The drive along
SH1 out of Taupo is a spectacular winding road that hugs the eastern shores
and cliffs of Lake Taupo. You'll be treated to mesmerising glimpses of the
lake for much of its length south.
On the way you
will cruise through the small settlements of Whareweka, Waitahanui, Hatepe,
Waitetoko, Te Rangiita and Motuoapa.
At the south end
of Taupo beside the Tongariro River is the bustling town of Turangi - a centre
for adventure tourism and many trout fishing, hunting and hiking options all
around.
After departing
Turangi you enter one of the wildest places in New Zealand - the Desert Road,
as SH1 is known here, crosses the high central plateau. The views of the plateau
and snow-capped mountains are awe-inspiring sights. There are few facilities
for over 50km.
As you approach
Waiouru, you realise that this is a New Zealand Army training town, and home
to the New Zealand Army museum.
Take a left on
SH49 out of Waiouru. You are now cutting west across the lower flanks of Mt
Ruapehu. About 6km out of town you'll pass through Tangiwai. On the eve of
Christmas, 1953, a giant lahar caused by a previous volcanic eruption, washed
down the mountain and destroyed the rail bridge. Minutes later the overnight
express from Wellington to Auckland crashed off the shattered bridge taking
151 passengers' lives.
About 27km west
you come to the thriving winter skiing and snowboarding hot spot of Ohakune.
Taupo
to Ohakune (via National Park)
The drive along
SH1 out of Taupo is a spectacular winding road that hugs the eastern shores
and cliffs of Lake Taupo. You'll be treated to mesmerising glimpses of the
lake for much of its length south.
On the way you
will cruise through the small settlements of Whareweka, Waitahanui, Hatepe,
Waitetoko, Te Rangiita and Motuoapa.
At the south end
of Taupo beside the Tongariro River is the bustling town of Turangi - a centre
for adventure tourism and many trout fishing, hunting and hiking options all
around.
Head west on SH47
and you pass through the locales of Tongariro and Taurewa before hitting National
Park. About two-thirds of the way between Taurewa and National Park is the
turn-off to
Whakapapa Village, home to one of New Zealand's premier ski fields.
After leaving National
Park Village, head south on SH4 where you'll pass through the tiny settlements
of Waikune, Erua, Pokaka and Horopito before finally coming to the Tohunga
Junction at the intersection of SH4 and SH49.
Turn left at the
junction and 9 km down the road you'll come to the town of Ohakune
It
is recommended that you have detailed road maps before departing on your trip
The drive along
SH1 out of Taupo is a spectacular winding road that hugs the eastern shores
and cliffs of Lake Taupo. You'll be treated to mesmerising glimpses of the
lake for much of its length south.