The snow is here, Tūroa and Whakapapa are well underway and winter in Ohakune is well and truly magical.
For plenty of people, an Ohakune winter weekend means an early start, skis or boards in the car and a day on Mt Ruapehu. But there are plenty of things to do in Ohakune away from the ski slopes too.
Maybe you've finished skiing early. Maybe your legs have decided they've done enough. Maybe skiing isn't your thing at all. Or perhaps the famous Ruapehu weather has made the decision for you.
Whatever the reason, there's plenty to explore once you come back down the Ohakune Mountain Road.
Après-ski in Ohakune
There's something pretty good about coming off Mt Ruapehu cold, tired and hungry and heading somewhere warm.
The Junction is an obvious place to start. The Powderkeg has been part of Ohakune's ski culture for decades and is a favourite for a post-mountain drink, particularly when the sun is out and the deck is calling.
Nearby, The Kitchen brings together food, cocktails and that lively winter atmosphere Ohakune does so well. Keep an eye on what's happening around town too, because winter brings live music and events that can turn an innocent post-ski drink into a much later night than planned. A must try cocktail at The Kitchen is the Snow Knows. A deliciously warming serve made with Ruapehu Distillery's Straight Up Carrot Gin.
Head into town and you'll find plenty more places to eat and drink in Ohakune, including Osteria, Cyprus Tree, No.8 Bar and Restaurant, Rice Bar and Food and Mountain Rocks. Grab a burger from Hungry Rush or a coffee from Nook.
One thing is certain during the Ruapehu ski season: if there's somewhere you particularly want to eat, book ahead. Ohakune gets busy when the snow is good.
Mountain biking in Ohakune
If Tūroa is closed or you're looking for something active to do away from the snow, having a bike with you opens up another side of Ohakune.
Te Ara Mangawhero follows the Mangawhero River through native forest from the edge of town. It's a Grade 2 shared walking and mountain biking trail, making it an accessible way to explore the landscape around Ohakune without heading onto the ski field.
For something longer, the Ohakune Old Coach Road is one of the area's classic mountain bike rides. The trail travels through native bush and past fascinating railway history, including the impressive Hapuawhenua Viaduct.
Winter conditions can change quickly, so check trail conditions before setting out and expect a little mud. That's half the fun.
Short winter walks around Ohakune
You don't have to go far from town to find some beautiful short walks around Ohakune and Tongariro National Park.
The Mangawhero Forest Walk starts near the bottom of Ohakune Mountain Road and winds through native forest alongside the river. Giant rimu, mataī and kahikatea tower overhead, and the track even crosses an old volcanic crater.
Further up Ohakune Mountain Road, Mangawhero Falls is another easy stop. In winter, icicles can form around the waterfall, making it particularly spectacular when the temperature drops.
Mt Ruapehu weather can change quickly at any time of year, so always check current conditions before heading out.
Soak in an Ohakune hot tub
If your idea of après-ski recovery involves considerably less effort, this might be more appealing.
Ohakune Hot Tubs, near The Junction, offers private outdoor wood-fired hot tubs. After a day skiing or snowboarding at Tūroa, sitting in hot water beneath a cold Ruapehu sky is difficult to beat.
It's also a great option if you're visiting Ohakune but aren't interested in skiing at all.
Bookings are essential, particularly during busy winter weekends.
Take a gin distillery tour and tasting
And yes, we're going to suggest this one.
If you've driven past Ruapehu Distillery and wondered what actually goes on inside, a winter weekend in Ohakune is a great time to find out.
Our guided distillery tour and gin tasting takes you behind the scenes of a working New Zealand craft distillery. You'll see how gin is made, discover what botanicals actually do, meet the equipment involved and, most importantly, taste the finished result.
Ruapehu Distillery is based right here in Ohakune, beneath Mt Ruapehu, and our Straight Up Carrot Gin takes inspiration from a vegetable with a fairly strong connection to this little town.
It's welcoming, interesting and requires absolutely no chairlift. Dress warmly though because it is a working distillery.
Book your Ruapehu Distillery tour ahead, particularly over winter weekends. The Tasting Room is open on a Saturday and Sunday during the ski season, and check the website for hours.
What to do in Ohakune when it rains
Some days, Ruapehu weather simply wins.
If the mountain is closed, it's raining in Ohakune and an outdoor adventure isn't looking particularly appealing, the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa at Waiouru is around 20 minutes away by car.
You don't need to be a military history buff to find it interesting. The museum tells the stories of New Zealand soldiers and our military history through extensive collections, exhibitions and personal stories.
It's an easy way to spend a couple of hours on a wet winter day.
Then head back to Ohakune for dinner.
Make a winter weekend of it
The best winter weekends in Ohakune aren't necessarily the ones where you spend every available minute skiing or snowboarding.
Ski Tūroa in the morning. Explore a mountain bike trail in the afternoon. Walk through native forest. Find somewhere good for dinner. Have a drink. Soak in a hot tub. Discover how gin is made.
And if Mt Ruapehu closes?
You're still in a pretty good place to spend the weekend.
Winter is one of the busiest times of year in Ohakune, so book accommodation, restaurants, activities and distillery tours ahead where you can. Then leave a little room in the plan for whatever the mountain decides to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do in Ohakune if you don't ski?
There are plenty of things to do in Ohakune without skiing, including mountain biking, short walks, a distillery tour and gin tasting, hot tubs, cafés, restaurants and exploring nearby attractions around the Ruapehu region.
What can you do in Ohakune when Tūroa is closed?
If weather closes Tūroa, explore lower-altitude walking and mountain biking trails if conditions allow, visit Ruapehu Distillery for a tour and tasting, book a hot tub, enjoy Ohakune's cafés and restaurants or drive to the National Army Museum at Waiouru.
What is there to do in Ohakune after skiing?
Après-ski options in Ohakune include bars and restaurants around The Junction and town centre, hot tubs, live music and a gin tasting at Ruapehu Distillery.
Is Ohakune worth visiting if you don't ski?
Absolutely. Ohakune is a year-round adventure destination and a gateway to Tongariro National Park, with mountain biking, walking trails, food and drink, local experiences and plenty to explore around the wider Ruapehu region.