There’s lots to keep you active in Ruapehu and encourage you to get outdoors to seek its rewards. Ruapehu is a fantastic family travel destination all year round, for its snow activities in the colder months and for it’s walking and biking tracks during the warmer months. There are also some small museums and indoor rock climbing for a cold and rainy day, or warm up at the thermal pools. Ruapehu is a fantastic outdoorsy place and you will easily fall in love with the town’s charm and the pristine alpine environment.
Mount Ruapehu
Mt Ruapehu – there are two ski fields at Mount Ruapehu, Whakapapa and Turoa, both have great trails. You can also explore one of the three walking tracks at Whakapapa during summer (see walking/biking section below) or take advantage of the snow in winter and going skiing, snowboarding or sledding down the mount. Happy Valley is perfect for beginners. If you just want to experience the snow and check out the views, both ski fields cater to that. At Turoa, you’ll get a ride up on a chairlift and get the highest up the mount, and at Whakapapa you can take a ride up the gondola called ‘Sky Waka’ and enjoy the highest dining experience in New Zealand.
Attractions/activities
Nevalea Alpaca Farm – the Nevalea Alpaca Farm is home to over 900 black, white and brown alpacas, making it the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand. There is a range of experiences you can have with the alpacas, from feeding them to taking them for a walk or even meeting a baby alpaca, it’s sure to be a very special and cuddly day.
Dinosaur House – the Dinosaur House is a small museum containing a collection of dinosaur displays and fossils.
Tokaanu Thermal Springs – warm up after a day at the mount at this small but relaxing thermal pool complex. There’s also a short and free walk that goes past steaming mineral pools and mud pools. See if you can spot any rainbow trout in the cold Tokaanu stream that runs next to the thermal area. While you’re in the area enjoy a picnic or fish at the Tokaanu Historic Wharf which is one of the oldest of its kind in New Zealand, dating back to the early 1800s.
Indoor Rock Climbing – if the weather’s not behaving, why not check out Vertigo Climbing Centre in Ohakune or the National Park Backpackers Climbing Wall.
Rail Carts with Forgotten World Adventures – go on a rail cart adventure through the Forgotten World. There’s a range of options to choose from, starting at 5.5 hours – 4 days with lots of fun activities and lunch stops along the way, they’ve got it all sorted.
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National Army Museum – learn more about our military history and how it has shaped our nation and be inspired by stories of courage, loyalty and comradeship.
Horse Trekking – Blue Duck Station and Ruapehu Homestead both offer horse trekking fit for the whole family.
Lauren’s Lavender Farm – Laurens Lavender is a family-owned business and grows around 8,000 lavender plants which are in full bloom from the end of December until early March. They offer a wide selection of their own lavender products and there is a cafe that offers a few sweet treats and drinks. Open 9am – 4pm from the end of October to the middle of May.
River Tours – there are lots of canoeing, jetboating and white water rafting tours along the Whanganui River (some going to the Bridge of Nowhere) – the hard part is choosing! Along the Whanganui River you can book a tour with Bridge to Nowhere Jet Boat Tour, Forgotten World Jet, Tongariro River Rafting, Taumarunui Canoe Hire and Jet Boat Tours, Whanganui River Adventures, Adrift Tongariro Guided Whanganui Canoe Trips, just to name a few. Or you can explore the Rangitikei River with Canoe Safaris.
Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park – a stunning playground, BMX track, pump track, outdoor gym, picnic spot, walkways and lots of smaller vegetable friends for the big 7.5-metre carrot – a popular spot to grab a photo with the giant carrot.
Walking/biking
Walking tracks in and around the Tongariro National Park in Ruapehu is very popular. Download the Walks in and around Tongariro National Park brochure. The region also has two of New Zealand’s 22 ‘Great Ride’ cycle trails. One of them is the Mountains to Sea, a 217km, 3-5 day trial. It can be broken into shorter rides, a popular one being the Ohakune Old Coach Road. The Timber Trail is a 1-2 day, 85km ride. The first part of the ride is relatively easy and flat and makes a great short ride for the kids.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing – This is considered New Zealand’s best one day hike. Walk through alpine meadows, past two active volcanoes and be rewarded with the views of the turquoise mineral lakes. Being around 20km long it’s a challenging walk even for the fit. Maybe not for the kids, but if you can afford a babysitter it’s worth the hike. Although the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not one to miss, there are more trails better suited to kids taking you to the Taranaki Falls, Waitonga Falls, Silicia Rapids, Tawhai Falls and Lake Surprise with walks being as short as 15 minutes.
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At Whakapapa (summer only):
- Waterfalls Descent – take the Sky Waka gondola up, walk down rugged volcanic terrain, past waterfalls and admire the views on the 1-2 hour descent down the mount.
- Skyline – this has been described as Tongariro National Park’s ‘best short walk’, you’ll need to take the Sky Waka gondola up and then continue up by foot to the Skyline Ridge. 1.5-2.5 hours return.
