The old coach road was used for horsedrawn coaches, which now connects horopito and ohakune. Starting at the bottom from the railway over bridge, on the edgeentrance to tonagriro national park mountain road offers new zealands only hors category climb. Ohakune mountain road tongariro national park, central north island, ohakune new zealand. Set in china and based on the 1958 novel of the same name by journalisthistorian theodore h. Ohakune mountain rd with the largest lift accessed terrain, the highest lift in new zealand and a massive 722m vertical descent. Enjoy the exhilarating descent back to ohakune, but be prepared for significant wind chill. Ohakune old coach road mountain biking trails nz tread routes. Easy a familyfriendly route which follows along the picturesque banks of the mangawhero river as it meanders from one end of ohakune township to the other. Ohakune mountain road mountain bike station packages. The alpine fox chalet ohakune the alpine fox chalet ohakune. Although it contains the requisite action for a war movie, the film also tackles a more. Beginning at ohakune mountain road and ending at the coastal shores of whanganui, the title mountain to sea outlines what to expect from.
Ohakune mountain road hors category rated as nzs no 1 climb nz road cyclist magazine the jewel in the crown is the ohakune mountain road. The turoa ski field road has m of vertical descent curving around nicely cambered corners, and reaching speeds of over 70 kmh if you are brave, or merely cruise and admire the 200. Riders will be intrigued by interesting railway history along the way. Originally the starting point for the mountains to sea cycle trail, this sealed road leads tofrom. He was posted to china soon after graduation as chief of bureau for time magazine. The region has some of the best mountain biking terrain the country has to offer with two of the new zealands great rides tracks, the timber trail. The ohakune mountain road a steady 17 km climb from our gate, on a good sealed road up to the turoa ski field car parks, for more detail on the climb see our road cycling page.
Enjoy the exhilarating descent back to ohakune, but make sure you have. The full ride takes about three days and covers over 200km, including a 32km river section completed by jet boat or kayak. It starts on the fringe of tongariro national park and quickly dips down into regenerating native forest rich with birdlife, following a series of old logging roads. And can be accessed from ohakune mountain road, a 17km sealed road. Round the mountain ruapehu running wild run, explore. This part of the ruapehu to whanganui nga ara tuhono cycle trail, also called nga haerenga, is the first of the national cycleway quick start projects to. Hugeleafed mountain cabbage trees with silvery undersided. Whites time covering china for time magazine during the war led to an. Descending m in just 17km, the ohakune mountain road is a fantastic downhill stretch with stunning views over the ruapehu district and out over the whanganui national park. Featuring a wide selection of tracks, including rude rock, coronet peak is fast becoming a hub of mountain biking in queenstown. It is on the southwestern slopes of mt ruapehu offers a massive 722m of vertical descent on new zealands highest chairlift the highnoon express. Turoa ski area on the southwestern slopes of mt ruapehu has australasias longest vertical descent and nzs highest lift.
A 15km, grade 2 trail with stunning views, featuring the restored hapuawhenua rail viaduct. The 17km sealed road rises just over m finishing in the carpark at turoa skifield. This mountain has a lot to offer snowsports enthusiasts. Ebikes electric mountain bikes are available in hard tail and full suspension models. The surroundings at the top are barren and rocky, its a treeless volcanic landscape that makes you feel the power of the mountain. Road cycling enjoy some great riding on a choice of scenic sealed roads in and around tongariro national park.
