Ohakune Old Coach Road
Walking track
Time:
2 hr
Distance:
6.4 km
Getting there
Access to the Ohakune Old Coach Road is currently from Ohakune only. Visitors can either start their journey at the historic Ohakune railway station and walk down Old Coach Road before turning right into Marshalls road, or park and walk from the Marshalls Road car park, about a five minute drive from Ohakune.
About the area
The Hapuawhenua Viaduct was one of the final components in completing the North Island main trunk rail, and is now linked into the Old Coach Road through a new section of track.
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.
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.
It is now under development by the Department of Conservation in partnership with Ohakune 2000 and the Tongariro Natural History Society as 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.
Activities
Mountain biking
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.
Places to stay
Set in Whakapapa Village, on the flanks of Mt Ruapehu, these cabins and lodge are in the heart of Tongariro National Park.
This is a serviced motorcamp in the Ruapehu area.
This is a standard campsite in the Ruapehu area.
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, about a 30 minute drive from Ohakune.
Plan and prepare
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.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required