Planning a trip to the Ruapehu Region? From scenic walks to more challenging day hikes, pretty lakes, cycle trails and family fun, add some of these little-known highlights to your Ruapehu itinerary.
Tongariro River Trail
For a mostly flat, family-friendly ride that takes you alongside the majestic Tongariro River, hit the Tongariro River Trail. The Grade 2 ride takes in native bush, rolling farmland and wonderful vistas of the river on a 15km loop. The one significant climb takes you to the Tongariro River Lookout for sprawling views of Tongariro National Park that make the effort well worthwhile. Ride the trail in either direction, and if you’re only up for a short excursion, there are several entry and exit points, so you can dip in or out when you’ve had enough. Two convenient underpasses let you complete the circuit without needing to cross SH1.
Lake Rotopounamu
Take an easy stroll around little Lake Rotopounamu south west of Tūrangi. The former volcanic caldera that sits alongside larger Lake Rotoaira is rich in biodiversity and makes a great pitstop on a North Island road trip. From rare native birdlife including toutouwai / North Island robin, tītīpounamu / rifleman and kōmiromiro / tomtit, to examples of beautiful podocarp, beech and broadleaf forest, the two-hour walk that circumnavigates the lake is a rich and rewarding nature experience. If you’re pressed for time, turn left at the first junction and you’ll end up at Ten Minute Beach, which is lovely for a lakeside picnic or a refreshing dip (in the summer months!)
Horopito Motors
Do not miss Horopito Motors when visiting Ruapehu. This iconic mechanic shop and car wrecker’s yard was made famous by the 1982 film Smash Palace and more recently was the setting for the climactic chase scene in Hunt For the Wilderpeople. It is a treasure trove of vintage parts and car carcasses – around 5,500 of them on site, says owner Colin Fredrickson. Inside, you can wander amongst teetering rows of bumpers and bonnets, headlights and hubcaps. Outside, marvel at the sheer number of rusting wrecks. Despite the seemingly chaotic nature, Colin says the team can get any car out from any improbable pile within three hours – because even the most decrepit looking vehicles are still used as a source for parts in the workshop.
Silica Rapids
Accessed from the road that takes you to the Whakapapa ski field, the Silica Rapids Walk is a 7km, 2.5-hour loop that takes in some of Tongariro National Park’s most curious and colourful natural attractions. Multi-coloured streams run through alpine tussock and burble alongside the well-formed track. And deeper, in the heart of the beech forest, you’ll find cascading waterfalls that are so bright with mineral deposits they’re almost lurid. The colours here are caused by various trace elements emerging from the depths of the volcanic earth. Aluminium makes for pale, creamy colours below the rushing water, while deposits of iron turn to bright orange rust. The walk is easiest when tackled from the top of the road and winding back down to the Whakapapa Village, but to do that, it’s best to have a vehicle parked at either end.
National Army Museum
The National Army Museum in Waiouru is a popular spot for families when the weather doesn’t permit a trip up the mountain. But you should add it to your list of Must-Do attractions in Ruapehu even if the sun is shining. A fascinating journey through New Zealand’s military history, the museum is home to world-class exhibitions and incredible stories. Multi-sensory exhibits include hands-on activities, life-size replicas and even the distinct smell of antiseptic wafting from an interactive infirmary. Alongside these experiences, the Army Museum also has sobering reminders of the cost of war, like the audio recording playing the names of those killed in combat which takes two whole weeks to run through.
Tama Lakes
A day walk to rival the popular and often busy Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Tama Lakes track takes you through beautiful alpine landscapes without the crowds. Continue on from the shorter Taranaki Falls track that begins at Whakapapa Village to make your way to the lakes – former volcanic explosion craters on the saddle between Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngāuruhoe. You’ll experience open tussock land and alpine herbs growing alongside the well-maintained track. Later, the trail becomes more rugged, so you’ll want to come prepared with good boots and while the Tama Lakes Track is less exposed than the Tongariro Crossing, with fewer steep uphill sections, you'll still need gear suitable for changeable weather conditions.
