Local Attractions
Ohakune
Ohakune, "The Mountain Town" is only 20 minutes drive away from the Turoa Ski Field on majestic Mt Rupehu. Turoa has the southern hemisphere's longest vertical descent and New Zealand's highest lift.
Mt Ruapehu
Snowboard and Ski New Zealand. Mt Ruapehu has two ski fields to choose from – Whakapapa Ski Area and Turoa Ski Area. Love Winter, Love Ruapehu!
Waiouru
Welcome to Waiouru The Desert Oasis - Altitude 792 metres and the Gateway to Adventure! As well as being a focal point for the New Zealand Army, Waiouru is home to a self contained community and a number of local businesses.
Whanganui
Whanganui is a place steeped in history, art and culture. Big enough to draw crowds and small enough to be intimate. There is something here for everyone! We are surrounded by mountains, Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro, a beautiful natural landscape, dramatic west coast beaches and unspoilt native bush for tramping and wilderness trips. Our vibrant community prides itself on its parks and reserves, cycle and walk ways and an abundance of creativity.
Stratford
The town of Stratford looks after hikers, bikers and climbers who plan to venture into Egmont National Park. Mount Taranaki is right next door. Nearly all the streets in the settlement of Stratford are named after Shakespearean characters. It’s pretty easy to guess why – Stratford-in-Taranaki was named to honour Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. If you’re planning to venture into the Egmont National Park, this town is a handy accommodation.
Taihape
Taihape is the ‘gumboot capital of New Zealand’. It takes this title seriously, hosting a Gumboot Day festival every year in March. Certainly, gumboots are very useful in this agricultural and horticultural region. If you have time to spare in Taihape, the town’s domain has a network of bush walks. Keen gardeners can enquire about visiting the area’s four showpiece gardens - Titoki, Rongoiti, Waitoka and Kiri Kiri.