At one end of Ohakune (pop. 1500) stands Mt. Ruapehu, a massive snow-covered time bomb whose fine skiing causes the town’s population to triple in winter. At the other end lies Ohakune’s alter-ego—a statue of a mighty carrot, symbolizing the importance of post-ski-season farming. When the snow melts and the frozen visitors trickle out of town, Ohakune produces world-class carrots, sprouts, and potatoes from the area’s rich volcanic soils, making it a hotbed of volunteer and work opportunities.
The south end of town, where SH49 merges with the main drag (Clyde Street), has the most services and is active year-round. The north end, known as the Junction, lies by the railroad tracks and comes alive during the winter with seasonal chalets and a jumping nightlife. It also marks the start of the Ohakune Mountain Road, leading up past the trailheads to several scenic tramps and the ski lifts of Turoa. Goldfinch Street/Mangawhero Terrace (the road changes names) runs between Clyde St. and Ohakune Mountain Rd. (20-25min. by foot).
Ohakune has an impressive number of accommodations, given its small size. For travelers not requiring amenities, the DOC-run, shower-free Mangawhero Campsite 1, about 1.5km up Ohakune Mountain Rd., is ideal ($6).
What Ohakune lacks in nightlife, it more than makes up for with its hipster-happy afternoon cafe scene in winter. Utopia 2, 57 Clyde St., makes hearty gourmet breakfasts, like poached eggs on sourdough toast with bacon and tomatoes ($14). (☎385 9120. Open daily 8am-3pm. Cash only.) Mountain Kebabs Cafe 2, 29 Clyde St., has filling meat and vegetarian kebabs (medium; $7.50) served in toasted wraps. (☎385 9047. Open daily 10am-10pm. Frequently closed in summer.) One of the few places open year-round, The Mountain Rocks Cafe 2, at Clyde and Goldfinch St., rocks out to Bob Marley and serves up panini ($9.50), curries ($16), and an infamous Big Breakfast ($14.50). (☎385 8295. Kitchen open daily 8am-2:30pm and 5-9pm. Cash only.) Open daily 6pm-late. Closed in summer.) Stock up for your own virtuoso cooking at New World 1, 12 Goldfinch St. (☎385 8587. Open M-Sa 8am-7pm, Su 8am-6pm.) At the corner of Ohakune Mountain Rd. and Thames St., in the Powderhorn Chateau, the polished wood of the Powderkeg Bar 1, explodes on winter weekends with DJs and drink specials. (☎385 8888. Handles $4.50. Open daily 7am-late. Summer 4pm-late. MC/V.)
Most people come to Ohakune to ski the fine slopes of Turoa , but the area does have summer activities. The paved 17km Ohakune Mountain Road makes for exhilarating and scenic biking when the ski traffic is gone. Trampers will revel in the Round-the-Mountain Track , which comes through the Ohakune side of Ruapehu, following Ohakune Mountain Rd. for about 3km before diving back into wilderness on the west side of the mountain. Other good walks depart from the upper reaches of the road, including a short jaunt over to Waitonga Falls (1hr. round-trip) from a trailhead 11km up the road. From October to April, Ohakune is a secondary point of departure for canoe trips on the Whanganui River, a tranquil ride running through the heart of the wilderness. Many rental and guide companies either operate in town or offer pickup here . Before you leave, check out the giant carrot on SH49.
 |
 |
 |
 |
For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
Facebook
Twitter
You Tube
Foursquare
Newsletter
RSS Feed
Overview