Top Things to do in Ruapehu
10 Nature & Parks in Ruapehu That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Ruapehu, New Zealand including Tama Lakes, Lake Rotokura, Ohinetonga Reserve, Mahuia Rapids, Waitonga Falls Track, Rimu Walk, Silica Rapids Track, Mangawhero Forest Walk and Rimu Walk, Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park, Ridge Track.
Restaurants in Ruapehu
1. Tama Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By PuntRdTigers
We visited the Whakapapa Visitors Information Centre & got excellent advice from staff member Hari. We were concerned we weren't Alpine Crossing prepared & we were shown some options to do with our teenagers. A pleasant walk to Taranaki Falls starting from the car park near Skotel in the village. Slight rising elevation on firm ground with some loose stones. Lots of photo opportunities. Not very busy. Good signage. We wore lots of layers, even in December as the wind is cold, but the sun harsh-a hat & sunglasses very handy. A short detour down steep steps gets you to Taranaki Falls. Back up the steps & follow the signs on to Tama Lakes. The lower lake is viewed from a windy spot-lots of people sheltering for lunch in the short foliage. We braved the 30min climb to the upper lake for a great view of both lakes as well as Mount Ruapehu & Mount Ngauruhoe. It is steep with loose small stones coming back down-best done with walking poles-but take your time! There are drop toilets just before the lower lake view & near the bridge above Taranaki Falls. Round trip took us 6 hours with plenty of photo stops, lunch & snack breaks. Sunscreen is useful. We saw no flies, no mosquitoes & no snakes!
2. Lake Rotokura
3. Ohinetonga Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By peterrM6374WL - Auckland Central, New Zealand
This unexpected treasure came at the end of a 6 day cycle tour starting in Stratford. It was refreshing to be able to leave SH4 and take hikamutu Rd all the way from Taumaranui to Omongha. Signs of a slip but the locals have removed the offending barrier and trampled it flat..local ingenuity I guess. Got around the loop in just over an hour . No major climbs and the track was in excellent condition. First class
4. Mahuia Rapids
5. Waitonga Falls Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By KC1818118 - New Zealand, null
Breathtaking views. Easy walk. just Bring a little picnic and enjoy beautiful scenery! Highly recommend anyone.
6. Rimu Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 391lucindaj
Just what I need after a day on the maunga beautiful short walk in pristine Bush. A must do in ohakune
7. Silica Rapids Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By 793gillt - Orewa, New Zealand
Great walk for beginners! Apparently it's been renovated recently and indeed the track was really good. There were quite a few boardwalks and well-maintained steps, and some signs to tell you about the local flora and fauna. I don't like climbing over rocks, or steep up and down hills, so this was the perfect walk for me. I am a nervous walker but didn't slip once. It takes about 75 minutes each way starting just up the road from the visitor's centre. Lots of interesting things to see like the red water in the fast flowing streams, even the rocks are 'painted' red! Then the white of the silica rocks make an interesting contrast. There are many shades of red and green in the plants and trees.
8. Mangawhero Forest Walk and Rimu Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By latte-lover - Ohakune, New Zealand
Great for a short and informative look at NZ's native bush with good explanatory signage on a well-formed track through the trees. Good in most weather conditions.
9. Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By coopfamily19
Wonderful spot for kids of all ages. Little ones all the way to older adults are all catered for here. Beautiful stream with the clearest water runs alongside.
10. Ridge Track
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
