Raurimu
The township is at the bottom of the hill below the Chalet – turn right toward the Spiral Cafe. The famous Raurimu Spiral runs from the township up to the railway bridge on SH4 above the Chalet. Unfortunately there no single vantage point from which to see the Spiral in its entirety. There is a look out at the Spiral Cafe which gives you an idea of the layout; and you can drive through the township and up the hill to where the tunnel complex is. Please be careful of trains: they travel faster than you think and DO NOT give way.
The Chateau and Whakapapa
It is about a 15 minute drive from the Chalet to the Chateau and Whakapapa (turn left at BP National Park and follow the signs). Ski shuttles leave from outside the GAS Station to Whakapapa on a regular basis during ski season.
Ohakune and Turoa
About 35 minutes to Ohakune (go straight ahead at BP National Park for approx 30 km and follow the signs to the left).
Taumarunui
Taumaranui is 39km to the north of Raurimu: turn right coming out of the Chalet and stay on SH4.
Owhango
16 km north of Raurimu…has a very good coffee shop and a interesting craft shop with interesting products. The first Sunday of each month is Market Day in Owhango.
Owhango Market Day
Turangi
If you wish to go to Turangi or need supplies it is easy enough to get to:
- Drive up the hill to the GAS Station and turn left on to SH46.
- Enjoy the next 45km until you can drive no further. You would have reached SH41. Turn right. When you get to the end of the road you will have met up with SH1. Turn left and Shell is approx 1500m before turning into Turangi township.
On a day excursion Turangi has some interesting shops boasting Maori art, tackle and sports shops, outdoor, furniture and Retrovision stores, Mitre 10, Postshop, chemist, Lotto shop, bakery, Burger King, New World, fresh vege shop and a couple of very nice cafes. Turangi is a very reasonable place to shop. Oh, yes, it also has some of the best trout fishing in the world…
Tokaanu Hot Pools
Same as Turangi but turn left instead of right when you arrive at SH41. Drive over the bridge and take the next left. Follow the road around and you will come to the Hot Pools on the left side. These are lovely clean pools and reasonable priced.
Waiouru
The NZ Army’s major training base is 27km on the other side of Ohakune. Not much to see here except the world-class Queen Elizabeth 2 Army Memorial Museum (now with upgraded security!!). This is open seven days from 9-5 and is well worth the drive. When there are major training activities on, military trainspotters may observe from SH1. DO NOT STRAY OFF SH1 INTO THE TRAINING AREA – IT IS A DANGEROUS PLACE.
