Beyond the skiing and snowboarding at Turoa, there are various activities in Ohakune and Ruapehu surrounds. Some of these can be ideal things to do to fill in the days when the weather is not enticing you up to Turoa Ski Field.
Ohakune Mountain Bike Riding
The Ohakune Coach Road is one of various great mountain bike paths around Ohakune. You can rent mountain bikes or E-bikes from the TCB shop and they’ll drive you out to Horopito if you want to do a one way trip that’s slightly more downhill than uphill. The one way trip takes 1.5-2.5 hours depending on your skills and fitness, and the track has some smooth parts but it mostly has small rocks and mud. The Old Coach Road has plenty of varied scenery with trails through the rain forest and a highlight is the old viaduct rail bridge – don’t peer over the edge!
A downhill mountain bike track is planned that will travel from the Turoa car park down to Ohakune.
Tongariro Crossing
The majestic Tongariro Crossing tramp is very popular as a summer activity but it’s also possible to do a winter Tongariro crossing if you have an ice axe, crampons and avalanche knowledge. Or you can go with a tour guide. The hike takes about 9 hours so that should tire you out adequately!
Other Activities Near Ruapehu
- Go fishing! The streams and rivers at Mount Ruapehu offer some of the best fishing in New Zealand. You can use spinners or fly fishing to tackle the fish – predominately rainbow trout.
- Play golf at the Waimarino Golf Course, 4 kilometres outside Ohakune.
- Go horse riding at Lazy H Horse Treks in Taihape, 30 minutes from Okahune. They offer a variety of rides including overnight adventures.
- Board a scenic flight to see Turoa and Whakapapa from the air, and also to see the crater lakes of Mount Ruapehu and the neighbouring volcanoes in all their glory.