White was born in boston and graduated summa cum laude from harvard college in 1938, having been the first honors student of the legendary china scholar, john king fairbank. The rental and lessons are well organised and efficient its easy to be fitted up for gear and is the most comfortable gear weve had in nz. Supiao, a strong and beautiful chinese woman educated in america. Tongariro mountain biking trails some of new zealands best. The turoa ski field road has m of vertical descent curving around nicely cambered corners, and reaching speeds of over 70 kmh if you are brave, or merely cruise and admire the 200 kilometres long views. The mountains small club field is tukino is on the east side of the mountain. One, in particular, is the 30min meads wall walk starting at the top of mountain road. The ohakune mountain road is the result of local efforts, first in the 1900s when it was the ohakune track and then blyth track, named after local school principal joe blyth who led countless hikes up mt ruapehu from ohakune. Take a shuttle to the top of ruapehu and ride the m descent down the mountain on the ohakune mountain road. The cycle trail, which uses most of the historic ohakune coach road between ohakune station and horopito, was opened by new zealand prime minister mr john key in july 2010.
The jewel in the crown is the ohakune mountain road. Solid blue square 4 new zealands longest singletrack is also its ultimate wilderness epic a. Well share all the best mountain biking routes to take. The descent is on a volcanic rock scree track to the. It starts near state highway 49 and ends at the bottom of the ohakune mountain road at the ohakune junction. Wild, playful and mighty turoa is home to mt ruapehus. Mountain to sea cycle trail, part of the ohakune coach road.
Ohakune accommodation, ruapehu news, activities and. Fans of lord of the rings, the hobbit and river queen will recognise. Remember to fill in hut books during your trip, even if you do not stay in the. The mountain road is a 1960 war film starring james stewart and directed by daniel mann. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1015 meters. He coauthored the nonfiction work thunder out of china. Top 8 mountain biking towns in new zealand yha new zealand.
This could be because it was a filming location for the lord of the rings, where frodo, sam and gollum are sat watching the black gates of mordor open. The mountain to the sea trail includes the ohakune mountain road, the ohakune old coach road, fishers track, oio road to whakahoro, and the mangapurua valley. Home of the ohakune old coach road and the starting point for the mountains to sea cycle trail. Middle road and ruatiti road provide a link between the ohakune old coach road and the bridge to nowhere track. Ohakune old coach road, 16km take in the views before descending on the sealed and winding turoa mountain road back to ohakune. Ohakune mountain road one of the most picturesque drives in the country the ohakune mountain road is the result of local efforts, first in the 1900s when it was the ohakune track and then blyth track, named after local school principal joe blyth who led countless hikes up mt ruapehu from ohakune. Located 17km up the mountain road from ohakune, turoa has skiing terrain suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced a 120m long carpet lift caters to beginners in alpine meadow while the natural terrain provides. Experience a thrilling metre descent down one of new zealands most spectacular roads ohakune mountain road taking you through the tongariro national park, unesco world heritage areas, to ohakune township. With james stewart, lisa lu, glenn corbett, harry morgan. Ohakune old coach road is a unique heritage cycleway, combining the gentle undulating terrain of the coach road with new trails through stunning native bush.
John parker tackles the ups and downs of a cycling trail. Parks, ohakune mountain road, ohakune old coach road, fishers track, the bridge to nowhere and the whanganui river road. Our mountain road descent was an exhilarating 17km swoop of a ride, but we respected at more. Old station road, northern end of ohakune or burns street at the southern end. The department of conservation in partnership with ohakune 2000 and the tongariro natural history society have redeveloped the ohakune old coach road as part of the ruapehuwhanganui. The section to mangaehuehu hut is a well groomed trail, and features a 39m waterfall ruapehus highest, a 3wire bridge crossing, and some interesting subalpine running through alpine herb fields. Waihohonu hut and campsite require advance booking in the great walks season. The majority of people however take transport to the top carpark and enjoy the downhill rush. We arranged a ride up with jayne from ohakunes mountain bike station, rather than inviting a heart attack by doing it ourselves. Mt ruapehu provides more terrain, more choice and more freedom. From ohakune travel north on goldfinch st, which becomes mangawhero terrace and finally becomes ohakune mountain rd.
