Things to do in Ohakune
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Top 10 attractions in Ohakune
North Island
From a geographical point of view, the North Island has a rich and varied terrain that is amazing. With charming beaches and dense forests, islands and harbors have witnessed the changes of time. In terms of cities, the North Island has many vibrant and charming cities, with modern high-rise buildings and beautiful harbors complementing each other. Here, tourists can feel the earth's vigorous productivity, marvel at the magical creativity of nature, and immerse themselves in the magnificent culture and artistic imagination of mankind. This land, with its unique charm, invites every visitor to write his or her own New Zealand story. Whether it is a natural landscape lover, a cultural explorer, or a pursuer of food and urban life, New Zealand's North Island can meet the expectations of tourists. It is like a colorful treasure land, waiting for people to discover, explore, and feel its unique charm.Desert Road · 26.6km from Ohakune
Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest is adjacent to the urban area of Rotorua and is one of the early forest areas in New Zealand for exotic tree species introduction trials. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, over 170 tree species were experimentally planted here to determine which could adapt to New Zealand, particularly Rotorua's volcanic soil. Today, only a handful of these species remain, with the California coast redwoods planted in 1901 becoming the experiment's surprise success — they grow faster here than in their native California. Over a century later, they now tower skyward, forming a magnificent forest. The redwood memorial grove is the essence of the entire forest: the trail is covered with soft redwood bark chips, making each step springy; giant trees stand closely on both sides, their tops barely visible even when looking up. Among them, one particularly massive tree stands approx. 70 m tall with a trunk diameter exceeding 1.5 m, requiring several people to encircle it with outstretched arms. Native New Zealand ferns thrive beneath the trees, creating a striking scene where towering redwoods and sprawling fern fronds share the frame—a highly recognizable sight in Rotorua. The memorial grove loop takes less than 1 hr to complete, with boardwalks on some sections, making it suitable for all ages. Those with good stamina can extend their hike to the outer forest trails. This forest is also a popular destination for walking, running, and mountain cycling, with its crisscrossing trails clearly graded by difficulty. It holds considerable fame in the cycling community, attracting many who come specifically to ride the trails. Just a few minutes' drive from the city, the slanting morning or evening light filtering through the trees creates beautiful shadows and fern patterns, making these the most comfortable times for a stroll.New Zealand · Rotorua
Ohakune isite Visitor Information Centre
Ohakune is located at the southern end of Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island, close to the southwest slope of the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. It is an agricultural-based service town and is known as the "Carrot Capital" of New Zealand. The Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre provides tourists with various information about local tourism, accommodation, activities, etc.Ohakune · 117m from downtown
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is located at the southern end of the Rotorua and Taupo geothermal areas in the central North Island of New Zealand. Spectacular volcanoes and indigenous Maori culture are its features. In 1990 and 1993, UNESCO included Tongariro National Park as a cultural and natural heritage in the World Heritage List. The park is a very famous volcanic park in New Zealand. There are 15 volcanic craters that have been active or are active in modern times, arranged in a line and extending to the northeast. These include three well-known active volcanoes, namely Donggriro, Naiuruh and Ruapehu. Mount Ruapehu is the apex of the North Island, with an altitude of 2,796 meters. The top is covered with snow all year round. It is a famous ski resort and a "young" active volcano that is only 750,000 years old. The most spectacular of the three volcanoes is the Neuruh Volcano, which is conical in shape and has a steep slope. The top is a crater with a diameter of 400 meters, which is a very typical conical volcano. It has been active since the 1830s. The Donggriro Volcano is about 1980 meters above sea level and has a wide peak, including a series of craters such as the north mouth, the south mouth, the middle mouth, the west mouth, and the red mouth.Waiouru Military Area · 30.2km from Ohakune
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is renowned as New Zealand's premier day hike, as it offers travelers more than just a challenging journey; it also features breathtaking volcanic landscapes. The trail begins in the Mangatepopo Valley near Wakapapa, then climbs along a stream and winds around the edge of ancient lava flows. Along the way, there is a steep ascent from the valley to the Mangatepopo Saddle, and although the trail is challenging, it is well worth the effort, as on clear days, you can see a panoramic view of Mount Taranaki (Mount Taranaki).Tongariro · 41.3km from Ohakune
Mount Eden
