Welcome to the
Volcanic Plateau

Winter snow sports, Mount Ruapehu a volcano of 2797 metres boosts two ski fields, Turoa and Whakapapa - Lahar Farm is equidistant from both, they are an easy 30 minute drive.

This is the largest New Zealand ski area, accessing 1800 hectares of terrain. One Mt Ruapehu lift pass gives you access to both Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas. Quoted from 2007 pamphlet - “ Mt Ruapehu offers something for everyone, world class facilities, terrain parks for snow boarders and free skiers of all abilities and the best spring skiing in New Zealand. On a good day the hike to Mt Ruapehu’s crater lake is well worth it for the 1000 m vertical ride back down!”
For complete info - www.MtRuapehu.com

In Summer tourists ride the chairlift at Whakapapa ski field then self guide or join a guided walk to the top of Ruapehu for magnificent veiws and to see the crater lake.

Lunch at the highest café the Knoll Ridge Café, walk down a noted trail or ride the chairlift. At the bottom take a 30 minute walk to Meads wall, the location for the Lord of the Rings movie. Spectacular views of Mt Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe) will be seen from the wall area.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Considered the greatest one day hike, the track over Mt Tongariro takes you through rough volcanic scoria of many colours, to fuming sulphur vents and mountain tarns, a side trip up Mt Ngauruhoe is possible for the fit. The day ends with a long walk on the North side overlooking the blue of Lake Taupo.

Take a good warm rain coat and wear strong boots, the weather is mountainous and apt to change for the worse at anytime even in our summer.
Matai Shuttle leaves Ohakune and can be arranged to pick you up at the Matapuna road turn off as it goes to National Park village then on to the start of the Tongariro crossing. Leave time is about 7 am and pickup at track end is 4-6 pm. For a booking contact Matai shuttle on 06 3858724 The track is one way starting at the Maungatepopo road end.

Cycle "The Old Coach Road"

Connecting the town of Ohakune to Horopito, follow the original coach road that was used before the railway was completed through to National Park. A joint venture between DoC, the Tongariro Natural History Society and Local groups.

Due for completion at the end of 2010 for cyclists but it is walkable at present from Horopito down hill to Ohakune. There are slippery sections at present waiting to be surfaced so be prepared. It takes about 3-4 hours to walk and ends at the Marshall road car park. From Ohakune the finished part of the track takes you to the fantastic Hapawhenua viaduct which has been fully restored and you can now walk / cycle over the viaduct. The 'Old Coach Road" will become part of the National Cycleway initiative set out by the government in 2010

 

Walking / hiking ideas  The Central volcanic plateau containing Tongariro National Heritage Park surrounds Lahar Farm.

Park walks are numerous and we would love to help you organise your walk, discuss maps and share local knowledge. The i site in Ohakune has the information for the DoC area walks

Easy level of fitness	Medium fitness required	Hard, full fitness required
Waitonga Falls	Mangaturuturu Hut	Mt. Ngauruhoe
Blyth Hut	Lake Surprise	Mt. Tongariro Crossing
Taranaki Falls	Tama Lakes	Mt. Ruapehu and Crater lake
Silica Springs	Whakapapaiti Hut	Mt. Hauhangatahi
Waihohonu Hut	Ketitahi Springs
Ohinepango Sp.	Waipakihi River
Rotokura Lakes	Urchin Tops
Mangawhero walk
Rimu track

Driving ideas for you. Our Central Plateau region is the jewel of the North Island, unspoilt, unpopulated, unpolluted. This hot spot of volcanic magic lures you to a mountain landscape not found anywhere else in New Zealand.

We suggest you enjoy a drive around the three volcanoes from here to Waiouru / Turangi / Tokaanu / The Grand Chateau and back to Horopito. We would love to share our local knowledge to assist your trip.
Round the mountains itinerary (follow these destinations)
* Ohakune / see the giant carrot!———Rotokura lake (40 minute easy walk)———Tangiwai memorial / River——— Army Museum at Waiouru———Tree Trunk Gorge——— Pillars of Hercules———Rangipo underground power station———Tongariro River———National Trout Centre near Turangi———Tokaanu th thermal area and hot swim———Rotoponamu Lake,40 minute bush walk———Te Porere redoubt, TeKooti's last stand———Maungatepopo road views of Ngauruhoe———Mountain Air volcano scenic flight———Whakapapa ski field chairlift———Whakapapa DOC centre visual display———Makatote Viaduct———Pokaka the last railway spike———only 10 minutes back to Horopito.