Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing the annual Carrot Carnival ( www.carrotcarnival.org.nz ) , and immortalised in a roadside tribute
- the impossible-to-miss Big Carrot (Rangataua Rd) , erected in 1984.
But locals needn't mention liver cleansing and eyesight improvement to win us over to
the charms of this little town. A pretty retreat in the summer offering outdoor adventure
galore, Ohakune springs to life in winter when the snow drifts down on Turoa Ski Area
and the snow bunnies invade.
There are two distinct parts to the town: the commercial hub is strung along the high-
way, but in winter the northern end around the train station, known as the Junction, is the
epicentre of the action. The two are linked by the Mangawhero River Walkway , a leafy amble
taking around 25 minutes on foot.
Activities
There are several scenic walks near the town, many starting from the Ohakune Mountain
Rd, which stretches 17km from Ohakune to the Turoa Ski Area ( Click here ) on Mt Ruape-
hu. The handy DOC brochure Walks in and Around Tongariro National Park ($3), avail-
able from the i-SITE, is a good starting point.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is readily accessible via regular shuttle services from
Ohakune, while the Round the Mountain ( www.doc.govt.nz ) track can be accessed by continuing
on the Waitonga Falls track.
Mangawhero Forest Walk
An easy stroll starting near the beginning of Ohakune Mountain Rd (one-hour loop, 3km),
taking in native forest and the Mangawhero River. It is well graded and suitable for
wheelchairs and pushchairs.
WALKING
Waitonga Falls & Lake Surprise Tracks
The path to Waitonga Falls (1½ hours return, 4km), Tongariro's highest waterfall (39m),
offers magnificent views of Mt Ruapehu. A more challenging walk climbs to shallow
Lake Surprise (five hours return, 9km). Both tracks start from Ohakune Mountain Rd.
HIKING
Mountain Bike Station
( 06-385 8797; www.mountainbikestation.co.nz ; 60 Thames St) Rents mountain bikes (half/full day
from $35/50) and provides transfers to local mountain-biking routes, including the Ohak-
MOUNTAIN BIKING
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