at the entrance to the town, so there you go!

The Best Restaurants in Ohakune

• The Cyprus Tree (79 Clyde Street)
• Frank’s Eatery & Bar (2 Tyne Street)
• The Powderkeg, Powderhorn Chateau (194 Mangawhero Terrace)
• Osteria Ohakune (75 Clyde Street)
• La Pizzeria (6 Thames Street).

For more on Ohakune’s restaurants across the main town centre and The Junction part of town, check out some of our other guides. For instance, you’ll find fine dining in The Luxury Guide to Ohakune, romantic restaurants in The Romance & Honeymoon Guide to Ohakune and cheap eats in The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Ohakune.

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Ohakune for Budget Travellers

Ohakune might be known for some pretty pricey experiences like skiing on Mt Ruapehu or canoeing on the Whanganui River. However, you can enjoy a good few days in the town without spending too much.

You’ll find some fantastic free walks in town and along the Ohakune Mountain Road on the lower slopes of Mt Ruapehu. There are historical sites and museums to check out, as well as the Ohakune Old Coach Road to enjoy on foot for a minute price.

What’s more, Ohakune has plenty of budget stays to suit most travellers’ tastes.

So, plan your budget getaway with The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Ohakune.

Budget Activities in Ohakune

• Do the Mangawhero Forest Walk
• Hike to Waitonga Falls and Mangawhero Falls
• Visit the Ohakune Rail Museum
• Cuddle the Ohakune Carrot
• Visit the National Army Museum.

For more recommendations, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ohakune.

Budget Accommodation in Ohakune

From budget lodges to backpacker hostels to motels to the sole holiday park, Ohakune offers plenty of options to those travelling on a budget.

Check out some of our recommendations in the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Ohakune.

© Visit Ruapehu

Ohakune for Luxury Travellers

If experiencing the most majestic volcanoes and Jurassic-like forests of the North Island is your kind of luxury, then you’ll love what Ohakune has to offer.

In winter, hit the slopes of New Zealand’s two largest ski fields on Mt Ruapehu. In summer, venture on a scenic journey by canoe or jet boat on the Whanganui River.

There are specialised guided hikes of the Tongariro Crossing, to Mt Ruapehu’s crater lake and more, offering a challenging yet rewarding way to experience the area. Then, with relaxing boutique lodges, B&Bs and hotels in town, you’ll be able to rest in the serenity of your luxurious room.

Plan your premium stay with The Luxury Guide to Ohakune.

Luxury Experiences in Ohakune

• Take a guided hike of the Tongariro Crossing, Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake and more with Adrift Tongariro
• Hit the ski slopes of Turoa at Mt Ruapehu
• Tee off at the Waimarino Golf Club
• Venture down the Whanganui River by jet boat
• Complete the Whanganui Journey Great Walk on a guided experience.

Sounds pretty epic, right? Check out more information on each experience in the 10 Luxury Activities in Ohakune.

Luxury Accommodation in Ohakune

From lavish ski chalets to luxury B&Bs, Ohakune has some stellar stays for all group sizes. You’ll find luxury holiday homes with their own extensive forest and gardens, as well as boutique hotels and lodges.

As mentioned, Two Rivers Ohakune offers an unbeatable location on the riverside with mountain views, best experienced from your private spa pool.

Check out our favourites in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Ohakune.

© Visit Ruapehu

Ohakune for Families

There are many reasons for families to flock to Ohakune, and why so many Kiwi families actually do.

The ski fields of Turoa and Whakapapa are fantastic for kids to learn how to ski, while the free and cheap experiences like family-friendly walks, playgrounds, climbing walls and even a dinosaur museum are easy ways to earn brownie points with the kids. Jet boating on the Whanganui River and horse trekking are other family adventures to be had when the mountain is closed or when, well, you just don’t want to ski. What’s more, you have plenty of family-friendly accommodation in Ohakune to complete your stay.

Check out our family travel tips in The Family Guide to Ohakune.

Family Activities in Ohakune

• Hire bikes and ride the Jubilee Walkway, Mangawhero River Trail and more
• Let the kids loose at the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park
• Tackle the indoor climbing walls at the Vertigo Adventure Centre
• Check out fossils, bones and all kinds of cool stuff at Dinosaur House
• Treat the kids to a world-famous chocolate eclair from Johnny Nation’s.

For more information on each activity and its locations, check out the 10 Things to Do in Ohakune with Kids.

Kid-friendly Accommodation in Ohakune

Budget to luxury group chalets, convenient motels and a holiday park with a kids’ club during the holidays, Ohakune offers so much for families, it can be hard to choose!

We’ll help you out with our 10 Best Family Accommodation in Ohakune.

© Visit Ruapehu

Ohakune for Couples

Ohakune is a destination made for couples who love to adventure together.

Stretch your muscles because you could be taking on the Tongariro Crossing, canoeing on the Whanganui Journey, horse trekking to the backdrop of a snowcapped volcano, mountain biking the Ohakune Old Coach road and more.

While there are epic experiences you’ll always remember together, it’s not all go, go, go. Couples can also enjoy indulgent shared spa treatments, as well as romantic restaurants in town.

Check out more tips to help plan your trip in The Romance & Honeymoon Guide to Ohakune.

Romantic Activities in Ohakune

• Tackle the Tongariro Crossing together
• Test your teamwork in a canoe on the Whanganui Journey
• Experience the Ruapehu scenery on a horse trek
• Indulge in a couple’s massage
• Cycle the Ohakune Old Coach Road.

For more details on each experience and more, check out the 10 Romantic Activities in Ohakune for Couples.

Romantic Accommodation in Ohakune

A romantic ski chalet? What about a countryside lodge with luxurious spa pools and gorgeous gardens? How about a boutique B&B with amazing mountain views? (Two Rivers Ohakune has you covered on that front).

Take your pick from the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Ohakune.