Extra care should be taken along the mangapurua and kaiwhakauka tracks. How long does it take to drive the ohakune mountain road. Rocky mountain chalets 20 rangataua road, sh49, ohakune just past the carrot just a short walk through integrated walkways will lead you from your chalet to cafes, restaurants and shopping in the main street of ohakune. Turoa has the southern hemispheres longest vertical descent and. The turoa ski field is the easiest ski field we have accessed in nz others are coronet peak, remarkables and mt hutt only 25mins drive from ohakune on a quality and safe road. One mt ruapehu lift pass gives you access to both whakapapa and turoa ski areas. Mountains to sea trail shuttles bike hire accommodation. Building a winter diversion route contractor magazine. The mountain road from ohakune offers new zealands only hors category climb. The turoa ski field road has m of vertical descent curving around nicely. Ohakune old coach road mountain biking trails nz tread. An awesome trail that starts in the upper area of the pines and flows to the bottom of the hill. The road begins at turoa car park, 1620m above sea level, and winds down amidst the barren volcanic fields, past the sites of previous lahars and finally into the lush.
What a way to start your mountains to sea adventure. The ohakune old coach road crosses part of the tongariro national park as it follows the route of a historic coach road. This is an alpine environment, so the weather can change quickly and it can get cold. Waitonga falls track ohakune all you need to know before. Try our local favourite, the historical ohakune old coach road mountain bike ride from horoptio to ohakune. Ohakune old coach road topo 167 downloads had a look around town for where i might eat. The ruapehu express on saturday 25 february was a ripper according to the plus people who took part.
Ruatiti road is a partially sealed road which follows the scenic manganuioteao river. This is also the start of the national mountain to sea track. The ohakune mountain road was declared legal in 1976, and two years later the first skilift was installed at turoa. Located within the manawatuwhanganui region, the town is 70 kilometres 43 miles northeast of. Ohakune mountain road ohakune accommodation, ruapehu news. Beginning at ohakune mountain road and ending at the coastal shores of whanganui, the title mountain to sea outlines what to expect from this trail. Jog down ohakune mountain rd for 3km, and reconnect the track at car park to your left. The winter season at mt ruapehu lasts well into spring, unlike ski fields found in the south island. This easy walking track winds along the banks of the mangawhero river. Back into bush and a descent to the base of the waterfall.
Named after the old state forest 42 it traverses, this is very much a wilderness ride. There is cellphone reception, although it may be patchy in places. However, what i am left with after reading south mountain road is a sense that this is a stunningly immoral book. Rotokura reserve a very pleasant 12 hour walk around a manmade lake the lower lake and a crater lake in a doc ecological reserve 1. Middle road is a gravel road and connects with ruatiti road. Army major and his unit as they attempt to destroy bridges and roads along the eponymous chinese route used by the japanese in the last days of world war ii. On a good day you can see as far away as mt taranaki. It is located at the southern end of the tongariro national park, close to the southwestern slopes of the active volcano mount ruapehu. Ohakune is fast becoming one of the north islands premier cycling destinations with fantastic trails ranging from easy 15 minute riverside tracks to 5 day crossterrain expeditions. There are equal uphill and downhill sections in the pretty native forest of the tongariro national park. The first section of the mountains to sea trail is a fast descent down a sealed ohakune mountain road from the turoa ski field. Currently, at alert level 2, all trail sections are open. Ohakune mountain road at sunset check out tripadvisor members 2,534 candid photos and videos. Ohakune mountain road ohakune accommodation, ruapehu.
With the largest lift accessed terrain, the highest lift in new zealand and a massive 722m vertical descent. Not just a ski haven, ohakune is perfectly located near the start of the mountains to sea cycle trail, with easy transport access to three of the five sections. In 1952 a group of locals formed the ohakune mountain road association and got stuck in and built the road, with. The central north island rai trai the timber trail starts in pureora and ends at ongarue encompassing new zealands longest suspension bridge. Ruapehu great rides brochure front tongariro national park. Waitonga falls track ohakune 2020 all you need to know. Yes, its only a 45 minute walk, but up steep steps and down steep steps to reach the spectacular falls so you get plenty of exercise. Unless you want to walk to this waterfall via a riverbed, dont park your car at waitonga falls carpark, instead drive for a few more meters until you see a small. Steeped in history the old coach road is a must do for those wanting an easy mountain bike ride, perfect for beginners or families. Ye old mill road mountain bike trail, ohakune, new zealand. The first 12 kilometres of the road, as far as the mangawhero falls, was formally opened by works minister goosman in march of 1963. There are bike shops nearby, and the hostel has some mountain and road bikes to hire if you dont.
