The Ohakune Old Coach Road has been restored by the Department, Ohakune 2000 and the Tongariro Natural History Society to form a fantastic new heritage walkway and cycleway, and all only minutes away from Ohakune and the skifields of Mt Ruapehu. A great activity for the summer, or those winter days when the ski fields are closed.
The Old Coach Road is the starting point of the Ruapehu-Whanganui trail, part of the Nga Haerenga cycleway project. As future stages are opened up, kilometres of new trails will be available to mountain bikers and walkers, which will enable cyclists to make their way from the mountains around Ruapehu to the sea at Whanganui.
Ohakune Old Coach Road is a unique walk and cycleway. Take a trip back into New Zealand's rail heritage while you walk or cycle across gentle coach trails and newly formed tracks.
Mangawhero Falls, Lake Rotokura, wheelchair accessible Mangawhero Forest Track and the Rimu Track are some short walks you can enjoy around the Ohakune area.
Lake Surprise and Old Blyth tramping tracks are two 5-hour return tramps you can enjoy in the Ohakune area.
The Waitonga Falls is a 1 hour 30 minutes walk on a well-formed track through mountain beech and kaikawaka forest. The 39 m falls are Tongariro National Park's highest falls.
Enjoy these walking tracks located within a 30 minutes drive from Whakapapa Village.
Bring your mountain bike or 4-wheel drive to Tongariro Forest in Taupo, or come to simply observe the multitude of threatened species residing in the 'forest of the future'.
The Tongariro National Park offers excellent hunting opportunities only minutes away from the Old Coach Road. Follow the link for permits and to find out more about Turangi/Taupo hunting opportunities
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Tongariro National Park
Visit Ruapehu www.visitruapehu.com
Stop the spread of didymo Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety