Plan a Premium Trip to Ohakune
At the base of New Zealand’s largest volcano, surrounded by two majestic national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Area, Ohakune is definitely a place that deserves to be experienced in style. Experience some of the most striking landscapes of the North Island, from the peaks of the Tongariro volcanoes to the forested gorges of the Whanganui River. After you’ve done it all, retreat your choice of boutique hotel, luxury chalet or B&B. It’s all here in the mountain-view town of Ohakune.
So, plan your special getaway, including what to do, where to stay and where to eat, with this luxury travel guide to Ohakune.
Luxury Activities in Ohakune
- Take a Guided Hike of the Tongariro Crossing, Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake and more
- Hit the ski slopes of 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
- Enjoy a guided horse trek
- Unwind with a massage treatment
- Do some boutique shopping in Ohakune town
- Indulge in Ohakune’s finest restaurants.
For more information on each experience, take a look at the 9 Luxury Activities in Ohakune.
Luxury Adventure Activities
It’s all about outdoor adventures in Ohakune, so let’s get straight into it. A highlight is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a full-day adventure traversing volcanic peaks, seeing vibrant lakes, steaming vents and more. For an enhanced experience, join Adrift Tongariro for their private guided hike of the crossing or their sunrise hike to experience this popular attraction with fewer people under a different light. Or, get well and truly off the beaten track and hike to extreme environments of extreme beauty like the Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake or to the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe. Find out more about Adrift Tongariro’s tours on Viator or Tripadvisor.
Speaking of Mt Ruapehu, the mountain is home to two of the largest ski fields open in New Zealand. Turoa is the closest ski field to Ohakune, boasting New Zealand’s longest vertical drop at 722m (2,369ft) and lifts taking you to the highest lift point in the country. On the other side of the mountain is the Whakapapa ski field, which is the largest ski field of the two ski fields and features attractive mountain cafes and views of Mt Ngauruhoe. Learn more in the Ski Season in New Zealand: North Island or South Island?
Swap alpine volcanoes for lush river landscapes in the Whanganui National Park. Either enjoy a day tour of the Whanganui River in a jet boat or a multi-day canoeing adventure known as the Whanganui Journey. Jet boat tours with Bridge to Nowhere Lodge and Whanganui River Adventures provide an effortless way to enjoy the scenery of New Zealand’s historic and longest navigatable river, while guided canoe trips of the Whanganui Journey is a unique New Zealand Great Walk.
For more information and the locations of each experience, see the 9 Luxury Activities in Ohakune.
Luxury All-weather Activities
Like we said, Ohakune is mostly about the great outdoors. However, we understand that many of the activities here are very weather dependent, so if the mountain is closed, the Tongariro Crossing is cancelled or whatever it is, then is a good excuse to hit the boutique shops of Ohakune.
Remember your time on the mountains of Tongariro and Ruapehu with some modern NZ-made apparel from Strange Dog Print and Design (19a Goldfinch Street). Alternatively, pick up something local from Cornercopia (33 Clyde Street) and The Craft Haus (31 Thames Road) at the railway station like premium merino wool clothing, luxury homewares, artwork and more. The latter even has an espresso bar in-store so you can warm up before heading out.
For more rainy day ideas, check out the 10 Things to Do in Ohakune on a Rainy Day.
Fine Dining in Ohakune
Ohakune is more of an apres-ski town with plenty of bars, street food and takeaways rather than fine dining. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for someplace special for a dine-in experience, you’ll find a few worthy restaurants.
Boasting one of the largest craft beer menus in town along with their speciality, New Zealand lamb and venison, The Cyprus Tree (77 Clyde Street) is well worth booking a table for. Relax by the cosy fire with a mulled wine in winter or bask in the sun with a cocktail in hand on the deck in summer.
A great place to relax with friends and family, Industry Bar and Grill (55 Clyde Street) provides affordable luxury with beautifully presented plates of grilled merino lamb, salmon, steak and more.
Finally, whether you’re staying in their luxury accommodation or not, don’t miss a trip to the Powderkeg Restaurant (194 Mangawhero Terrace) at The Junction. They offer an international menu of gourmet scotch fillet to confit duck to burgers to housemade pizzas.
Luxury Accommodation in Ohakune
- Nightsky Cottage
- Powderhorn Chateau
- Ruapehu Country Lodge
- Tongariro Suites
- Tussock Grove Hotel & Cottage
- Cairnbrae House
For more information on these accommodations, check out the 6 Best Luxury Accommodation in Ohakune.
More About Ohakune
- 14 Outstanding Things to Do in Ohakune
- 10 Things to Do in Ohakune with Kids
- 10 Romantic Activities in Ohakune for Couples
That’s it for the luxury travel guide to Ohakune. Find even more tips to make your luxury getaway exceptional in The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.