Top Ohakune Car Tours: See the Real Ruapehu
Ohakune, you know, it’s almost like this vibrant little town tucked away near the base of Mount Ruapehu. Very, very known as the carrot capital of New Zealand. But there’s very much more than meets the eye, you see? While skiing and snowboarding often grab the headlines, exploring the area by car opens up a completely other whole box of adventures. This article, well, it’s all about recommending five exceptional Ohakune car tours, so that you get a slightly different, incredibly real experience of this incredibly special region.
The Old Coach Road: A Trip Back in Time
The Old Coach Road, it’s arguably one of the most captivating trips in the area, or so it sounds. Instead of, say, speeding along a highway, this roughly scenic route traces the path of the original railway line that, apparently, once connected Ohakune and Horopito. This route isn’t just driving; instead, you could argue that it’s more like a step back into the country’s past, typically. So, think tunnels, bridges, and the lush, completely verdant beauty of the surrounding native forest. I think what makes it really special is that bits of the original cobblestone road remain, you know?
Now, some parts might be a bit unsealed, still, a regular car, honestly, it should handle it without heaps of issues. Take your time, apparently, and it should stop you rushing through, so that you drink in the rather remarkable scenery and absorb the rich history, alright? This trip could be described as fantastic, and, as I was saying, it tends to offer plenty of opportunities for stops. Maybe just quickly check out historical spots. I can imagine, the views from the old bridges? I would go as far as saying, stunning.
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The Forgotten World Highway: A Truly Different Adventure
You may be familiar with State Highway 43, you know? The Forgotten World Highway, actually, it’s known for being rather a fitting name. Winding its way between Taumarunui and Stratford, still, it just touches close enough to Ohakune to justify an inclusion, seemingly. Picture this, valleys smothered in native bush and farmland, apparently forgotten by time. This route offers, at the end of the day, a really unique flavor compared with the well-trodden tourist trails.
What I can tell you is that the highway has heaps of unsealed sections. If I was giving advice, anyway, I’d just advise checking conditions before you, yourself, get going, right? Some rental car companies don’t allow their cars on this road, basically, so that’s worth considering. Anyway, if you do get the green light, like, expect a drive that’s truly off the beaten path. Maybe plan for the whole day, very, very long stretches of the highway? Yes, you’ve guessed it, sparsely populated.
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Around the Mountain: Mount Ruapehu Scenic Loop
For people with much love for panoramic mountain views, as a matter of fact, the scenic loop around Mount Ruapehu, like your best shot at the goods. This trip shows off just how incredible the Tongariro National Park is, very, very epic mountain views. Or, maybe, ancient lava formations. And, let’s not dismiss the very tranquil native forests.
Oh, and it’s all pretty accessible! It’s possible the road surfaces are sealed, seemingly, making it totally appropriate for most vehicles. Yet, if I was being mega cautious, perhaps I’d advise packing a camera? Oh, yes, anyway, photo ops abound. Very quick detour, too it’s almost a must, if you’re very into walking. Just to have a bit of time at one of the shorter tracks that head towards the mountain.
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Ohakune to Turoa: High Altitude Adventures
Yes, of course, Turoa, typically, very famed for ski fields, but, frankly, a drive from Ohakune to Turoa’s something of a special experience year-round. Still, expect dramatic ascents as you, in a way, climb up the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. This also means seeing the terrain go through many phases, too it’s almost incredible!
Very nice roads here, too it’s almost lovely, sealed, actually. Should not be a worry for almost any car. When, and I mean when, it’s summer, too it’s almost an experience, what a time to go to Turoa, right? No snow at all. Actually, you could see, instead, gorgeous alpine meadows, frankly, and hiking trails, still, that will simply beg to be explored, right?
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The Parapara Road: Rugged and Remote, Actually.
Right, so, what’s there to say about the Parapara Road? This route, or so it appears, connects Ohakune to the Waitotara Valley, anyway. The Parapara Road isn’t often what tourists expect. In its place expect rather untouched New Zealand. With a hefty amount of very challenging roads, it can seem quite isolated, very much testing drivers.
Here’s my thinking, like your best way forward: check. The roads, like your best guess, often gravel. In a regular car? Very good, apparently. And something with four-wheel-drive? Perhaps, slightly, ideal. With very, very big dips. With landscapes so incredibly vast, right? Don’t be taken aback by the, could be described as very challenging, portions.
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Making the Most of Your Ohakune Roadie, basically.
I’d recommend thinking carefully, what things matter to you? And then, apparently, think on these routes? Maybe what surfaces these roads are like, and then how remote they go? And once all this thought is there, you can easily select some super experiences for you, that show off Ohakune and Ruapehu the most, you know?
- Know your vehicle: What cars should you be using? Is a 4×4 vehicle very needed?
- Be sure to plan ahead: Phone signal’s not always that awesome, and gas stations, sometimes can seem like distant dreams, very remote areas and whatnot, right?
- Stay updated with local road and weather conditions: The weather is well known for going from sunny to pretty horrible incredibly, very rapidly up in the mountains.
