Must-dos and hidden gems along Ruapehu’s Adventure Highway
Like a treasure hunt for your summer of adventures, journey along Ruapehu’s Adventure Highway to discover the most incredible must-dos and hidden gems located around the spectacularly scenic State Highway 4 – nestled between the breathtaking vistas of Whanganui National Park to the west and Tongariro National Park to the east. From glittering glowworms to refreshing mountain streams and unreal landscapes straight out of Hollywood movie scenes, it’s time to make your way to remarkable Ruapehu in the Central North Island’s volcanic plateau.
Forgotten rail tracks are now being used by Forgotten World Adventures
Rail cart in the Forgotten World
Nevalea Alpacas
As
the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand, Nevalea Alpacas is home to over 1,000
incredibly irresistible, adorable alpacas you can fall in love with this
summer. Meet baby alpaca Ranger and his mum Macey, and other award-winning
alpacas as you walk, trek or picnic amidst the rolling hills and picturesque
farm tour at Nevalea Alpacas.
Nevalea Alpacas
Picnicking with alpacas
Forgotten World Gardens
Perfect
for that Sunday drive or the ultimate Ruapehu roadie, tis the season to
discover the fantastic Forgotten World Gardens. These four captivating country gardens are
located within a 12 km radius of each other along the Forgotten World Highway for a magical day’s outing.
Canoeing, fly fishing or jetboating on the Whanganui River
As the
first river in the world to be recognised as a living entity and granted
personhood, the Whanganui River is sacred to Māori and is one of a
kind experience that is like nothing else. Immersive, cultural and an adventure
into untouched wilderness, you can book a guided canoeing, fly fishing or
jetboating tour for an unforgettable summer riverside.
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Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve
Tucked away
in Owhango along the Adventure Highway, the Ohinetonga Track located in the Ohinetonga Scenic
Reserve is an enchanting wonderland with ancient trees, a secret lagoon, picnic
areas, swimming holes, glorious abundant birdlife as well as rare native
long-tailed bats.
Ohinetonga Reserve credit: Outdoorkidnz
Family hiking at the Ohinetonga Reserve
Kakahi Glowworms
For an evening excursion, marvel at the magical Kakahi Glowworms located at the Kakahi Domain Cutting leading down to the Whanganui River. A natural wonder and a free attraction to experience, you could also pass by the iconic Kakahi General Store on your way – one of the few remaining of its kind in NZ.
Glow worms in Kakahi credit wildplacesoverland
Kakahi glow worms during the day credit outdoorkidnz
Tupapakurua Falls, Taranaki Falls, Tawhai Falls and Waitonga Falls
Ruapehu’s world of waterfalls makes the Adventure Highway your invitation to go chase waterfalls. You’ll have your pick of world-class walks to waterfalls in and around Tongariro National Park – a UNESCO Dual world heritage site of cultural and natural significance. There’s the 11 km return track to Tupapakurua Falls in National Park Village, the 6 km loop track to the stunning Taranaki Falls cascading over volcanic cliffs, the beauty of Tawhai Falls (also known as Gollum’s Pool from the Lord of the Rings trilogy) easily accessible from a 600 m return walking track and the 39 m tall Waitonga Falls – renowned as the highest waterfalls Tongariro National Park, located in the charming mountain town and carrot capital of New Zealand, Ohakune.Share your love for Ruapehu #RuapehuNZ #SummerOfAdventures
Sky Waka Gondola Ride
A high-flying summer must-do, the Sky Waka gondola ride is NZ’s longest gondola ride and journeys 1.8 km over the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Once you reach the top, soak up the views and enjoy NZ’s highest dining experience at the award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet
Credit: Simon Devitt
Credit: Joel McDowell
Smash Palace a.k.a Horopito Motors
Family owned and operated Smash Palace, also known as Horopito Motors is a captivating must-stop attraction conveniently located in Horopito along the Adventure Highway. The largest vintage dismantlers in Australasia and famous car wrecking yard from the movies Goodbye Pork Pie, Smash Palace, and Hunt for Wilderpeople, this collection of thousands of classic cars spread out over six hectares is a unique experience for all to enjoy – there’s also Jump Start Coffee Cart on-site for a delicious cuppa.Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Éclair Shop
No longer just a winter treat, Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Éclair Shop is now open year-round. Get your fix of this delicious, decadent chocolatey sensation in Ohakune – where you can also find some larger than life carrots in the carrot capital of NZ.
Woman enjoying a chocolate eclair
Johnny Nations Chocolate Eclairs
Home to two New Zealand Great Rides
Ruapehu is home to two New Zealand Great Rides including the iconic Timber Trail and the Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle trails. Other popular rides in the region include Marton Sash and Door Tramway, Fisher Track, the spectacular Ohakune Old Coach Road and the 42 Traverse.
The Timber Trail
Fishers Track
Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other spectacular hikes
Outdoor enthusiasts around the world have the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the top of their bucket lists to experience while in Ruapehu – which now has a booking system in place you can access online here. An awesome alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the 17.6 km return Tama Lakes Track – full of wildly beautiful landscapes of alpine lakes, volcanic vistas, spectacular mountain views.
Hikers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Views on the Round the Mountain Track
New Zealand Army Museum Te Mata Toa
Located at the southern end of the Adventure Highway in Waiouru, the New Zealand Army Museum Te Mata Toa is a world-class museum with unique collections, military exhibits and hidden treasures honouring New Zealand’s military history. Kids will love the interactive Kids HQ area, the Mess Tent Café with its delicious meals and hot drinks and there’s also a fun retail shop with a fantastic range of gifts and souvenirs.Start planning your summer of adventures now! Check out deals and packages available here. Discover more road trip ideas here.
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