The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Ohakune

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Free Activities in Ohakune

Those in Ohakune looking for free adventures will find stunning forest and waterfall walks on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, as well as railway-related museums and memorials.

Let’s start with one of the most picturesque walks that is easy to access from Ohakune. At the bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road, find the Mangawhero Forest Walk, a one-hour loop walk through a majestic stand of mature native forest alongside the Mangawhero River.

Other walks in the town include the Jubilee Walkway (20 minutes one way), accessed from the Ohakune Carrot and the i-SITE. It also links up to the Mangawhero River Walkway (30 minutes one way) which follows the river between the town centre and The Junction part of town.

If you have your own vehicle, drive up the Ohakune Mountain Road to find more stunning walks and free attractions. The Waitonga Falls Track is 11 km (7 mi) up the Mountain Road, taking you through mountain forest and across alpine wetland featuring stunning views of the Mt Ruapehu’s peak and the 39 m (128 ft) Waitonga Falls.

Drive further up the mountain and you’ll also reach a lookout for Mangawhero Falls, which featured in The Lord of the Rings movies.

To add a little history and education to your visit to Ohakune, visit the Ohakune Railway Museum, open Thursday to Sunday. The Main Trunk Railway, which opened in 1908, is an important part of the town’s history which was once the only access to this remote area.

See relics and learn about its history, learn about feats of railway engineering like the Raurimu Spiral, check out railway control units and learn about New Zealand’s worst-ever rail disaster, the Tangiwai Train Disaster. Speaking of the latter, you can also visit the Tangiwai Rail Disaster Memorial along State Highway 49 with more information about the disaster.

For more information and free activity ideas, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ohakune.

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Cheap Activities in Ohakune

More attractions can be found in and around Ohakune which will not leave you too much out of pocket, including the Ohakune Old Coach Road. One of the must-dos of the area is the Ohakune Old Coach Road, which was used to carry passengers and cargo between two railheads before the railway was linked.

Learn about the history on interpretation panels as you walk or mountain bike the 15 km (9 m) one-way trail, cross the towering Hapuawhenua Viaduct and delve into the wilderness taking this piece of history back to nature.

Shuttles to the start of the trail cost around NZ$15 per person, ideal if you’re just walking the trail or you have your own bike.

If you find yourself caught on a rainy day in Ohakune, a good option could be the National Army Museum in Waiouru. From the early Maori battles to New Zealand’s contribution to the world wars and today’s conflicts, the museum tells the story of New Zealand’s military history with realistic displays and tanks… lots of tanks!

Another cheap rainy day activity to get stuck into is the Vertigo Adventure Centre. This indoor attraction features a wide range of kids’ climbing walls to challenging rock climbing walls using Clip ‘N Climb systems so you can enjoy the experience independently and safely. At around NZ$20 for adults and NZ$15 for children for an hour session, it’s an affordable way to kill some time.

See more experiences like this in the 10 Things to Do in Ohakune with Kids.

For more suggestions, again, head to the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ohakune.

© Snowman Lodge and Spa

Where to Stay: Affordable Accommodations 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.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Ohakune, here are some of our top picks for travellers on a budget.

Station Lodge – Adventure-Ready Hostel in Ohakune

This characterful hostel and apartment accommodation near the railway station at The Junction part of town gives you proximity to mountain bike trails, bars and clubs that come alive in winter, and the Ohakune Mountain Road leading to the ski field.

Guests can enjoy a spa pool, an outdoor wood fire pizza oven, bikes for going to town (and mountain bikes to hire) and more.

The hostel also offers campervan sites, dorm rooms, private double and family rooms, as well as premium apartments.

Learn more about what makes Station Lodge ideal for budget travellers and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

Snowman Lodge and Spa – Affordable Comfort in the Heart of Ohakune

An affordable lodge in the centre of town, right by the New World supermarket, Snowman Lodge and Spa not only provides convenience but its a place for a little bit of pampering. Indulge in the outside spa pool, the private sauna or even get a massage treatment.

As for accommodation, you’ll find campervan sites and a range of affordable private rooms such as double, twin, triple, quadruple rooms and even rooms for up to six people.

Some but not all rooms have an ensuite. Otherwise, there are shared bathroom facilities.

While there aren’t self-catering facilities, guests can enjoy hot drinks at the on-site cafe or make use of the barbecue.

Discover why Snowman Lodge and Spa is perfect for families and groups on a budget, and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

© Visit Ruapehu

Cheap Eats in Ohakune

Ohakune might be a small town but it has an excellent array of eateries and even some cheap eats thrown into the mix. A highlight is Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Eclair Shop (36 Clyde Street) for its fist-sized chocolate eclairs and other irresistible cream cakes. The eclair shop is open during the winter season between May and November.

For classic Kiwi fish and chips in one of the furthest places in New Zealand from the sea, head to Captain Kune’s (57 Clyde Street). They also do burgers, toasted sandwiches, fried chicken and other cheap quick bites to warm your soul.

For more like this, also try Mountain Kebabs (29 Clyde Street) for a Kiwi spin on Turkish cuisine.

Finally, pick up some Chinese food from Golden Time Takeaway (61 Clyde Street) for classic Chinese takeaway dishes ranging from the sweet and sour to moreish dumplings.