With 18 self-contained units set in the courtyard, featuring mountain views Ohakune Court Motel is a great place to be based not only for the ski season but also in summer.
Our unit featured a kitchen with basic facilities (microwave and fridge), a TV with a video player (free video and games library at reception) and wireless broadband internet access. With a queen sized bed and a single the room was very spacious and clean.
The best thing about the motel is that it is off the main street in town but still close enough to enjoy all the amenities. Donald the owner of Ohakune Court Motel was very helpful in recommending walks and activities to do in town. Such a shame we didn’t have longer!
Ohakune is ideally situated between Tongariro and Whanganui River National Parks and lies at the foot of Mt Ruapehu- well known for winter skiing. However once the snow melts away and summer sets in, the National Parks become a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and fisherman.
Room rates range from $85 for studio units to $220 for 2 bedroom units.
Bridge to Nowhere Jet Boat Tour, Whanganui
Bridge to Nowhere are the only company that can provide the total ‘adventure on Whanganui River’ providing you with accommodation, jet/canoe trips, guided tours, and tramping. With over 40 years of living, working and playing in the park Joe, Amanda, and their son Ben have gained extensive knowledge of the river, tracks and their secrets.
Jet boat tours depart from Pipiriki, a tiny historic village nestled on the banks of the Whanganui River. Travelling up stream into the middle reaches of the Whanganui you feel as though you have travelled back in time to the Jurassic Park era. Pristine native bush cloaks the banks, we witnessed deep gorges covered with ferns, caves, rapids, and other unique and amazing scenery.
Our guide, Ben, shared stories of the river and showed us some of the secrets of this historic and cultural icon. Along the way we stopped at the magnificent Mangaio gorge and the Manganui-O-Te-Au River, home to the endangered Blue Duck. We were even lucky enough to see the Blue Duck in its natural habitat!
We continued on deeper into the magical wilderness of the Whanganui River and arrived at our destination- the Mangapurua Landing. By foot we ventured deep into the native bush and followed a track that was once walked by the Maori. With the Tuis and Bellbirds chirping, wild goats roaming and the smell of rainforest filling the air, I felt as if I was in a completely different world. We eventually reached the historic “Bridge to Nowhere” the gateway to the ‘Valley of Abandoned Dreams.’ We enjoyed our own picnic lunch on the bridge, complimented by the tea/coffee and biscuits provided by Ben. While we sat and ate our lunch, Ben provided us with tales of the historic Mangapurua Valley and its pioneering people.
On the return boat ride to Pipiriki the water was acting as a mirror and producing some of the most amazing reflections of the towering cliffs above. At some points the surface of the water was so glassy that the cliffs merged with their reflections perfectly. I actually felt as though we were flying between floating mountains. Imagine an Avatar type atmosphere and that is what it felt like!
To get our hearts pumping just that little bit extra before we departed the jet boat, Ben did a few 360degrees turns. What an amazing day!
Jet boat tours cost $115 for adults and $50 for children. For information on the lodge or their other activities visit their website at: www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz
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