Around 200 ran either 22km or 16km from horopito on the ohakune old coach road to ohakune junction. This ride is best completed by getting a drop off at the top of the mountain road on the turoa side of mt ruapehu. There are a number of different tramping tracks along the road that can serve as nice detours. Whakapapa located on mt ruapehus northwest facing slopes, is home to the nations premier beginner playground.
Situated right on the doorstep of the tongariro national park, lknz provides quality new zealand accommodation to suit all budgets. So strap on your skissnowboardblades or whatever and head to the three ski areas. Interesting places to explore in ohakune, new zealand. Ohakune, the mountain town is only 20 minutes drive away from the turoa ski field on majestic mt rupehu. Most took on the 58km mountain bike ride from tukino ski area access road to ohakune, with others riding a 25km shorter course. This is a cobbled route once used by horsedrawn coaches.
After the ride, youll be picked up and transported back to our booking centre in national park village. Originally the starting point for the mountains to sea cycle trail, this sealed road leads tofrom turoa ski area with a. From ohakune town, local shuttles will ferry you up to turoa skifield, 1700m above sea level on the slopes of mt ruapehu. The road is well sealed but there maybe grit in places left over from. Whakapapa is renowned for its expansive volcanic terrain, spectacular views of the tongariro national park, extensive beginner facilities and vibrant night skiing. If youre mountain biking in taupo or ruapehu regions, this is a trail not to be missed. A us army major stationed in east china in 1944 is ordered to blow up military installations in order to slow down the advancing japanese army. The ohakune old coach road links a number of fascinating pieces of new zealands rail heritage in a journey through a spectacular part of tongariro national park. The mangawhero river walkway was developed by ohakune 2000 inc with assistance from atihau incorporation, the department of conservation, ruapehu district council and horizons. Ohakune mountain road at sunset picture of mountain bike. Bikes can be hired from several operators in ohakune.
Army major to destroy bridges and roads potentially useful to the japanese during world war ii. The tongariro mountain biking trails let you take in the sights from the ultimate scenic routes of the tongariro national park. Two highlights include the 45 metrehigh hapuwhenu viaduct and the old train tunnel, both looking outofplace amongst native bush. The trail starts with a short downhill section, then becomes a long, fastflowing trail, finishing with a gentle climb to the parking area at ye old mill site. Ohakune mountain road mountain bike trail in ohakune, new. Mountain biking at tongariro national parkohakune mt. Ohakune old coach road to mangapurua track, 63km from the ohakune railway station, the trail follows the historic ohakune old coach road to horopito. Following part of the historic route up mount ruapehu, the track climbs gradually through one of the few red beech stands in the park and then passes through kaikawaka and mountain beech until it crosses the waitonga falls track. Ohakune is a small town in the north island of new zealand, situated 215 kilometres 4 miles north of wellington and 292 kilometres 181 miles south of auckland. Old blyth track begins from the ohakune mountain road 7 kilometres past the ohakune ranger station.
Experience a thrilling metre descent down one of new zealands most spectacular roads ohakune mountain road taking you through the tongariro. Despite the history laid out here of the relationship between her parents adulteries and the deaths of her mother and her mothers predecessor, hesper seems unable or unwilling to come to the obvious conclusion that the. Round the mountain ruapehu running wild run, explore, share. Philip baldwin, a new england major with his first command a tough and surly american demolition unit isolated in the great retreat of that turbulent year.
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