New Zealand's National Army Museum

Is in Waiouru, a 30 minute drive away and full of static displays and history, a cafe greats you in the foyer. The NZ National Army Museum (a picture of a Vietnam art work is on display).

‘Smash Palace’

At the start of Matapuna road in Horopito, has an extensive range of collectors vintage & classic cars, visitors welcome. Smash Palace or Horopito Motors

Whanganui River jet boat and kayak 6-7 hour tour.

From Pipiriki jet boat 32 km along fern & flax cloaked gorges to the Mangapurua landing then a 40 minute walk to the “Bridge to Nowhere” for lunch. On return you hop in a kayak & canoe the remaining 10km back to Pipiriki then shuttle back to Raetihi. Search these links for more info.

Whanganui River transport     and     Whanganui National Park

"The Old Coach Road" part of the National Cycleway - 14km

This track connects the town of Ohakune to Horopito, following the original coach road that was used before the railway was completed through to National Park. Open for cyclists it is also a good walk from Horopito down hill to Ohakune which takes 3-4 hours. Or from Ohakune - do a circle route (cycle or walk) along a shorter track which takes you to the fantastic Hapuawhenua rail viaduct (now unused), built in 1907 & fully restored so you can walk / cycle over it.

Winter snow sports on Mt. Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu a volcano of 2797 metres boosts two ski fields, Turoa and Whakapapa - Lahar Farm is equidistant from both, they are an easy 30 minute drive. RAL is New Zealand’s largest ski area, accessing 1800 hectares of terrain and one Mt Ruapehu lift pass gives you access to both Turoa and Whakapapa. Mt Ruapehu offers something for everyone, world class facilities, terrain parks and the best spring skiing in New Zealand.   Ruapehu Alpine Lifts

Summer hiking on Mt. Ruapehu

In Summer hikers ride the chairlift at Whakapapa ski field then self guide or join a guided walk to the top of Mt Ruapehu for magnificent views and to see the active crater lake. Stop for lunch at the Knoll Ridge Café, walk down a noted trail or ride the chairlift. At the bottom take a 30 minute walk to Meads wall, a location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy movie. Spectacular views of Mt Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe) will be seen from the wall area.   Department of Conservation

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Considered the greatest one day ALPINE hike, the track over Mt Tongariro takes you through rough volcanic scoria of many colours, to fuming sulphur vents and mountain tarns, a side trip up Mt Ngauruhoe is possible for the fit. The day ends with a long walk on the North side overlooking the blue of Lake Taupo. Take a good warm jacket or rain coat and wear strong boots, the weather is apt to change for the worse at anytime even in our summer.

LOOK AT WHAT THE REST OF THE FAMILY MAY LIKE TO ENJOY DURING YOUR VISIT

“Mangapurua Track”, part of the National Cycleway - 42km

From the Ruatiti Valley end to the Whanganui River. You enter the Mangapurua Valley, the “Valley of Abandoned Dreams”. Here land was offered to returning soldiers following WW1, it was cleared into farmland, sadly the farming was not viable and the land was abandoned. The track continues to the “Bridge to Nowhere” and the Whanganui river to await your jet boat pick up to Pipiriki.

Dempsey buses Summer & winter bus transport NZ Cycle Trail and Ohakune Old Coach Road

Return to About Us page

Phone +64 27 285 5792

Mail :- info@laharsika.co.nz

Mount Ruapehu dominates your hunt