Mt Ruapehu is an easy drive from New Zealand’s main centres of Auckland and Wellington, with Ohakune being roughly four hours’ drive from either city. Taupō is the closest domestic airport, a scenic one hour 30 drive to Whakapapa or two hours drive to Tūroa. Tourist hotspots of Tauranga and Rotorua are also not far away.
Ohakune and National Park are both main stops on the Northern Explorer train journey which adds another dimension to an exciting adventure. Sit back and relax while you take in the panoramic views along the way.
Mt Ruapehu gets busier on weekends with city visitors and driving up the mountain roads can be intimidating for the inexperienced driver. Luckily there are plenty of local businesses that provide shuttle services or ride shares up the ski field.