Mount Eden is a dormant volcano located a few kilometers south of downtown Auckland. It has an elevation of about 196 m, formed by the successive eruptions of three craters. The most recent eruption is estimated to have occurred tens of thousands of years ago, leaving behind a bowl-shaped crater at the summit that is about 50 m deep. The crater floor is covered in lush green grass, looking from afar like a giant bowl filled with greenery turned upside down amidst the city. From the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, follow the gentle trail uphill. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the crater rim. A circular wooden boardwalk runs along the rim, with the deep volcanic crater on one side and a panoramic view of the city on the other. The Māori people once built a fortified village here, and the remains of terraced fields and sweet potato storage pits on the slopes are still visible today.New Zealand · Auckland
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake, located on a volcanic plateau in the central North Island. The upper reaches of the Waikato River (known as the Tongariro (Tongariro) River) enters from the south, and the lake flows from the northeast of the lake through the Waikato River. The lake water covers several craters. There are many geothermal hot springs around the lake, which are either used for recuperation or used to generate electricity. Built the Waikato River Hydroelectric Power Plant.Turangi · 82.3km from Ohakune
Government Gardens
Government Gardens is a park that combines geothermal landscapes with English-style gardens. This land originally belonged to the local Māori tribe and was formerly known as Paepaekumana. It was once a geothermal area covered in scrub and also holds memories of tribal conflicts. In the late 19th century, the Māori people gifted the land to the government with the intention of "the well-being of all people," after which the scrub was cleared and replaced with neatly trimmed flowers and lawns, gradually transforming into the elegant garden by the lake that it is today. The park has many highlights: the Tudor-style old bathhouse has a magnificent exterior and is one of the most recognizable historical buildings in Rotorua, later converted into the Rotorua Museum; the lakeside is adjacent to the Polynesian Spa; the open lawns feature croquet and lawn bowls, and the rose garden blooms from late spring until early winter. What sets this place apart from other city parks is that geothermal activity is still active within the park—bubbling hot springs and rising white steam are often seen between the lawns and flower beds, where orderly European-style gardening appears alongside the raw geothermal wilderness. Enter the park through the Prince's Gate, which is decorated with Māori wood carvings, and along the way, you can see a monument commemorating the soldiers of the local Te Arawa tribe and various sculptures. Even if you don't go into the museum or soak in the hot springs, just taking a walk along the lake in the garden, watching the blue sky, green grass, and lake scenery is relaxing and enjoyable; if you visit during the blooming season, the rose garden is a perfect backdrop for photos.New Zealand · Rotorua
Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill
Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, whose green spaces connect with Cornwall Park, are often considered one large park andare a great place for a leisurely stroll. It was formed by a volcanic eruption tens of thousands of years ago and stands approx. 180m tall, with a complete crater still preserved at the summit. The mountain's name comes from a single tree that once stood alone on the summit, which was vandalized in 1994 and 2000 and was eventually removed as it could not be saved. Several native saplings were planted on the summit in 2016, and only one will be kept once they grow to continue the "One Tree" name. Today, an obelisk commemorating the Māori people and a bronze statue of a Māori warrior stand at the summit, and the terraced remains on the slopes are remnants left by the early Māori settlers when they built their settlements.New Zealand · Auckland
Lake Rotorua
There are 16 lakes in the Rotorua area. Lake Rotorua is the largest lake in the area. The city name is also derived from it. The south side of the lake is the urban area. Lake Rotorua is also the third largest lake in New Zealand. About 200,000 years ago, a huge volcanic eruption occurred here. The ground collapsed to form a circular crater with a width of 16 kilometers, which was formed after the rainwater filled the crater. Lake Rotorua. There are countless hot springs in Rotorua. If you take two steps, you will see a mass of heat floating in the air. Sometimes three or two springs are gathered together, and the water mist is like a fairyland. The geothermal city lives up to its name. There is a faint smell of sulfur everywhere. There are geothermal hot springs everywhere, and there are spa pools in the hotel rooms. In this area, the lake is gleaming, seagulls flock together, and the gray-yellow mud of the hot spring is boiling, which has become a tourist attraction. Geothermal activity has continued under and around the lake. Geothermal steam is constantly lingering around the lake, and the water is so high in sulphur that it creates a wonderful greenish-blue color. Walking along the lake shore, you can see the calm lake surrounded by rolling hills, with gentle curves that meet the sky. You can see large groups of black swans swimming gracefully in the lake everywhere, and countless rainbow trout swimming under the vast lake. If you can get up early and go to the lake to watch the sunrise, it is really beautiful. Facing the morning light, blue, red and gold are intertwined and sprinkled on the lake, which is very gorgeous. Accompanied by the shimmering light, various birds such as swans, wild ducks, and seagulls roamed the lake, and the quiet lake swayed in circles of ripples. If you go in winter, you will see a different scene. The grass is covered with frost, and the flowers are white, but the plants near the hot springs