- Meads Wall – Only a short 30-minute walk will take you to Meads Wall, a film location for The Fellowship of the Ring & The Two Towers.
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Taranaki Falls – this two-hour return walk takes you through Tongariro National Park and to the impressive 20 metre high Taranaki Falls. You can swim in the pool on a warm summers day, but with the water coming off the mountain it’s bound to be freezing. Walk all the way around the waterfalls and get a magical view from behind the veil before heading up to the top.
Tawhai Falls – a short 10-15 minute walk to the Tawhai Falls, also known as Gollum’s Pool.
Silica Rapids – 7km (2.5 hours) of golden silica rapids, waterfalls, forest, lava formations and views of the mounts.
Waitonga Falls – the Waitonga Falls is the Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall, at 39 metres high. It’s along an easy track that takes you along mountain beech and kaikawaka forest. Takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes (4km return).
Mangawhero Falls – this waterfall is easily accessible, if you’re heading up the mount to Turoa you might as well stop in to see this beautiful waterfall. Only a 5-10 min return, easy walk.
Kaiwhakauka Falls – this 3-hour return trip starts from the Blue Duck Station and takes you to the lovely Kaiwhakauka Falls. It’s a nice, easy track but it does get muddy after a bit of rainfall.
Tupapakurua Falls – a more advanced walk, this track is steep and can get muddy. Enjoy views of Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu from the lookout point, then continue on for a harder walk to the falls. It takes about 4 – 5 hours.
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Pureora Forest – Fantastic walking and biking in a forest that has giant native trees and is rich in birdlife. Home to the popular 85km Timber Trail which can be walked or biked, and though this may be a bit too long for the kids, you can still enjoy smaller trails in this beautiful forest. Be sure to check out the Waihora Lagoon to see the mirror effects on the lake.
Ohakune Old Coach Road – take a look into New Zealand’s rail heritage as you walk or bike along the Old Coach Road which was used to carry passengers and goods by horse and coach. Walk (4 hours, 30 minutes) or cycle (2 hours, 20 minutes) New Zealand’s heritage rail, this 15km oneway track will take you through native forest and there’ll be sweeping views to take in. It starts at Ohakune but I’ve heard that it’s easier to start at Horopito where there are more downhill sections.
Lake Surprise Track – get a little taste of the 66-kilometre Round the Mountain Track with this 5-hour return alpine walk to Lake Surprise. On a calm day, you’ll get a nice reflection of Mt Ruapehu in the background.
Makotuku River – a 4km walkway takes you along a river and through native bush. There is also a swimming hole along the Makotuku River.
Jubilee Walkway – starting at the Giant Carrot and follows the Mangateitei Stream, ending up in town. A nice short 20-minute stroll if you’re at the Adventure Park.
Mangawhero Forest Walk – cross the Mangawhero River and into a forest filled with giant rimu, mataī and kahikatea reaching 30 metres or more above the forest floor. 1 hour, 3km loop.
Lake Rotopounamu Walk – this beautiful walk loops around the lake and an easy family favourite. 2 hours, 5km loop.
Whakapapa Nature Walk – this short 15-kilometre loop shows you the unique alpine flora in the Tongariro National Park, read up more about the various zones of vegetation in the park on the information panels along the way. Wheelchair/pram accessible.
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Lake Rotokura – a short 30-minute walk that visits two lakes. On a calm day, you can see the reflection of Mt Ruapehu on the water.
Ohinetonga Track – a fantastic 2 hour, 3.8km walk that takes you into the forest and past the Ohinetonga Lagoon. There are plenty of great picnic areas and nice swimming spots along the river.
Tama Lakes Track – this track continues on from the Taranaki Falls Track. After reaching the Taranaki Falls, continue on to enjoy views of the two Tama Lakes. 5 – 6 hour return, 17 km.
The Timber Trail – the popular 85km Timber Trail can be walked or biked, and though this may be a bit too long for the kids, you can still enjoy the beginning of it where it’s nice and flat.
Fishers Track – the Fishers Track is great for beginner riders, most of it is downhill. The 17km, Grade 2 track takes around 2-3 hours. You’ll need to book a shuttle back.
Mount Ruapehu Crater Lake – this walk is for equipped and experienced people but a great 7-hour walk if you’ve got the weekend away with no kids. The unmarked walk takes you up Ruapehu and to the crater lake which is at 2672m. If you’re not experienced with this kind of terrain, there are guided walks available.
Te Pepe Bike Park and Pump Track – great for all ages and ability levels. BMX fun for the whole family.
Mahuia Rapids – most people drive straight past but this is a great quick stop for a beautiful little walk to see the breathtaking rapids and a waterfall with a swimming hole.
Okupata Cave – this narrow and dark cave has lots of passages – just don’t get lost. Cave is by the road.
Map it out
Map out your journey so you know exactly where you’re going.
