Ohakune and the surrounding areas, including Tongariro National Park, have an abundance of stunning, scenic rides, on tracks that cater for all ages and abilities of riders and walkers.

Need Transport? To get to and from any of these rides, book our shuttle service for you and your bike. Our shuttle can drop you off and pick you up at a designated time to suit your riding speed. Take just an hour, or the whole day. Don't feel pressured to do it quickly, take your time and enjoy the experience. We will be there when you are finished to bring you and your bike back to your accommodation provider.

The below mentioned walks/rides are just a sample of some that are in the area: 

DAY TRIPS

RUAPEHU-WHANGANUI TRAILS / MOUNTAIN TO SEA TRAILS

The National Cycleway Project is a New Zealand government co-funded initiative to build and operate a network of 'Great Rides' cycle routes through the country. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced the Government would spend $50 million over three years to build a national cycleway based around New Zealand’s iconic attractions.

The huge project will link a series of ‘Great New Zealand rides’ - including existing and newly created routes - providing a 3000km cycling route travelling the length of New Zealand.

Part of this overall National ‘Great Rides’ cycle route is the ‘Ruapehu-Whanganui Trails' or otherwise known as the 'Mountain To Sea Trail'.

This is a stunning ride that will begin in Ohakune (central North Island) and is proposed to finish in Wanganui, a 245km (approx 4-6 day ride). This can be done as a whole trip, or certain sections can be ridden (or walked) individually.

The trip is projected to start on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, crossing the 294-metre Hapuawhenua Viaduct, cycle through Whanganui National Park and cross the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Users can then take a jet boat ride down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki and cycle to Wanganui along the Whanganui River Road.

The ride/walk is mostly on tracks managed by DOC (Department of Conservation), but would also include some public and paper roads managed by district councils.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the project are now open.

STAGE 1 - Ohakune Old Coach Road to Horopito (via Hapuawhenua Viaduct) ride or walk.

Grade 2: 14kms - Allow for a full day

A new nationally recognised track rich in history and beauty, via the 1908 built Hapuawhenua Viaduct.

The Ohakune Old Coach Road is an engineering artifact of the early 20th century. It was built at the end of the horse-power era, at a time when the first motor cars were arriving in New Zealand. It is a cobblestone road, built over 100 years ago to provide coach transport for rail passengers. Hapuawhenua viaduct was part of the North Island Main Trunk railway line, built in 1908 and is now classified as a Category 1 structure by Historic Places Trust. This curved steel lattice viaduct is still an icon of the North Island Main Trunk railway and is so impressive it is part of AA’s 101 Must Do weekends.

The journey then continues on from Hapuawhenua Viaduct through stunning New Zealand bush to a small town called Horopito. Horopito lies on State Highway 4 between National Park and Raetihi and is famous for being the setting of 1981 feature film Smash Palace.

A full day’s ride with gentle sloping gradients. Ideal for most with a good general level of fitness.This route is steeped in history and is well documented by numerous on-route signs.

STAGE 2 - FISHERS TRACK

Grade 2: 21kms - Allow for a full day

From National Park Railway Station a gentle 3km climb takes cyclists over the saddle where you then descend 520m into the Retaruke Valley before ending, at the Oio Road junction. The track features spectacular views of the volcanic mountains and travels through native bush.

The following Rides (and walks) are either in Ohakune or within the surrounding area, just a short drive away. This is just an overview of some of the other rides available in the area. More information on each individual ride/walk can be obtained by contacting us.

42 TRAVERSE is considered one of the best mountain bike rides in the North Island. It follows old logging tracks through some of the most remote land in NZ. There are challenging downhills and muscle testing uphills through lush native forest with sweeping views of the central North Island mountains. Highlights include the stunning Canyon Valley, river crossings and a pub at the end! Approx 46 kms with overall descent of 520m and takes 4-6hours.

RANGATAUA FOREST is an old metal forest road of approx 12 kms that winds through the picturesque Rangataua Forest up the slope of Mt Ruapehu.

ROTOKURA RESERVE is a very pleasant 1-2 hour walk around two crater lakes in DOC Eco Reserve.

RATAMARIE ROAD is a mix of partially formed ‘paper’ road and metal road through typical New Zealand sheep and beef farms and market gardening, with magnificent views of Mt Ruapehu and Ohakune area.

LAKES RESERVE is a very enjoyable loop road around a lake through scenic native bush.

OHAKUNE MOUNTAIN ROAD a testing 16 kms (1000m vertical) climb uphill through various alpine landscapes from DOC office to end of the road or a thrilling downhill ride. In addition there are various walking tracks off this road.

 TONGARIRO FOREST LOOP is for experienced riders who like a challenge. You will encounter every type of riding imaginable on this beauty.

FISHERS TRACK from National Park via the rural road network to the monument (Oio Road) through the Erua Forest. A real buzz track of 17kms, 95% downhill with a 520m descent.

ERUA ROAD & SIDE TRAILS / CUFF ROAD are metal roads and go through some fascinating and beautiful eco and forest regions, with spectacular views. The two tracks are old construction tracks and are in a mixed state for the adventurous.

THE PINES is opposite the Old Waikune prision, 3 km south of National Park Village. This is the old forestry area. Approx 13km of tracks have been opened and is ideal for the whole family.

WHAKAPAPA ROAD a demanding uphill or thrilling buzz downhill ride

THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE an icon of approx 38kms from Ruatiti Road to the Whanganui River, part of which now forms the Ruapehu-Whanganui Trails, to be upgraded in 2010. For the most part the track generally follows the Mangapurura Stream whose valley is rich in history. Return by the same route or take a jetboat and/or canoe to Pipiriki (20kms) or stopover on route at a river lodge.

OVERNIGHT OR MULTIPLE DAY TRIPS

OHAKUNE TO WANGANUI (VIA BRIDGE TO NOWHERE)

A fantastic and thrilling 3 night trip beginning in Ohakune and finishing in Wanganui with a mix of cycling, walking, jet boat and canoeing down the Whanganui River.

This trip mixes culture, history and thrills all in one. It is not a physically demanding trip, but is enough to feel like you've made a good effort by the end of each day.

Day 1 - Shuttle service picks you and your bike up from your accommodation in Ohakune and drops you at historic Pipiriki for the start of your trip. Jet Boat up the Whanganui River to the Bridge To Nowhere (approx 1.5 hrs in jet boat & 40 minute walk) and canoe back to the Bridge To Nowhere Lodge (canoeing approx 1.5hrs) for your overnight accommodation.

Day 2 - Jet boat back to Pipiriki to collect your bikes & cycle down the River Road (cycling - approx 48 kms), staying overnight on the way.

Day 3 - Depart your accommodation in the morning and continue cycling to Whanganui (cycling - approx 30kms). Overnight accommodation in Wanganui.

Day 4 - Shuttle pick-up back to Ohakune

Price on application

Contact Ohakune Bike and Hike for all of your accommodation, bike hire and transport requirements.