Big views, hidden waterfalls, fascinating landmarks and plenty of unexpected stops make sightseeing in Ruapehu part of the adventure. Here, the journey between places can be just as memorable as the destination, with volcanic landscapes, native forest, remarkable railway engineering and some wonderfully quirky roadside attractions waiting to be discovered along the way.
Start in Taumarunui, at the northern gateway to Ruapehu, where there is plenty to discover before heading south. Take a peaceful wander through the Forgotten World Gardens, filled with heritage blooms and native flora, or venture into the Forgotten World, where old railway lines, hand-dug tunnels and historic bridges reveal stories from another era.
Continue south and the journey itself becomes part of the sightseeing. At Raurimu, discover the famous Raurimu Spiral, an extraordinary feat of railway engineering created to navigate the steep terrain of the Central Plateau. While you're there, keep an eye out for the Raurimu driftwood dinosaur, one of those wonderfully unexpected roadside discoveries that makes a Ruapehu road trip a little different.
From Raurimu, make your way towards Waimarino, formerly National Park Village, where the landscape becomes increasingly dominated by the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park. Look out for another quirky roadside creation, the driftwood kiwi in Waimarino, before heading towards the maunga.
At Whakapapa Ski Area, one of Ruapehu's most spectacular perspectives can be found aboard the Sky Waka gondola. Travelling 1.8 kilometres through the rugged alpine landscape of Mt Ruapehu, the gondola offers sweeping views across Tongariro National Park, passing waterfalls, ancient lava flows and dramatic volcanic terrain on the journey up the maunga. In summer, views can stretch across to Mt Ngāuruhoe and Mt Tongariro and, on clear days, as far as Mt Taranaki. At the top, take in the landscape from 2,020 metres above sea level at the Knoll Ridge Chalet.
There is plenty to discover back at ground level too. Taranaki Falls is one of the area's iconic sights, with the trail taking you through an ever-changing landscape of native tussock, forest and volcanic terrain before reaching the falls.
Continue south towards Ohakune, where another of Ruapehu's impressive waterfalls awaits. Waitonga Falls is reached through beautiful native forest and provides another spectacular reason to stop, stretch your legs and explore.
Then there are the landmarks that are simply good fun. No visit to Ohakune is quite complete without a photo beside the Ohakune Giant Carrot. Standing 7.5 metres tall and in its current location since 1984, the giant vegetable has become one of the town's most recognisable landmarks. Today it forms part of Ohakune Carrotland Adventure Park, where the famous carrot is joined by an equally unusual collection of giant vegetable friends, including a swede, Brussels sprout, potato and parsnip.
Keep travelling south across the open landscapes of the Central Plateau and you'll reach Waiouru. Stop at the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa to discover New Zealand's military history through engaging exhibitions, fascinating artefacts and the stories of those who served. Explore collections of medals, military equipment, photographs and memorabilia, and visit the moving Roimata Pounamu Tears on Greenstone Memorial. It's another side of Ruapehu to discover and a worthwhile addition to the journey through the region.
And sometimes sightseeing in Ruapehu is as simple as taking the long way. Follow roads beneath the mountains, stop when a waterfall catches your eye, discover a railway bridge appearing through the trees, find an unexpected lookout or pull over for one of those wonderfully unusual roadside landmarks.
From sweeping mountain views and hidden waterfalls to railway history, gardens, museums, driftwood creatures and one very giant carrot, Ruapehu rewards curiosity. Sometimes the best part of the journey is simply seeing what you find along the way.