Events
Upcoming events in Ohakune
JANUARY
The local community comes together to present wild recipes with wild ingredients such as venison and wild plants. Great entertainment and a taste of local food. This worldwide event cannot be missed!
FEBRUARY
Antique Roadshow Fundraiser
February 11, 2017 – The Centre, Seddon Street, Raetihi
Ever wonder how much worth your antique piece? Bring it to Raetihi and you’ll finally know! Bring your antique collectables, jewellery, art, furniture, chinaware, clothing to be assessed by a professional antique dealer.
Home to one of New Zealand’s oldest grandstands and with Mt Ruapehu as a stunning backdrop, the historic town of Raetihi hosts the annual Waimarino Agriculture & Pastoral show in February. The event features equestrian (hack, pleasure, jumping), miniature horses, dairy, beef, highland cattle, sheep shearing & axemen competitions. 18-19 February 2017
The brand new Ruapehu EXPRESS brings you an opportunity for an epic adventure in a stunning landscape! The event involves a Mountain bike event and a separate running/walking event in the foothills of Mount Ruapehu. Each event has a different course and start line, but they share a finish in the mountain side township of Ohakune. Yes it’s a race, but you are welcome to just cruise if you want and take in the spectacular scenery… February 25th, 2017
MARCH
Tussock buster March 24-26
Tussock Buster is the largest trail bike event in New Zealand and is regarded by many as being the best event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The event dynamics, organization, 2.5 day duration, camping facilities, terrain and tracks, make the event unique. One needs to participate to appreciate how different it is to other events.
APRIL
The race covers a massive 270 kms over 2 days, charging through terrain as varied as you’ll see anywhere.Starting on the alpine slopes of Mt Ruapehu, winding up and down trails hidden in untouched native forests, streaming down the unique Whanganui waterway to finally reach the shores of the Tasman Sea. The race was forged out in 1987 by a hardy bunch and now it’s back with new twists and tracks through part of the New Zealand Cycle Trails network – ready to challenge individuals, teams, corporates, weekend warriors, clubs and die-hard competitors. It’s everything the novice or race pro could possibly want!
Experience the scenery and history of the Raetihi – Pipiriki road that lies between the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks. Run it or Bike it for great fun!
MAY
Based around the 42 Traverse, an old logging road that gets its name from the original ‘State Forest 42?. The T42 is a classic NZ event that has a variety of run/walk distances as well as the ‘whole hog’ 48 km MTB. All events come to a climax in the comfort of the Park Hotel (event HQ) in National Park Village with a post event prize giving, dinner & party that has quite a history.
JUNE
Ohakune being the Carrot Capital it just make sense that we have a Carrot Carnival! Live music, carrot cake of the year, carrot related fun & games, what more do you want? It’s time to give some love to our carrots!
JULY
Ohakune Mardi Gras
No ski season opening is complete without the Ohakune Mardi Gras (End of June, beginning of July) With a mix of local up-and-coming acts and international stars, this dressed-up party is the best to kick off the ski season with your mates!
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
Sept 1 – 15
Drum n Bass, Crazy Bingo, Live Music, Art Installations, Seriously Good Food, Retro Day and lots of laughs …….
The Goat Alpine Adventure run is an exhilarating, challenging, yet achievable alpine run traversing the side of spectacular Mt Ruapehu. The nature of the mountainous terrain with its ascent, descent, twists and turns is measured at approx 20km. The Goat has not been designed as a walking event. Participants need to enter with the intention of running the majority of the distance.
For the new and uninitiated, the Cold Kiwi is a Motorcycle rally held every year on or around the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. Traditionally held over the first weekend in September, the beginning of spring often brings clear skies and chilly nights with it, sometimes it even snows.
North Island Secondary School Ski Racing Champs & North Island Secondary School Snowboard Champs
This historical race event sees around 600 secondary school children in competition to see which team & or individual comes out on top to be victorious. May the best team/person win!
OCTOBER
Suzuki Desert storm is the classic NZ 2 day trail ride in the foothills of Mount Ruapehu featuring over 140km of trail, camping, catering and entertainment. Trails include forestry, creeks, drops offs, hills climbs and firebreaks. Plus optional Expert Only single track challenge trains, kids and novice trails and a purpose built endure x practice course! Held annually, this is the biggest Epic Event and attracts 1000 riders.
Combining Skiing, Snowboarding, Running , Cycling and Drinking, The Peak to Powderkeg is New Zealand’s iconic and unique alpine triathlon that celebrates the end of Winter. Race down the mountain side via snow, foot and pedal to the Powderkeg pub in the township of Ohakune for the fourth stage of the triathlon – the skulling of a beer to complete the race.