Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.themountainrocks.co.nz
;
cnr Clyde & Goldfinch Sts; mains $14-33; 8am-late)
A log-cabin-like space
with a nod to the all-American diner. Join the locals for cheap beers and a no-surprises se-
lection of big-portion burgers, lamb shanks, steaks, and fish and chips. Buzzy garden bar
with a big screen for the big games.
Information
)
Offers free internet ac-
Ohakune Public Library
(
06-385 8364; 37 Ayr St;
8am-5pm Mon-Fri;
cess.
Ruapehu i-SITE
( 06-385 8427;
www.visitruapehu.com
; 54 Clyde St; 9am-5pm)
Can make bookings
for activities, transport and accommodation; DOC officers are usually on hand from 10am
to 4.30pm most days.
Visit Ohakune
(
www.visitohakune.co.nz
)
Useful website for 'The Mountain Town' and around.
Getting There & Around
(
www.nakedbus.com
)
, as well as
The Northerner
train run by KiwiRail Scenic (
Click here
)
.
Matai Shuttles
( 06-385 8724;
www.mataishuttles.co.nz
)
is based in Ohakune, offering services
around the Central Plateau.
WORTH A TRIP
LAKE ROTOKURA
Rotokura Ecological Reserve
(
www.doc.govt.nz
) is 14km southeast of Ohakune, at Karioi, just off SH49 (
karioi
means 'places to linger'). There are two lakes here: the first is Dry Lake, actually quite wet and perfect for pic-
nicking; the furthest is Rotokura,
tapu
(sacred) to Maori, so eating, fishing and swimming are prohibited. The
round-trip walk will take you 45 minutes; longer if you linger to admire the ancient beech trees and waterfowl
such as dabchicks and paradise ducks.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Waiouru
POP 740
At the junction of SH1 and SH49, 27km east of Ohakune, Waiouru (altitude 792m) is
primarily an army base and a refuelling stop for the 56km-long Desert Rd leading to Tur-
