Ohakune Old Coach Road
Alert/Important notice
Part of the track can be muddy
The central section of the track ("Skyline") is currently very muddy for a few kilometers, and more difficult for less experienced riders.
Track category
Walking track
Mountain bike - Easy
Time:
2 hr 20 min cycle or 4 hr 30 min walk, one way
Distance:
15 km Ohakune Railway Station to Horopito (or reverse)
Description
The Ohakune Old Coach Road links a number of fascinating pieces of New Zealand's rail heritage in a journey through a spectacular part of Tongariro National Park.
The Department of Conservation in partnership with Ohakune 2000 and Project Tongariro have re-developed the Ohakune Old Coach Road as part of the Ruapehu-Whanganui cycle trail, and it now is a fantastic new walkway and cycleway.
The road formed an integral link between the two rail heads between 1906 and 1908, allowing through journeys by horse and coach before the rail was completed. The Hapuawhenua Viaduct was one of the final components in completing the North Island main trunk rail, and is now linked into this walk through a new section of track.
Getting there
Access to the Ohakune Old Coach Road is from either Ohakune or Horopito. Visitors in Ohakune can either start their journey at the historic Ohakune railway station and ride down Old Coach Road before turning right into Marshalls road, or park and ride from the Marshalls Road car park, about a five minute drive from Ohakune.
Alternatively, you can drive to Horopito and access the track from Matapuna road. The Old Coach Road is approximately 11km long to the Marshalls road car park, so it is an achievable return ride for a day, or a nice half day one way trip.
There are also several transport operators who provide transport to and from the track, and local bike rental is available. Inquire at the Ohakune i-Site for details.
Activities
Mountain biking and cycling
Ohakune Old Coach Road is a unique heritage cycleway, combining the gentle undulating terrain of the Coach road with new trails through stunning native bush. A highlight of the track is to cycle across the impressive span of the restored Hapuawhenua rail viaduct. This track is part of the Ruapehu-Whanganui trail cycleway which is due for completion in 2011.
When completed, this trail will take cyclists through the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, past the famous Bridge to Nowhere, the Hapuawhenua Viaduct and many marae along the Whanganui River Road.
Places to stay
There are a large number of tourist accommodation and short-term rental properties available in the Ohakune area, as well as a basic campsite. There are also a number of options available in National Park village and Whakapapa village, a 30-40 minute drive from Ohakune.
About the area
Ohakune is a playground for outdoors activities of all sorts, from mountain biking and walking, to skiing and hunting.
With a little effort you can enjoy some part of all that Tongariro National Park has to offer, regardless of age or fitness level. The Old Coach Road is a gentle track with easy gradients, and is suitable for members of the family of all ages to enjoy.
Plan and prepare
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
The weather in Tongariro National Park is extremely changeable all year around. Be prepared for all weather.
For longer walks take:
- windproof/waterproof raincoat and overtrousers
- spare warm clothing
- sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots
- food and drink
- map for unmarked routes (available at DOC offices)
- sunglasses and suncream
- first aid kit
We recommend treating all water in Tongariro National Park.
Guides and commercial tourism providers