Mountain Biking Ohakune
Ohakune is fast becoming one of the North Island's premier cycling destinations with fantastic trails ranging from easy 15-minute riverside tracks to 5-day cross-terrain expeditions.
Ohakune is fast becoming one of the North Island's premier cycling destinations with fantastic trails ranging from easy 15-minute riverside tracks to 5-day cross-terrain expeditions. Home of the Ohakune Old Coach Road and the starting point for the Mountains to Sea cycle trail.
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Bikes can be hired from several operators in Ohakune. These companies can also transport you to trailheads and provide maps of the routes to help you on the way.
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The law states that helmets must be worn at all times whilst cycling in New Zealand. All outfitters will provide a helmet with your hire and on the spot, fines apply if you are caught not wearing it.
Under 2 hours
Half Day
Full Day
Manangapura Track / Bridge to Nowhere
Multi Day
Mountains To Sea Cycle Trail
Under 2 hour Mountain Bike Trails in Ohakune
Mangawhero River Ride
Distance: 2kms
Time: 15mins
Start Point: Old Station Road, northern end of Ohakune or Burns Street at the southern end.
Difficulty: Easy
A family-friendly route which follows along the picturesque banks of the Mangawhero River as it meanders from one end of Ohakune Township to the other. This short ride can be extended to a full loop around the town which takes in spectacular views of the mountain and the surrounding rolling farmland. Depending on your route and on a clear day, at some points, you can even see Mt Taranaki in the distance.
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Family-friendly
Family-friendly
Te Pepe Bike Park
Te Pepe (the moth) is the local native Puriri moth that lives near the pump track in the low mountain ranges. The shape of the track is inspired by the symmetry of its body and wings.
Family-friendly
Built by the local community, The Ruapehu Mountain Bike Club and Ohakune 2000 (a non-profit organisation focusing on the betterment of Ohakune and its surrounds)
Officially opened April 11th 2015
The purpose of a pump track is to improve your riding by learning how to use your weight on a bike more effectively. The aim is to maintain or increase your speed without pedalling. With practice, multiple laps are possible.
Great fun for young and old and all abilities.
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Location: Corner of Old Station road and Mangawhero Road - Bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road.
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Half-day Mountain Bike Trails in Ohakune
Ohakune Old Coach Road - Stage one of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail
Distance: 15kms
Time: 2.5 -3hrs one way.
Start Point: The Historical Ohakune Train Station. (However due to the lineal nature and the gradient of this cycle/walkway, the easiest and most rewarding way to tackle this ride is one-way from Horopito. Bikes and transport can be organised from Ohakune.)
Difficulty: Moderate
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This fantastic multi-terrain cycle track forms part of The New Zealand Cycle Trail and provides a great family-friendly cycle that is steeped in history. The 15km track winds beneath the cool canopy on the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu and offers a rare opportunity to get into the heart of one of the few remaining sections of virgin native forest in the North Island.
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The trail was built in the early 1900s to ferry passengers by horse-drawn coach between the two railheads of the unfinished North Island trunk line. The cobbled route became obsolete with the completion of the railway and was lost to the forest for almost 100 years.
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Following its rediscovery and restoration from 2002 onwards, Ohakune Old Coach Road has been steadily gaining popularity with cyclists and walkers for its diversity, the rich history that is recounted along the route and the unique opportunity to cycle across the impressive Hapuawhenua Viaduct. In the early 1900s, this was the largest wooden curved railway bridge in the world.
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The terrain varies significantly along the route, ranging from well-constructed pathways of varying widths to the original cobblestoned roadway. Sections can become particularly muddy and slippery following heavy rain. It is recommended that you seek advice before cycling this route if you are less confident on a bike.
Rangataua Forest
Distance: 12kms
Time: 3-5hrs
Start Point: Kariori Station Road, SH49, 10 minutes’ drive from Ohakune.
Recommended riding during the summer months only, very muddy otherwise.
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
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A great collection of forest roads take you through the scenic red and silver beech forest of Rangataua and up the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu. Much of the forest is rooted in the hardened lava flow from an ancient eruption.
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There are four tracks in total, mostly metal forest roads, that can be combined into a full loop ride. Some of these tracks are exclusively bike tracks, however, the West and Middle tracks are open to other users and conditions can be poor in wet weather. Maps of the tracks, as well as suggested routes, can are available from cycle providers in Ohakune. These trails are easily achievable by riders of average ability and fitness.
Ratamarie Road
Ratamarie Road
Distance: 16kms round trip.
Time: 2-3hrs
Start Point: Clyde Street, Ohakune.
Difficulty: Easy with some steeper sections.
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Ratamarie Road is a relatively easy cycle route through the working farmland of the Ruapehu region. The trail begins in Ohakune centre and follows SH49 east along Rangataua Road to the Ratamarie Extension turn off. Continuing on an unsealed track the trail passes through sheep and cattle farms (please close all gates along the route) as well as fields of vegetable crops for which the area is so famous. Ratamarie Road joins Lakes Road, with the opportunity for a side trip to the Lakes Reserve, before heading back along the main Raetihi road back into Ohakune.