Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
And glorious it is. One of the most enjoyable half-day (three to four hours) cycle
rides in NZ, the gently graded route passes a number of unique engineering fea-
tures, including the historic Hapuawhenua and Toanui viaducts - the only two re-
maining curved viaducts in the southern hemisphere. It also passes through an-
cient forest of giant rimu and totara that survived the Taupo blast of AD 180, being
in the lea of Ruapehu. Views extend over the odd-shaped hillocks and mesa around
the foot of the volcano.
Cyclists are best to start at Horopito (where you can check out the car graveyard
known as 'Smash Palace'), as this gives you more downhill, overall. The odd push
uphill may well be required, but you'll get sufficient in-the-saddle time to justify the
effort - especially on some of the sweeping downhills underlaid with historic
cobblestones. This is wobbly, freewheeling fun for the whole family.
And this is just the tip of the Central Plateau's mountain-biking iceberg. The Old
Coach Road is the start of the
Mountains to Sea Trail
(Nga Ara Tuhono;
www.mountainstosea.co.nz
)
, a 317km route from Mt Ruapehu to Whanganui. This epic
also encompasses the improving Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Tracks, easily ac-
cessible from Ohakune and National Park and set to challenge the long-established
42 Traverse
and
Fishers Track
as the must-do day-rides in the area.
For bike hire and shuttles, visit TCB (
Click here
)
and Mountain Bike Station (
Click
here
) in Ohakune, and Kiwi Mountain Bikes (
Click here
) in National Park.
Sleeping
The prices listed are for summer; expect to pay up to twice as much in winter and book
ahead. Savings can be made on winter rates by booking midweek.
Station Lodge
HOSTEL $
( 06-385 8797;
www.stationlodge.co.nz
; 60 Thames St; dm $27, r $54, unit $100-200; )
Housed in a lovely old villa with wooden floors and high ceilings, this excellent YHA
hostel has a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge, spa pool, and tidy garden with a
pizza oven. If you're after privacy, separate chalets and apartments are available. The
clued-up owners also run Mountain Bike Station and Ski & Board Station.
Ohakune Top 10
HOLIDAY PARK $
( 06-385 8561, 0800 825 825;
www.ohakune.net.nz
; 5 Moore St; campsites $42, units $68-135;
)
A bubbling stream borders this holiday park, which has a wide range of accom-
modation including tidy motel units. Extras include a playground, barbecue area and
private spa bath.
