If you’re looking for a great vacation spot that offers something for everyone, look no further than Ohakune. This charming town is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand. From exciting outdoor activities to fascinating cultural landmarks, Ohakune has something for everyone. Here are just a few of the must-see destinations in Ohakune.
Waitonga Falls Track
The Waitonga Falls Track is one of Ohakune’s most popular hiking trails. The trailhead is located just a short walk from the town center. The track takes you through native forest and past several waterfalls, culminating in a stunning view of the Waitonga River.
The entire hike takes about two hours to complete. Aside from Waitonga falls track, there are other great places to hike. But before doing so, you need to wear things such as a decent pair of water shoes. Many people like to start their hike early in the morning to enjoy the forest’s peacefulness before it gets too crowded.
Maunga Whau Volcano
Maunga Whau is an extinct volcano that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The crater is about four kilometers wide and three hundred meters deep. Several walking tracks wind their way around the crater, and a viewing platform at the summit provides panoramic views of Ohakune and the Central Plateau. Many people are surprised to learn that Maunga Whau is actually an extinct volcano. If you plan on going there, you need to wear sunscreen and a hat because the sun can get pretty intense, even on cloudy days.
The Old Coach Road
The Old Coach Road is a historic trail that was once used by coaches traveling between Wellington and Auckland. The road follows the Mangawhero River for much of its length and passes through several small towns. The trail is now popular with hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. It can be accessed from Ohakune or from any of the towns along the route. Many find this road to be very peaceful and scenic. This is why this is a popular tourist attraction.
Snowplaza
Snowplaza is a popular ski resort located just outside of Ohakune. The resort offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, as well as several other amenities such as restaurants, shops, and equipment rentals.
Snowplaza is open from June to October. So if you’re looking to hit the slopes, this is the place to go. Many people come here to ski and snowboard. But there are also other activities such as tubing, sledding, and ice skating. If you’re looking for an interesting destination to explore, Ohakune is definitely worth a visit. With its charming small-town atmosphere and array of popular tourist attractions, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque mountain town. Have you been to Ohakune? What were your favorite things to do there? Let us know in the comments below.
Every itinerary starts with intention. You must know why you are taking the trip. Some travelers want culture. Others want rest or adventure. Your goals define the rhythm of your journey. They shape your destinations and the time spent in each place. When you understand your purpose, the entire trip becomes clearer. You avoid unnecessary stops. You save time and energy. Clarity gives direction and helps you create meaningful experiences, not random ones. This step sets the foundation for everything else. However, many tend to overlook this and make things confusing for them.
The best itineraries leave space for surprise. Some of your favorite moments may be unplanned. A quiet street, a hidden café, or a festival you did not expect can shape your memories. Flexibility keeps your journey fresh. It allows you to follow your instincts. It also helps you adapt when plans shift. Weather, crowds, or closures can change your schedule at any moment. With a little flexibility, those changes do not disrupt your trip. They simply redirect it. Treat your itinerary as a guide, not a rulebook. This ensures that your travel experience stays enjoyable and authentic, even when plans evolve.
The first thing to do is remove rust spots. The only way to stop the rust beetle is to replace the rusty parts. However, this can be expensive and sometimes requires special equipment. You can save time and remove as much rust as possible. Then use putty to shape and repair the body. Use high-quality putty and several grades of sandpaper to match the surrounding paint. The final product will be well worth the time invested. 
The living area of the van could use some refinishing. We measured the van and searched the internet for interior design ideas. We took inspiration from various vans. Google SketchUp, a free program, was used to design the interior of the van and create a construction guide. I had to remove all the existing woodwork that was covered in oil from the previous owner’s dirt bikes. Some cracks in the plywood floor needed to be welded. It was a tedious task that I had to drag out as the weather changed and it rained. The cracks were quickly welded and a new plywood floor was assembled once I got started. I was able to draw the design on the wood floor with a marker and then follow the plans.
