Ohakune walks for all fitness types
Rimu Walk
Distance: 1.5km
Time: 15 minutes round trip Start Point: DOC Visitor Centre at the foot of the Ohakune Mountain Road Difficulty: Easy
This well-constructed walkway is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and is a side loop from the Mangawhero Forest Track. The loop crosses a peaceful mountain stream and passes through native ferns and kamahi providing a nice easy family walk.
Family-friendly
Mangawhero Forest Walk
Distance: 3km
Time: 45-minute loop track
Start Point: Foot of the Ohakune Mountain Road
Difficulty: Easy
Within easy walking distance of the township, Mangawhero Forest Walk is a great introduction to the native forest of central North Island - an abundance of species including broadleaf, kahikatea, kamahi, matai and rimu trees surround the track. Crossing the Mangawhero River, from which it takes its name, the trail descends through the towering kahikatea trees to a swamp-like volcanic crater.
Jubilee Walkway
Distance: 1.5km
Time: 20 minutes
Start Point: Ohakune Giant Carrot, Rangataua Road, southern end of Ohakune
Difficulty: Easy
Starting at the famous Ohakune Giant Carrot, this pleasant 20-minute stroll through the Jubilee Park Scenic Reserve loosely follows the path of the Mangateitei Stream and is a leisurely track suitable for all abilities. The trail winds through the forest and finishes at Burns Street at the southwestern entrance to Ohakune. From here it is easy to link with the Mangawhero River Walkway and continue on to the northern end of the township.
The track is quite steep in places and often becomes very muddy in rainy weather so it is advised that you wear sturdy footwear when walking this trail.
Family-friendly
Hapuawhenua Viaduct Walk
via the Ohakune Old Coach Road
Distance: 7km (Marshall Road carpark)
Time: one and a half to two hours return
Start Point: The official start is at the Ohakune Train Station on Thames Street, but if you wish to shorten it, you can drive the first 3km to Marshalls Road car park (add another 8km to the round trip, approximately 90 minutes, if walking from Goldfinch St, central Ohakune) Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Following the first stage of the Ohakune Old Coach Road, the Hapuawhenua Viaduct Walk takes in the Hapuawhenua Tunnel and both the old and new Hapuawhenua Viaducts.
These impressive curved lattice structures span the valley side by side and the original viaduct, built
in 1908 and holding World Heritage Engineering status, is testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of those who were responsible for its construction.
It is possible to walk the full length of the original structure, from which you can occasionally watch the trains crossing its replacement further down the valley.
Waitonga Falls Track
Distance: 4km
Time: One and a half hours round trip
Start Point: 11km from Ohakune on the Ohakune Mountain Road
Difficulty: Easy some steep sections
This easy walk through beech and kaikawaka forest and across scenic marshland brings you to the Tongariro National Park’s highest accessible waterfall and the alpine stream below. With picture-perfect views of the mountain reflected in the Rotokawa tarn (a shallow mountain pool) and the chance to fully appreciate the valley vistas, this trail is well worth a visit.
The route winds along the wooded slopes of Ruapehu and crosses the Rotokawa marshes on a raised boardwalk finally descending to the base of the falls. The falls are beautiful at all times of the year, but during the winter months, the volume of water passing over the falls makes them particularly remarkable. Green hooded orchids and white sun orchids can also be seen along this track.
Family-friendly
Mangawhero Falls Walk
Distance: Less than 1km Time: 10 minutes
Start Point: Mangawhero Falls car park, 13km from Ohakune on the Ohakune Mountain Road Difficulty: Easy
A great short track if you happen to be in the area, the Mangawhero Falls was used as the location for Ithilien, where Gollum catches fish, in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Easily accessible from the Ohakune Mountain Road, this beautiful waterfall is best viewed in the winter months when a greater volume of water passes over the volcanic formations and leaving sparkling icicles surrounding the area.
Family-friendly Lake Rotokura Track
Distance: 5km
Time: One-hour return
Start Point: Rotokura car park on Karioi Station Road – Look for the sign on SH49, left hand side, 12km from Ohakune in the direction of Waiouru.
Difficulty: Easy
Lake Rotokura is sacred to the local Māori iwi (tribe) who believe its waters have healing powers. The pretty surroundings, easy access and picturesque reflections of the mountain in the waters make this a popular track.
The route begins at the car park and heads through the ancient beech forest, past the man-made Dry Lake, which is home to a variety of native and exotic waterfowl, and then loops around Lake Rotokura. The area is part of Karioi Rahui, a DOC ecological reserve developed in conjunction with the local iwi, and is home to an increasing population of native bird species including the North Island Brown Kiwi. If you wish to picnic on this track, please use the grassy area by Dry Lake as eating near Lake Rotokura is disrespectful in the Māori culture. Fishing here is also strictly prohibited.
The Lakes Reserve
Distance: 2km
Time: 30 minutes
Start Point: Ohakune, Mountain town
Difficulty: Easy
Located 2.5km from the main Ohakune town area on the LHS along the road to Raetihi brings you to this 1.8km loop off Lakes Road. Park at the locked gate area and walk the 4WD track from there, the entrance to the loop is on the right about 100meters up Lakes Road.
The road/track is a combination of metal and dirt and is a great stroll in the bush around a small lake. The loop is easily driveable if you prefer, and is also a favourite detour for mountain bikers. This lake is the southernmost blowhole (or vent) of The Pacific Rim.