OhakuneOhakune blends small-town charm with big mountain energy. Once a colonial railway town, it’s now a lively base for travellers. By day, wander the riverside walk or cycle tracks that begin at the village edge, finding your way to a locally roasted coffee. By night, enjoy hearty meals and local craft beer just down the road. In te reo Māori, Ohakune means “an opening to a new world”, and it still feels that way today.
Our location
Ohakune is a southern gateway to Tongariro National Park for travellers who want both adventure and a vibrant mountain-town experience.
Why many visitors choose Ohakune as their base for Tongariro National Park
Ohakune is more than the southern gateway to Tongariro National Park. Its position in the Central North Island also makes it a well-positioned overnight break and one option for a midway stop on longer journeys through the region. For international visitors exploring New Zealand by road, couples on a North Island road trip, and travellers heading towards Tongariro National Park and Mt Ruapehu, Ohakune provides an opportunity to make the journey part of the experience.
After hiking in the park, you could stay in Ohakune, a ski resort town on the southern fringe of the national park.
— Petrina Darrah, writer and explorer
Three Week New Zealand Road Trip — reproduced with permission
From Auckland, Hamilton, Taupō and the Bay of Plenty, routes through Taupō, Tūrangi and Waimarino lead into the volcanic heart of New Zealand and on towards Ohakune. From the south, Wellington, the Kāpiti Coast and Palmerston North connect with the region via Waiouru, while Whanganui and New Plymouth approach from the west and Napier from the east.
Whichever direction your journey takes you, Ohakune offers more than simply somewhere to break the drive. Its mountain-town setting, views towards Mt Ruapehu, restaurants and cafés, riverside walks and outdoor recreation make the stop itself worthwhile.
Stay for a night to rest and recharge, or spend two or more nights using Ohakune as a base for exploring Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the wider Central North Island at a more relaxed pace. Rather than simply driving through, there is time to enjoy the landscape, local food and relaxed mountain atmosphere before continuing your journey refreshed.
While some visitors focus purely on proximity to the trailhead, many choose Ohakune for the complete experience: world-class hiking by day, followed by excellent restaurants, cafés and shops, a relaxed mountain atmosphere and riverside tranquillity.
You’ll find us at 44 Burns Street, Ohakune, tucked quietly by the rivers, yet only minutes from the village centre. Parking is free on-site, and local shuttles make it easy to reach the ski areas, walking trails and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Why stay at Two Rivers?
Adventure begins here, where the Mangawhero and Mangateitei rivers meet. Our sustainable approach to accommodation has created a peaceful riverside retreat designed for rest, relaxation, and reconnection. For travellers who value quality, privacy and a more considered style of travel, Two Rivers provides a natural place to slow down and appreciate the landscape around them.
Our location is tucked beside the rivers in Ohakune, a historic alpine village at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. From here, cafés, restaurants, and shops are a short walk away, while the trails, ski slopes, and volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park are within easy reach.
As the southern gateway to Tongariro National Park, Ohakune offers exceptional dining, a relaxed mountain-town atmosphere, and easy access to one of the world's greatest day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Many guests choose to stay for the combination of outdoor adventure, excellent local hospitality and the opportunity to return each evening to somewhere quieter, more private and more personal.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's great adventures. Choosing where you stay afterwards is just as important. At Two Rivers, you'll swap crowds for birdsong, volcanic dust for warm water, and the exhilaration of the mountain for the tranquillity of a riverside retreat.
We invite you to discover the benefits of booking direct with Two Rivers
In the area and close to Two Rivers and Ohakune
From Ohakune, you can easily reach walking and cycling trails, ski areas, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, making it a practical base for adventure and outdoor recreation.
Tongariro National ParkA UNESCO World Heritage site, Tongariro is home to one of the world’s most famous hikes: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, only a 30-45-minute drive from us depending on your chosen parking option. Alternatively, there are shuttle connections from Ohakune to the trailhead. Beyond the Crossing lie waterfalls, native forest, and landscapes made iconic by The Lord of the Rings films. Whether you’re here for a once-in-a-lifetime trek or a gentle afternoon walk, the park offers an experience for everyone.
Mt RuapehuMt Ruapehu New Zealand’s largest active volcanic mountain rises just beyond the village, only a short bus ride or drive away. In winter, Ruapehu is home to the Tūroa and Whakapapa ski areas. In summer, its alpine lakes, volcanic ridges, and wide skies open to walkers, cyclists, climbers, and photographers alike. From Two Rivers, you’ll see the summit glow at sunset, a gentle reminder of the adventure waiting tomorrow.
Whanganui RiverThe Whanganui River is one of Aotearoa’s most historic and picturesque waterways, winding through deep gorges and rich native forest. From Ohakune, you can step into its stories in many ways: float quietly by canoe or kayak, try your hand at wilderness fishing, or journey to the famous Bridge to Nowhere. For a faster pace, jump in a jetboat and skim through the valley, taking in dramatic cliffs and untouched bush. Whether you drift gently or chase adventure, the Whanganui offers an unforgettable perspective on the land and its history.
Discover Ways To Experience Tongariro
If you’d like some more ideas on how to enjoy your stay in Ohakune, visit: The Complete Guide to Ohakune
Getting here
We’re at 44 Burns Street, Ohakune, just a short walk from cafés, restaurants and shops, and within easy reach of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the Whanganui River.
Enter your starting point into our Google Maps directions.
Approximate drive times to Ohakune from major centres:
~ Wellington: 3.5 hours
~ Hamilton: 3 hours
~ Auckland: 4.5 hours
~ New Plymouth: 3.5 hours
~ Rotorua: 2.5 hours
~ Taupō: 1.5 hours
~ Napier: 3.5 hours