Discover Ohakune Mountain Road
Ohakune Mountain Road, a 17 km route, connects the town of Ohakune to the southwest side of Mount Ruapehu. Known as the carrot capital of New Zealand, Ohakune is the gateway to this scenic drive, which ends at the Turoa Ski Field car park. This location also serves as one of the starting points for the Mountain to Sea Cycle Track, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Journey Through Diverse Forests
As you begin your journey on Ohakune Mountain Road, you'll be surrounded by mature rainforest. Towering trees such as rimu, mataī, and kahikatea reach heights of over 30 metres. Along the road's edge, you'll also encounter kāmahi, broadleaf, five fingers, tree ferns, and tōī, or mountain cabbage trees.
Climbing to Volcanic Views
The road ascends 1,000 metres, transitioning from dense rainforest to beech-dominated forests. As you climb higher, the trees give way to open views of the volcanic landscape. Near the snow line, a variety of shrubs and plants create a striking natural garden amidst the rocky terrain of Makotuku Flat. Look out for two prominent red rocks, which signal a good spot to pause and take in the scenery.
Walking Tracks Along the Road
Ohakune Mountain Road provides access to several well-signposted walking tracks. Notable among these are the trails to Waitonga Falls and Mangawhero Falls, offering opportunities to explore the area's natural beauty on foot. At the base of the road, you can also walk among forest giants on the short Rimu Walk.
Getting to Ohakune Mountain Road
From central Ohakune on State Highway 49. From the highway, take Goldfinch Street, which becomes Mangawhero Terrace. It changes to Ohakune Mountain Road after you cross the railway line.
On the northwestern side of Ruapehu, you can also check out Whakapapa and the Bruce Road. From there, you can access Tawhai Falls, Taranaki Falls, Tama Lakes and access the gondola, which gets you within walking distance of the summit.
