Kia Ora. Welcome to Ruapehu.
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Ruapehu is a beautiful backdrop for adventure, family and wellness - visit our greater outdoors for a truly immersive authentic experience.
Things to See & Do in Ruapehu
Eat, Drink & Shop
Ruapehu is home to first class eating establishments and unique boutique shopping experiences.
LEARN MORETongariro Alpine Crossing Shuttles
Relax as you take a shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
LEARN MOREDiscover a Forgotten World
DiscoverNorthern Explorer Packages
Book a journey like no other by travelling in either direction from Auckland to Wellington or Wellington to Auckland.
Find Out MoreWhere is Ruapehu?
Centrally located in New Zealand’s North Island, Ruapehu is easily accessible through multiple directions by road or by air. This makes it your perfect holiday destination on it’s own or combined with another trip plan.
- 3 hr 30 mins drive from Auckland to Taumarunui
- 1hr 10mins from Taupō Airport to National Park Village
- 3hr drive from Wellington to Waiouru
Why Visit Our Greater Outdoors?
AUTHENTIC New Zealand
A region which offers a multitude of experiences ranging that epitomise New Zealand’s pure outdoors.
INTERACTIVE MAPTHE BEST VALUE
Find your happy place. From camping and backpackers, to luxury lodges and quirky homes, Ruapehu has just about every style of bed (and breakfast) you can imagine.
DEALS & PACKAGESFAMILY FUN
Cuddle a carrot, pat an alpaca, inspect a T-Rex ...you'll be amazed at what your family can get up to in Ruapehu!
ALL FAMILY ACTIVITIESThe connection
World renowned Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park set the backdrop for truly unique New Zealand experiences.
EXPLORE RUAPEHUOhakune 5K
Ohakune 5K is a free, weekly community 5km walk, jog or run – all abilities welcome!
find out moreRaetihi Arts Exhibition
Our new exhibition features Michael Barker and a small selection from Thames artist Leigh Matthews and local artist Noeline Bishop
find out moreBig Junction Day Out
Get ready for an unforgettable day out at the Big Junction Day Out!
find out moreOhakune Beer Festival
Beer festival located on the Hill at Kings, Ohakune Junction - Ruapehu district.
find out moreGlenbrook Vintage Railway Ohakune Scenic Daylight
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another easy day out by train! Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 - this train will consist of our vintage wood and steel paneled carriages with open air end platforms.
find out moreRide for Refuge Fundraiser Event with Special Guest Sir Wayne Smith KNZM
Forgotten World Adventures are delighted to welcome Sir Wayne Smith on board the rails for this inaugural fundraiser event.
find out moreThe Big Bike Film Night
Let the good times ROLL Ohakune, The Big Bike Film Night is riding into town!!
find out moreArtists Open Studios and Art Trail Special Event
From Saturday April the 20th to Sunday the 28th Anzac weekend 10 am - 3pm Offering region wide Coordinated art gallery exhibitions, open studios, art and craft workshops, activities, great food at cafes restaurants, and art-stay accommodation.
find out moreLive Gallipoli Readings 2024
Voices of Gallipoli is a collection of verbatim testimonies from veterans who fought at Gallipoli and lived to tell the tale.
find out moreAnzac Day Civic Service
Join us on Anzac Day as we remember and pay tribute.
find out moreRaetihi GutBuster
Raetihi Gutbuster has a range of run, road bike, mountain bike and E-bike options to challenge you in our unique and welcoming landscape.
find out moreCheal T42
A beautiful adventure. Trail run, walk or mountain bike in the Central Plateau.
find out moreOhakune Carrot Carnival
Back again for 2024 the iconic Carrot Carnival will be held at the Ohakune Junction
find out moreOhakune Mardi Gras
Everyone’s favourite winter festival is BACK at Thames Street, Ohakune Junction for 2024!
find out moreWāhine Toa
Wāhine Toa
From majestic mountains to sacred rivers, the living landscape of Ruapehu is home to many wāhine toa proud to call this place home - where the natural environment is a life force to respect, care for and preserve for generations to come. Meet some of Ruapehu’s local champions and tourism operators inviting visitors to connect deeper and discover authentic adventures here like no other.
find out more