Renowned radio host PJ Harding and her fiancé BJ – that's right, PJ and BJ – recently got away from it all with a trip to Ruapehu. Here's what she found:
There is so much more to explore in the Ruapehu region beyond winter mountain sports. That's what we discovered when we experienced a whole range of summer activities – like biking on the Ohakune Old Coach Road, the wellness experience at Rua Awa Lodge, canoeing on the Whanganui River with Owhango Adventures, fly fishing, and a range of food and eateries along the way.
It's really not far by car and Beej and I never realised how truly beautiful the area is and how much there is to do. I mean, it really is a place that feels like a world away but warm and homely at the same time; a place that could easily become my place in the world.
We kicked the weekend off with an e-bike from TCB Ski Board and Bike Ohakune, with a ride through the Ohakune Old Coach Road track – e-bikes are honestly the best, we went 14km and felt sweet as afterwards.
We enjoyed a few well-earned bevvies at Kings Ohakune (accommodation, food and drinks) to wrap up the day and, after a night in Ohakune, we spent the rest of our time staying at Rua Awa Lodge —the most peaceful slice of heaven nestled away beneath the mountains. Outdoor shower and bath, nourishing homemade meals, epic workshops (we made sauerkraut!) plus glow worms and river within 15 minutes' walk.
BJ attempted fly fishing on the Whanganui River and we didn't want to leave – partly because Beej didn't catch a fish but also there was something so sacred and special about the area. Just 10 minutes down by the water and you couldn't help but get a casual Zen buzz on.
We also went on a one-day guided canoe trip with legends Willie and Anaru from Owhango Adventures – they were such a laugh and dropped historical fact bombs along the way.
We felt so grateful to spend time in a nature wonderland; it's our duty to explore and appreciate it as much as possible.
Favourite bits? So many:
- The bagels and coffee at Thorn Ohakune
- E-biking on the Ohakune Old Coach Road, part of Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono. So much fun - it feels like you have done heaps of exercise but really you are just in cruise mode with electrical assistance, win win! Plus the views are epic.
- Staying at Rua Awa Lodge was beautiful. BJ and I loved it and instantly relaxed there. We also learned how to make sauerkraut with the hosts which was a great skill to add to the toolbox!
One piece of advice: Take a wide range of clothes as the weather can change quickly!
But one thing that doesn't change: the friendliness of the people. They were just so friendly from the get-go and had a good laugh with us along the way. There was a real sense of community in the area, like everyone knew each other and wanted everyone to have a good time.
It was almost like Ruapehu was a secret gem and they didn't want the world to know about it but also wanted you walking away with a smile on your face.
Actually, that was it exactly. Most people think of this region as a winter playground. I think we proved it is a place for all seasons.
Plan your own summer getaway to Ruapehu at visitruapehu.com