Golf
With a stunning volcanic backdrop, the Ruapehu region boasts some world-class alpine golfing.
In the heart of the Ruapehu district, just five minutes drive from Ohakune town centre lies the Waimarino Golf Club boasting an NZGA rating of 71.9. With a spectacular mountain setting, this par 71,18-hole championship course is one of the highest rating golf courses in the Manawatu and Whanganui area. For full information on this well-kept family-friendly course, click here.
With over 400 courses in the country, the Tarrangower Golf Course is rated as one of New Zealand’s top 50. Dating back to the early 1920’s Tarrangower has developed into one of the most attractive all-weather courses in the country, featuring 18 holes of park-like, undulating fairways and pristine greens.
4WD
With a ruggedly diverse alpine landscape, Ruapehu has some testing access tracks for four-wheel driving. Whether it's to get to your favourite camping or fishing spot, to view the scenery, or to really crank things up, there are tracks to suit just about every level for four-wheel drive enthusiasts.
With great power comes great responsibility. Ruapehu is home to a number of other recreation activities, not to mention housing two world-renowned national parks and conservation areas. It's important to drive with care at all times, care for the other people using the parks and care for the parks themselves. Don’t forget to buckle up!
Click here to check out a truly spectacular 4wd quad experience.
Horse Riding
Today horses are still popular in the region, but more so for sport than for work. Dressage, polo cross and hunting are all popular saddle sports, and you can also see them displaying their skills at local rodeos and the New Zealand A&P (Agricultural & Pastoral) shows.
Not only is a guided horse trek a special and unique experience, the horse owners will also share their deep love and respect for the animal along with one or two of the better-kept secrets that the Ruapehu bush has to offer.
Hunting
With an unparalleled alpine forest and a volcanic landscape, Ruapehu has some world-class hunting on offer. The extensive canopy is home to wild goat, turkey, pig, red stag and fallow deer, where fair chase and free-range hunting is available for those inclined. Self-directed bow and rifle hunting are allowed in the area, but local professional guiding services are recommended. The terrain can be physically demanding and the weather unpredictable, so having local knowledge can not only assist with safety issues but can also increase the chances of a successful hunt.
Starting in late March and running through to April or May, the ‘Roar’ (or the Rutt) is the best time for deer hunting as they literally roar their way around the lowland mountain areas in search of a mate. While hunting on public lands is possible, guided hunting offers the opportunity to access some very special and secluded locations in the Ruapehu region. For those wanting to hunt on public conservation land, it’s easy to obtain a permit from the Department of Conservation, where you’ll also get informed of any pest control in the area. Don’t forget, if you want to hunt in New Zealand, a current firearms license is essential.
