Eat, play, love in Ruapehu
Turning off of State Highway One, you instantly feel like you’re leaving the pack.
The gentle country roads unfold before you, teasing you with spectacular views of mountain glory around every bend. That crisp alpine air, the great outdoors – it’s all a bit enchanting really. You wind down the windows, feel the breeze in your hair, crank up your playlist and breathe it all in.
A journey to Ruapehu is an open invitation to connect with the little things that make life grand, to be both active and find stillness. It’s a place where your senses awaken to a breath-taking wonderland and where you’re reminded to savour the moments in between – the aroha is all in the detail. #FindYourAroha
EAT
The Blind Finch – Hamburgeria & Bakehouse in the heart of Ohakune
Serving up the best chocolate lahars in the world, gourmet burgers (with vegan options to boot!) with sides of truffle fries and the popular kamikaze fries -- your dinner and dessert are sorted.
Nutritional Getaways to Ruapehu Country Lodge – less than five minutes’ drive from Ohakune
Refresh and renew yourself from the inside out. The team at Ruapehu Country Lodge offer all-inclusive nutritional getaways for individuals, couples, or groups in peaceful, stunning surrounds.
Nga Hau e Wha Maara Kai Charitable Trust – a hidden gem in Taumarunui
A community garden with so much aroha you’ll never want to leave. Become empowered with the means and knowledge of being self-sufficient physically, mentally & spiritually. Haere mai!
High Tea at Chateau Tongariro – iconic 4-star hotel in Whakapapa
It’s time to give those hiking boots a break! Dine in decadence at the lavish Chateau Tongariro accompanied by the smell of freshly baked scones, savouries and macarons.
EAT - Takeaway diner in Ohakune
Your visit isn’t complete until you’ve feasted on made-to-order, plant-based, culinary delights from EAT, world-famous in Ohakune.
PLAY
SUP at National Park with My Kiwi Adventure – unique wilderness experience on Lake Otamangakau
Bask in the beauty of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngāuruhoe and Mt Ruapehu on a stand-up paddle experience with My Kiwi Adventure.
Tokaanu Thermal Pools – experience healing waters in Tokaanu
A thermal bathing area where fire meets water, Tokaanu Thermal Pools has been recognised for generations as a source of wai ora (healing waters). Enjoy a private thermal pool experience surrounded by native bush and crystal-clear streams.
Yoga at Volcano Vibe Collective – a gathering place for locally made art, crafts, and clothing in Raetihi
What better way to spend a Saturday morning than a yoga session at Volcano Vibe Collective? Good vibes and great community in the most creative, inspiring space.
LOVE
Nature walks galore – everywhere in Ruapehu New Zealand’s oldest National Park and dual World Heritage area, Tongariro National Park is home to the three volcanic peaks of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngāuruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. From neverending rivers to epic mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, and pristine native bush, Ruapehu offers plenty of opportunities to reconnect with the wild.
Lauren’s Lavender Farm -15 kms outside Taumarunui
Lavender fields forever – that’s how it feels when you arrive at Lauren’s Lavender Farm along the Forgotten Highway. Take a deep breath and enjoy the heavenly scent and sight of over 8,000 lavender plants in bloom from December-March.
Nevalea Alpaca Farm – home to over 900 friendly alpacas near Taumarunui
If you’ve never cuddled with a cria (baby alpaca) before, then it’s time to do something new. That fluffy soft fleece, those big curious eyes – there’s something about these gentle creatures that tugs at the heartstrings.
WHERE TO STAY
From holiday parks to homestays, country lodges to chalets and chateaus, glamping to backpackers and even flashpackers, there’s a beautiful mix of accommodation providers in and around Ruapehu. Take a look at some of our top picks.
• Te Awa Glamping – your luxury escape along the Whanganui River in Taumarunui
•Tongariro Springs – boutique suites in Erua, National Park
• Ruapehu Country Lodge – the perfect place to relax, restore and restart in Ohakune
• Blue Duck Station – a haven for outdoor adventures in Whakahoro
• Night Sky Cottage – a secluded eco retreat in Horopito
• Rua Awa Lodge – a wellness escape in Kakahi offering yoga, workshops, and charming accommodation
For more inspiration on where to go and what to do to find your aroha in Ruapehu, jump on to visitruapehu.com.