Ohakune is a North Island town of interesting contrasts: it boasts views of the active volcano Mt. Ruapehu and has a giant orange carrot statue welcoming visitors at its entrance. But although nobody denies the importance of carrots to the local economy, it’s the mountain that most people come to see. Plus, Ohakune is a great base for exploring the nearby Tongariro and Whanganui national parks, the ski fields, and the historic Ohakune Old Coach Road mountain biking trail. There are many things to do in Ohakune and they don’t all involve carrots.
Altitude is everything in Ohakune, a town on the central North Island’s Central Plateau. At 1,900 feet (582 meters), it gets a decent amount of snow in winter but has a pleasant, cool climate in the summer. Visit between late spring (November) and early autumn (March) for weather ideal for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and canoeing. The ski season here typically runs from June–October. Ohakune can get especially busy during the winter and summer school holidays.
Although Ohakune is small and is easily navigated on foot, you’ll need your own vehicle to explore the surrounding area independently. However, many guided activities in the national parks or on the rivers include transport, so if you don’t have a vehicle you won’t be completely stuck. You can also rent bicycles, as the Ohakune Old Coach Road mountain biking trail is a popular attraction.
Don’t underestimate how much colder it can be on the Central Plateau than coastal areas of New Zealand. Even damp, windy Wellington to the south can feel warm compared to Ohakune and other inland towns at higher elevations. If you’re visiting to ski then you’ll probably be prepared with warmer clothes but bring colder-weather clothing year-round, especially if you’re embarking on a long hike. The conditions on the Tongariro Alpine Circuit can change very quickly.
