How to get to Ohakune
Ohakune is located on the North Island of New Zealand in an area known as the Central Plateau, a volcanic region featuring the three active peaks of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu.
The township is situated 215km from Wellington and 292km from Auckland.
State Highway 49 runs through the southern end of Ohakune and the North Island main trunk railway line passes along its northern edge.
Ohakune is part of the Ruapehu District Council region and the nearest cities are Whanganui and Palmerston North
Self drive
The drive to Ohakune from any direction offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and National Parks and it is well worth taking your time getting here and stopping to appreciate the scenery from some of the many viewpoints en route.
Recommended Routes:
From the North (4hrs 30)
• SH1 to Ngaruawahia
• SH39 to Otorohanga
• SH3 to SH4 turnoff after Te Kuiti
• SH4 to SH49 turnoff after Horopito
• SH49 to Ohakune
From the South (3hrs 50)
• SH1 to Waiouru
• SH49 to Ohakune
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Please note that all driving times are approximate and directions are intended as a guide only. We recommend using AA Maps to plan your trip.
Rail
The Northern Explorer
The Northern Explorer is Tranzscenic’s North Island service travelling between Wellington and Auckland through some of the most picturesque landscapes of the North Island, stopping at Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park and Hamilton.
The Northern Explorer service is a great way to get to Ohakune for a weekend break and once you’re here there is no need for a car of your own as transport can be arranged to almost every local site of interest.
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Auckland: The Northern Explorer runs southbound from Auckland on Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Wellington: The Northern Explorer runs northbound from Wellington on Wednesdays, Friday and Sunday
Bus
InterCity operates a daily bus Auckland to Ohakune with cheap fares starting from just $1 (+booking fee).
Buses to Ohakune leave Auckland from the Sky City bus terminal at 102 Hobson Street, Auckland Central and arrive in Ohakune outside Harvey World Travel, 27 Clyde Street. The trip from Auckland to Ohakune takes approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, with stops and meal breaks along the way.
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A Local shuttle service from Waioura to Ohakune opeartoes, on-demand.
Dempsey Shuttles
