Historic Ohakune Old Coach Road

Perfect for biking or walking with the
whole family

The Ohakune Old Coach Road provided an all-weather road link for coaches carrying passengers and goods between the two railheads of the North Island main trunk line. With progress on completing the North Island main trunk rail slow, the road provided a way to allow through traffic, until the railheads were finally linked in 1908.

It mostly followed the route (with the exception of the section to Taonui Viaduct) of a bridle track completed in 1886 that had been upgraded to a dray road in 1895. Between 1904 and 1906 it was upgraded, being mostly paved with setts (rock pavers), giving it a durable, all-weather surface for heavy horse-drawn traffic. It was completed in November 1906, at a point when the distance between the railheads was 39 kilometres. 

The road was used until early 1909 and after the opening of State Highway 49 fell into disuse. It remained mostly untouched since, though some sections have been lost through deviation of the railway in 1987.

The road can be considered a most significant example of roading engineering heritage and the finest rural road constructed in New Zealand up to that time. It has great historic significance for the period it was used as the link between the two ends railheads.  The end of the road’s useful life froze it in time and, other than the natural deterioration it has undergone since its use stopped, it is in remarkably good condition. It has a Category I Historic Places status from Historic Places Trust.

Ohakune 2000 is currently working to reopen the remaining section between Ohakune and Horopito in stages. The first stage from Ohakune to the Hapuawhenua Viaduct link track will be re-opened in coordination with restoration of the viaduct.

Taonui Viaduct

The Taonui Viaduct shares many of the features of the nearby Hapuawhenua Viaduct: it was also designed by Peter Seton Hay, shares the same construction methods, and unique curved style. It practically differs only in its smaller size (140m long and 35m high), aspect, and fact that it is built on a 1 in 60 gradient. It is currently being considered for Category II registration by the Historic Places Trust.

At this time, the Taonui Viaduct will not be restored for visitor use. Access to view the viaduct will be restored once future sections of the Old Coach Road are completed.