The mountains are singing, the rivers are flowing, and that glorious spring sunshine is warming up Ruapehu’s wonderland. It’s the perfect invitation to make the most of longer days to explore and enjoy family time together. Whether it’s on the mountain or riverside, discover new walking or cycling tracks, or try something completely new, here are five fantastic reasons to holiday in Ruapehu this spring.
1. Discover hidden gems along the Adventure Highway
Disc golf anyone? Ohakune’s new disc golf course located on Mangawhero Terrace is a fun, family friendly activity you can do day or night – until around 7.30 pm when the solar lights go out. There are seven baskets that make up four different nine-hole courses or get creative to make up your own course. Free lessons can also be arranged by local hire outlets making this a cool new activity for everyone to give a go. For some action packed outdoor fun, book in your quad and buggy adventures with Ruapehu Adventure Rides in National Park Village and immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park. Further up along the Adventure Highway to Owhango, you can walk to a secret lagoon at the beautiful Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve and then enjoy a delicious bite at the Blue Hill Café after.
2. Family fun on the river
From half-day to multi-day guided canoeing adventures on the Whanganui River to jetboating to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere, the Whanganui River is an unforgettable bucket list experience for families to enjoy as the new season opens up during spring. With different access points around the region including Pipiriki, Whakahoro and Taumarunui, you can choose from a variety of river operators to suit your interests and itinerary.
3. Rail cart adventures reopens
After a winter’s hibernation, Forgotten World Adventure’s rail cart journeys re-open each spring season with half-day, full-day as well as overnight rail cart journeys back on offer. With a fleet of over 40 purpose-built golf carts, experience kiwi ingenuity at its best as you self-drive the coolest, most innovative rail carts you can imagine. With over 143 kms of railway track to explore, there will be plenty of ooo-ing and aah-ing along the way as you adventure through the rugged, remote landscapes of the central North Island.
4. Soak up Ruapehu’s alpine wonderland in spring
With winter behind us and the lure of beautiful spring days inviting us to get out and about, Ruapehu’s natural landscapes truly come to life. Explore a network of world-class walking tracks to a world of waterfalls, ancient lava flows, iconic mountain peaks and sacred rivers with a variety of short, family friendly walks available as well as longer day walks. Or for some two-wheeled fun, explore over 400 km cycle trails in Ruapehu ranging from easy family rides to two official New Zealand Great Rides – the Timber Trail and Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono connected pathways. You can hire a bike from a number of local operators who also offer shuttle transport to a variety of cycle trails.
Or head to Nevalea Alpacas in Taumarunui, the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand, with over 950 friendly alpacas
5. Spring ski season
As a premier spring ski destination, there’s no better place to be than Mt Ruapehu come spring. With the magic combination of longer days, better weather and two ski areas to choose from, there is no shortage of snow play to be had. There’s Tūroa on the south-western slopes which boasts NZ’s highest lift, and Whakapapa on the north-west, home to Happy Valley – NZ’s premiere beginner’s facility, the Sky Waka gondola ride, fantastic sledding and the award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet, NZ’s highest dining experience.
Don’t forget to follow the link below to win a family trip to Ruapehu!
Longer, warmer, beautiful spring days are perfect for families keen to explore Ruapehu’s greater outdoors. It’s time to spring into action at www.visitruapehu.com
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