Stay Central, Adventure Out & About

Stay at the Ruapehu Mountain Motel and Lodge as a base for all seasons accommodation requirements.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Dubbed the best one-day walk in the world.

This is a full-day 17Km challenging hike that crosses Mt Tongariro, past numerous volcanic features We can arrange your transport shuttle with local operators who provide pick-up and drop-off transportation from our door. Or call 0800 4 MATAI.

It can be subject to severe weather so we suggest you wear/carry alpine survival equipment.

Tongariro National Park

At the heart of the Ruapehu District. Recognised as a World Heritage Site listed because of its unique, active volcanic attributes and also its special cultural significance.

• Ski and snowboard your heart out over the winter season.
• Take a scenic chairlift ride to 2020m – with breathtaking views.
• Enjoy a delicious meal and coffee at the Knoll ridge – NZ’s highest café.
• Walk to the Crater Lake on Mount Ruapehu. Summer guided tours available – see www.mtruapehu.com
• Based at Ruapehu Mountain Accommodation you can enjoy many stunning day walks such as:
  • Mangawhero Rimu Track (10 mins) and Forest Walk (1hr) start just a few minutes walk up the road into the National Park.
  • Waitonga Falls (1hr 30m) begins on the Ohakune Mountain road. Magnificent mountain views and a 30m high waterfall.
  • Mangaturuturu Valley Hut & Lake Surprise (5hr return trip) Experience unique cascades, stunning river valley with unlimited views of Mt Ruapehu, and a hidden lake gem.

For more information on walking tracks and facilities in the Tongariro National Park, visit the Department of Conservation website: www.doc.govt.nz

Ohakune Old Coach Road

The Ohakune Old Coach Road has been classified Category I by the Historic Places trust.

Recently developed as a fantastic new walkway and mountain bike trail which is part of the Mountain to Sea Cycleway.

The trail starts just around the corner from us at the Ohakune Railway Station and travels to Horopito following the old rock paved railway road link made for horse drawn coaches.

No other road of this age, length and surface exists in New Zealand. The impressive Hapuawhenua Viaduct has recently been restored to allow visitors to walk & ride over this spectacular curved structure.

Mountain Biking

Bike hire, and pick-up/drop-off can be arranged either from reception or contact www.tcbskiandboard.co.nz

Ruapehu Mountain Accommodation is situated 1 min from the start of the Old Coach Road and the Ohakune Mountain Road. Other tracks are also only a short bike ride or drive away.

Numerous spectacular mountain bike trails are found in and around the Ruapehu region suitable for all levels from family and novice to experienced.

• Ruapehu Great Rides: 14 accessible trails in the Ruapehu region. Grades 2 – 5+. Rangataua Forest Tracks, The Old Coach Road, Fishers Track, 42 Traverse, the Ohakune Mountain Road (16km up or down) and Ratamarie road all make for fantastic Mountain Biking experiences. See www.visitruapehu.com for more information.
• Mungapurua Valley & Bridge to Nowhere: (38kms one way). You can return by the same route, or take a jet boat or canoe to Pipiriki. Door to door pick up – drop off is available: see www.whanganuiriveradventures.co.nz or www.canoesafaris.co.nz

Whanganui River Trips

Your choice of 1, 2, 6, or 10-day guided tours. The Whanganui River is NZ’s longest navigable river. Generally placid water allows for a great family wilderness adventure that will never to be forgotten.

There are campsites and huts along the way. Erosion has created spectacular gorges and bluffs and native bush clings to the steep riverbanks.

The area is full of bird life and the river is rich in eels, native trout and koura (freshwater crayfish). Canoe/kayak and equipment hire is available.

Jet boat day trips from Pipiriki to the famous ‘drop-scene, with a walk to the Bridge-to-Nowhere, are also popular.

See www.whanganuiriveradventures.co.nz or www.yetitours.co.nz

Golf

The Waimarino Golf Course is an 18 hole well maintained course-situated 5Km from Ohakune with fantastic views of Mt Ruapehu.

Indoor Climbing Centre

Situated in central Ohakune this international standard all weather centre that anyone from 3 – 83 and beyond can enjoy.

See www.vertigoclimbing.co.nz

Squash

3 High quality courts are situated at Ruapehu College in Ohakune.

Horse Trekking

Homestead Horse Treks offer a variety of treks suitable for ‘Learn to ride” to experienced.

Ride forest and river trails with spectacular views if Mt Ruapehu.

Contact Homestead Horse Treks at www.ruapehuhomestead@xtra.co.nz

Mokai Gravity Canyon

The “must stop adrenaline spot” off SH1 just south of Taihape.

Bungy jump 80m, take the 160kph 1km flying fox, or take a 50m-freefall-bridge swing.

Call 0800 802 864

Hot Thermal Pools

Situated at Tokaanu, Turangi enjoy natural hot pools and take a walk around the thermal wonderland – great for all ages.

White Water Rafting

Raft the Tongariro River Grade 3 white water, navigating over 50 rapids, enjoy a leisurely family float, raft fish or take a kayak trip with experienced operators.

Contact Tongariro River Rafting on 0800 10 10 24.

Army Museum Waiouru

Discover NZ’s military history, engage with real life soldiers’ stories and reflect on how conflict has shaped our nation.

Open daily 9.00am – 4.30pm.

Trout Fishing

There is brilliant fishing to be had in the world famous Tongariro River or try for a brown trout in the Manganui-o-te Ao or the Waimarino. Guided trips are available. Lake Taupo offers year round fishing experiences.

Ruapehu Scenic Flights

See our spectacular volcanic mountains, bush clad hills and amazing river systems from the air.

Visit Mountain Air at www.mountainair.co.nz or call 0800 922 812