Michael from the Shore Rentals team packed up his family and hit the road for a snowy escape over the Matariki long weekend. With three kids in tow, they took the scenic route down State Highway 4 – a solid five-hour drive with plenty of snack stops and “are we there yet?” moments along the way.
They arrived in Ohakune and checked into a charming 100-Year old Airbnb villa, complete with views stretching out to the majestic Mount Ruapehu. The host went above and beyond, even lending them a few snow sleds for the kids to take up the mountain. It was the perfect home base for their snowy weekend adventure.
After a quick break to stretch their legs and unpack, it was straight to the famous Ohakune Éclair Shop for a well-earned sweet treat. With sugar-fuelled energy levels on the rise, the next stop was the Carrot Adventure Park, the perfect spot for the kids to run wild, climb, play, and of course, snap a few photos with the giant carrot. It was the ideal start to a fun-filled family weekend in the snow.
The next morning, they loaded up the car and made the 20-minute drive from Ohakune to Turoa Ski Field – a short but scenic trip winding up the mountain. On the way, they made a quick stop to stretch their legs and check out Mangawhero Falls, a beautiful waterfall nestled in the bush. Lord of the Rings fans might recognise it as Gollum’s Pool, and after a short walk in, it was easy to see why it made the cut, the spot is magical. After taking in the view, they continued up the mountain where the real adventure began. For the kids, it was their very first time in the snow, and they couldn’t get enough of it. Snowball fights, snowmen, and endless sledding filled the next few hours. Watching the pure joy on their faces as they zoomed down the slopes and rolled around in the snow made the whole trip worth it.
The next day, it was time to pack up and say goodbye to Ohakune. Instead of heading straight back the way they came, Michael and the family decided to complete the loop around the mountain via the Volcanic Loop Highway. It was the perfect way to take in even more of the Central Plateau’s stunning scenery.
Their first stop was the Tangiwai Memorial – a quiet, moving tribute to those lost in the 1953 railway disaster. It was a chance to pause and reflect, and to share a bit of New Zealand’s history with the kids.
Further along, they pulled over on the Desert Road at one of the scenic viewpoints, where they were treated to breathtaking views of both Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe standing tall against the sky. It was one of those classic Kiwi road trip moments, crisp air, wide open spaces, and mountains on the horizon.
Before the final stretch home, they made one last stop in Taupō to let the kids stretch their legs along the lakefront. After playground fun and a quick bite to eat, they hit the road again, tired but full of memories from a weekend well spent in the heart of the North Island.