Top Things to do in Ruapehu
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Ruapehu That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Ruapehu, New Zealand including Canoe Safaris, Whanganui River Canoes, TCB Ski Board and Bike, Mountain Bike Station, Tama Lakes, Dinosaur House, National Army Museum, Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre), Waitonga Falls Track, Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.
Restaurants in Ruapehu
1. Canoe Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
Guided tours from 1 to 5 days in the Whanganui National Park. Suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. Family trips a speciality. Operating for 40 years. Easy paddling, short Walks, Maori and European history. Fantastic meals. Fully qualified guides and we are a licensed operator. Canoe and Kayak Hire is also available.
2. Whanganui River Canoes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Join Whanganui River Canoes for a three - five day canoe/kayak trip on the Whanganui River. You can choose to 'do it yourself'with a freedom hire, or have our guides cater for you and show you the best spots along the river. You can meet us the night before your trip at the Raetihi Holiday Park for comfortable, affordable accommodation, or ask us about our Holiday Home if that is more your style. We will make sure you are packed, briefed and ready to go before you start the adventure of your lifetime.
3. TCB Ski Board and Bike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
Ohakune’s top Ski and Board retail, rental & workshop! Outstanding personal service, all the best brands, qualified boot fitters & Boot Lab. We also retail, rent and repair everything from BMX to E- bikes. Most importantly though, we have a passion for what we do!
4. Mountain Bike Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 181 reviews
Whether it's cruising around Ohakune quaint township, exploring the forgotten Ohakune Old Coach Road trail,blasting down to the famous Bridge to Nowhere, or take your time and enjoy the Mountains to Sea Cycletrail. The Mountain Bike Station can show you the real reason why Ruapehu has become the must-do destination for mountain bikers of all skills and thrills.
Reviewed By silverferncaro - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We used Mountain Bike Station as our bike shuttle service to get us to the start of the first two parts of the mountain to sea cycle trail: the mountain rd and the old coach rd, and I am so glad we did! I chose them after my normal extensive internet/google/TA search as they had amazing reviews and this is another one to add to their collection. Firstly, all my back and forth emails were replied to by Steph and we were given all the information and options that I asked for promptly. Secondly, their service is awesome! When we rocked up on the day of our trip I was mortified to learn I had given them the wrong date! Did they say “ sorry, we can’t do anything for you.. your bad luck..or make me feel bad for such a dumb mistake.. Nope, Steph was so nice about my “senior moment” and jumped on the phone for a pow wow with her manager to try to find a solution. After only a few minutes we were rearranged and managed to be scheduled for both of our rides and all with a smile and great professionalism. I couldn’t apologise enough for mucking up both days and they were very polite about it! After what could have been a very disappointing day, we ended up having a brilliant two rides thanks to the Mountain Bike Station. If we ever decide to do the rest of the Mountain to sea trail we would definitely chose go with this team after the great service we received. They also have a bike hire service and at the back of the store there looks like a cool clip and climb adventure space. All the staff were lovely but we especially want to thank Stephanie for her “ can do” attitude and helpful , friendly professionalism. I highly recommend their service!
5. Tama Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By PuntRdTigers
We visited the Whakapapa Visitors Information Centre & got excellent advice from staff member Hari. We were concerned we weren't Alpine Crossing prepared & we were shown some options to do with our teenagers. A pleasant walk to Taranaki Falls starting from the car park near Skotel in the village. Slight rising elevation on firm ground with some loose stones. Lots of photo opportunities. Not very busy. Good signage. We wore lots of layers, even in December as the wind is cold, but the sun harsh-a hat & sunglasses very handy. A short detour down steep steps gets you to Taranaki Falls. Back up the steps & follow the signs on to Tama Lakes. The lower lake is viewed from a windy spot-lots of people sheltering for lunch in the short foliage. We braved the 30min climb to the upper lake for a great view of both lakes as well as Mount Ruapehu & Mount Ngauruhoe. It is steep with loose small stones coming back down-best done with walking poles-but take your time! There are drop toilets just before the lower lake view & near the bridge above Taranaki Falls. Round trip took us 6 hours with plenty of photo stops, lunch & snack breaks. Sunscreen is useful. We saw no flies, no mosquitoes & no snakes!
6. Dinosaur House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
The Dinosaur House is a small museum which is run by dinosaur enthusiasts Ian & Sarah Moore. The Museum contains an amazing collection of dinosaur displays and fossils. Housed in a beautiful 1922 heritage building in the centre of the historic town of Raetihi. It is a traditional museum using the beauty and majesty of more than 100 specimens to show the public the exciting and wonderful world of fossils and dinosaurs. You’ll be transported back to prehistoric times to explore our carefully curated exhibits which will expand your mind.
Reviewed By YorkshireTeabag
Really well done. Friendly hosts truly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Some great items such as the actual costume worn by Sam Neill in Jurassic Park III. Highly recommend for all ages.
7. National Army Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
The National Army Museum, is an army war museum in Waiouru, New Zealand, providing access to a unique collection of military exhibits, vehicles, memorabilia and public research material. The Museum is guardian to many of our national treasures, the displays are exceptional, the experience unforgettable.The Museum's Military Archive & Research Library is one of the leading military research centres in New Zealand. The Museum Gift Shop has an assortment of quality products for any special occasion. Kidz HQ is an interactive area for the children to enjoy; with puzzles, dress up and so much more. Our Cafe offers an array of tempting morsels to satisfy your taste buds.The National Army Museum open from 9.00am - 4.30pm seven days a week (with the exception of Christmas Day when the Museum is closed). Discover New Zealand's military history, engage with real life soldiers' stories and reflect on how conflict has shaped our nation.
Reviewed By nzworkingmum - Wellington, New Zealand
A great little museum just off SH1 in Waiouru. We were staying overnight before venturing over the desert road in winter and were looking got something to fill a couple of hours. So glad we did. The café was not open and there is another part they are still developing but the main museum is great anyway. The exhibits take you from the NZ wars right through to present day campaigns (although for some reason the child's activity sheet took us round in reverse order). If you go round in chronological order you finish in a beautiful greenstone memorial.
8. Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 474 reviews
Located in the heart of the Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa i-SITE (Tongariro Visitor Centre) provide expert local knowledge and free, objective advice on travel throughout the Ruapehu Region and New Zealand. We provide booking services for accommodation, activities, transport and more.
Reviewed By EmGeeNz - Kaiwaka, New Zealand
Great centre. Full of amazing informative displays etc. highly recommend if you wish to learn more about the area
9. Waitonga Falls Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By KC1818118 - New Zealand, null
Breathtaking views. Easy walk. just Bring a little picnic and enjoy beautiful scenery! Highly recommend anyone.
10. Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Visitor Information and booking service for accommodation, activities and transport both local and throughout New Zealand. Provides local expert knowledge.
Reviewed By _n_parminter - Taupo District, New Zealand
There was a good display of material about the area and what to do combined with a good selection of items for sale . The information assistant was super friendly and provided excellent service, going out of her way to answer my enquires.
