Ohakune Old Coach Road – A Historic Cycle Trail Through Tongariro

The Ohakune Old Coach Road is a must-do trail that blends history, native forest, dramatic viaducts, and adventure. Stretching for 15 km one way between Horopito and Ohakune, it forms part of the Mountains to Sea—Ngā Ara Tūhono cycleway. Before the main trunk line connected the rail-heads, the Old Coach Road served as a vital transport link. Today, it takes riders and walkers through cobbled paths, viaducts, tunnels and towering forest, all beneath the mighty Mt Ruapehu.

✨ Trail Features & Stats

• Distance: ~15 km one way between Horopito and Ohakune
• Grade / Difficulty: Moderate – Grade 3 for biking, easy-intermediate for walking
• Time estimate: ~2–3 hours by bike (one way), ~5 hours on foot
• Surface / Trail Type: Mix of cobbled coach road, forest track, and farm trail (muddy/slippery after rain)
• Highlights:
  • The restored Hāpuawhenua Viaduct and the abandoned Taonui Viaduct
  • A curved railway tunnel and historic camp sites
  • Native forest with towering kahikatea, rimu, mataī, and lush fern undergrowth
  • Sweeping views across the Ohakune Basin and Central Plateau

⚠️ Things to Know

• Best direction is to start at Horopito and ride downhill to Ohakune (easier gradient).
• Bring your own water and snacks — there are no services on the trail.
• Expect muddy patches after rain; tyres with grip are useful.
• Some sections follow old railway lines — you may need to dismount around tunnels or viaducts.
• The trail has clear signage, but you should still carry a map or GPS for extra guidance.

🚐 Shuttle & Transport – Kune Shuttles

To make your ride easier, book a transfer with Kune Shuttles, a locally owned and operated service based in Ohakune. They provide pick-ups and drop-offs at key access points along the Old Coach Road, so you can start your ride at Horopito and finish comfortably back in Ohakune without worrying about the return journey.

🌉 Historic Viaducts on the Old Coach Road

One of the highlights of the Ohakune Old Coach Road is the chance to see two remarkable feats of early railway engineering — the Hāpuawhenua Viaduct and the Taonui Viaduct.

Engineer Peter Seton Hay designed the Hāpuawhenua Viaduct in 1908, and today Heritage New Zealand recognises it with Category I Historic Places status. At 284 metres long and 45 metres high, the curved structure of concrete piers and steel towers still impresses visitors. Workers endured harsh winters and tough conditions to complete the build, which helped finish the North Island Main Trunk railway.

Nearby, the Taonui Viaduct shares a similar curved design and construction style, though it is smaller at 140 metres long and 35 metres high. Seton Hay also designed the Taonui Viaduct, which holds Category I Historic Places status. Although restoration is not planned, you can still view it from a side track on the Old Coach Road.

Together, these viaducts offer a window into the gritty determination and innovation that shaped New Zealand’s transport history, making them must-see stops along the trail.

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