are smoky and green, as if a city has two seasons, one is winter and the other is spring. Stepping on the stone steps of the hot spring, holding a cup of water, it is warm and slippery. Rotorua's active volcanoes are very worth seeing. Active volcanic eruptions are staged every morning, which is a spectacle, and you have to be amazed by the power of nature. The volcanic mud is a major feature here. The black mud is bubbling and you can feel the heat just by looking at it. Lake cruises, sailing boats, kayaks, seaplanes, helicopters, jet boats... so many items. You can go on a sightseeing boat trip, or participate in various activities such as fishing trips and water cruises. In the middle of the lake is Mokoia Island, where countless water birds are parked. Once a Maori fortress, there is a great love story in New Zealand. There is a service desk in the park in front of the Novotel, where you can sign up to visit Mocuia. Take a dip in the hot springs at Waikemiah (now known as Heinemoa Springs) while looking out over the still-yet-old beauty of the lake. If you have enough time, a trip to the nearby Maori Cultural Village is also a good choice, just a 5-minute drive from downtown Rotorua. Besides enjoying Maori song and dance performances, Puhutu Geyser is also a spectacle not to be missed.New Zealand · Rotorua
Experiences you can't miss in Ohakune
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Ohakune
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Free things to do in Ohakune
North Island
Desert Road · 26.6km from OhakuneRedwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
New Zealand · RotoruaOhakune isite Visitor Information Centre
Ohakune · 117m from downtownTongariro National Park
Waiouru Military Area · 30.2km from OhakuneTongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro · 41.3km from OhakuneMount Eden
New Zealand · AucklandLake Taupo
Turangi · 82.3km from OhakuneImmediate access, Book now for todayGovernment Gardens
New Zealand · RotoruaMaungakiekie / One Tree Hill
New Zealand · AucklandLake Rotorua
New Zealand · RotoruaBook now for tomorrow
What travellers say about Ohakune
宋有熊19 June 2026
5.0
I highly recommend the nighttime treetop walkway in the Rotorua Redwood Forest! When traveling with seniors and children, safety and a great experience are paramount. The park's nighttime lighting and safety measures are exceptional; the suspension bridge has robust safety barriers on both sides, ensuring you won't slip. The combination of modern light art and the ancient redwood forest is simply stunning, both mysterious and dreamlike. My 5-year-old felt like he was on an adventure, and the seniors found the pace slow and comfortable, not tiring at all. It's not just a visual feast, but also a rare opportunity for family relaxation. If you're bringing elders and children to Rotorua, don't miss this nighttime activity—it's absolutely worth the price!
Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
MissVera薇拉12 March 2020
5.0
The Tongariro Loop is one of the most famous hiking routes. It is nearly 20km long and passes through many hills. When you reach the highest point, you can see several sulfur lakes with blue-green light. It takes about 7 hours.
Tongariro National Park
yccui13 March 2025
5.0
Climb to the highest point of Auckland, Mt Eden, formed by a volcanic eruption, and get a bird's eye view of the entire city, including the iconic Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Central Business District and the huge conical crater ruins.
Mount Eden
张知珩12 November 2020
5.0
Lake Taupo is so big that it looks like a sea. It is a must-see attraction when traveling to the South Island of New Zealand! If you live in the city, you can walk to the lake. There are many sailboats and yachts, and you can play golf directly in the lake. New Zealanders are really good at playing. It is also very comfortable to lie in the green space by the lake and bask in the sun. All hotels are fully booked during the peak travel season, so you must book in advance. There is also a Huka Falls nearby to check in.
Lake Taupo
旅の径21 November 2020
4.0
Government Gardens, located in the center of Rotorua, is the most eye-catching landmark in Rotorua.
Elegant and majestic buildings. Deep in the garden's large lawn is the Rotorua Museum of History and Art. Built in 1908, the building has a pointed roof, red tiles and yellow walls. It is not high and has a wide format. It combines the Tudor architectural style and the Victorian architectural style. The building is very beautiful in architecture. The close-up and long-distance views, left and right shots are all beautiful photos.
Quiet and beautiful garden. The wide lawn is green and surrounded by benches; the quiet garden is full of flowers, and the depths are hidden with exquisite buildings and sculptures. Citizens and tourists, some stroll, some daze, and some check in, are comfortable and comfortable.
Government Gardens
舒洁湲28 November 2024
4.0
Highlights: One Tree Hill Park is open to the public free of charge. It is lush with trees, pleasant scenery, and pastoral scenery. There are herds of cattle and sheep, pheasants, and various birds. People often do morning exercises or walks here. In particular, there is the intoxicating cherry blossom forest, which is a good place to enjoy cherry blossoms in Auckland every spring.
Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill
石之若璞2 October 2021
5.0
Lake Rotorua ~ the largest lake in New Zealand ~ is a volcanic lake formed after a volcanic eruption ~ there is a small island in the center of the lake ~ at first glance, it is often mistaken for the sea ~ black swans and black ducks are swimming leisurely ~ seaplanes, yachts, kayaks, local people's water leisure activities are indispensable ~
Lake Rotorua
