Ohakune
Ohakune is the main centre for all skiing holidays to Mount Ruapehu in the North Island. It is just under an hour’s drive from both Taupo and Wanganui and is situated in the southern section of the Tongariro National Park. In winter, Ohakune is alive with skiers who come to visit the slopes of both Turoa and Whakapapa. Turoa is reached via the beautiful Ohakune Mountain Road which is among the best in New Zealand. The steep descent takes you through a variety of changing landscapes from shrub land through to large stands of native forest. Whakapapa, the largest ski field in the North Island is a short drive to the northern end of Mount Ruapehu. Accommodation is available from budget through to luxury although it pays to book ahead during school holidays and weekends throughout the ski season. Ohakune has a good choice of cosy restaurants and cafes to cater for most tastes. During the summer months Ohakune is a popular base from which to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This full day trek is on the must do list of the avid hiker and takes you through remote mountainous territory across Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe.
Other popular pastimes in the National Park include more sedate bush walking and canoeing. There are a number of beautiful parks and lake walks a short drive from Ohakune. Guided canoe safaris are taken down the Whanganui River which are suitable for families or individuals with little experience. Mountain biking is another popular pursuit with a great choice of trails and loop roads to follow. Ohakune holds two major annual festivals each year. The Big Mountain Short Film Festival and The Ohakune Mountain Mardi Gras make the town come alive with visitors. The Mardi Gras is a street party full of artists, musicians and entertainment to celebrate the ski season. The township of Ohakune is also known as the carrot capital of New Zealand due to the number of carrots harvested in the area and there is a huge model of a giant carrot in the main street to honour this fact.