Welcome to the Mountain Town - Ohakune

When the Tangata Whenua, the people of the land, arrived at a clearing in the vast southern Ruapehu Forest they named it Ohakune, ‘the opening to a new world’. They saw the promise in the land that was watched over by Ruapehu, the Guardian of the North Island.

Today the perfect peaks, the clear mountain streams, the lush vegetation and the beautiful landscapes continue to enchant visitors to the region. Nestled in the shadow of Mount Ruapehu, Ohakune is the southern gateway to the Tongariro National Park and as one of New Zealand’s premier winter sports venues and an up and coming destination for summer outdoor pursuits Ohakune has something for everyone.

With a superb selection of year round activities, a great choice of accommodation, excellent dining and shopping opportunities and above all a spectacular setting in the very heart of the North Island, Ohakune is the perfect place to escape the city for the weekend, or why not join us for longer and let us show you all that the region has to offer.

Haere mai, haere mai, haere mai ki te kainga e kiia ana, he Ohakune ki te ao.

The origin of the name Ohakune comes from the following tauparapara (chant):

Pokipokia te po, popoia te po. Po, po, ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea.
Ka whano ake au ka haere ki Nga Turi o Murimotu kia pai ai taku hiki atu ki maunga Ruapehu.
Marama te titiro te tu o aku wae, te puke ko Rongokaupo ka pihi ake i roto ka puoho whakawaho e oha, ka oha he Ohakune ki te ao.

Awaiting the new light I am prepared for my journey to Nga Turi o Murimotu and am not hindered on my way to Mount Ruapehu.
From where I stand, my view is clear as I cast my eyes down to the hill Rongokaupo. I have seen and witnessed the opening to a new world – he Ohakune ki te ao.