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The Ohakune Old Coach Road, Ohakune to Horopito |
The Ohakune Old Coach Road forms part of an historic coach road that connected Raurimu in the North and Ohakune in the South between 1907 and 1908. The coach road was used to ferry passengers along this yet completed section of the main trunk line allowing passengers to travel between Auckland and Wellington.
The Roads History
In 1906 to make the existing service road useable by coaches, the steep parts on the 8•5 km section between Ohakune and Horopito were surfaced with cobblestones. Coaches first started carrying railway passengers On January 10, 1907 travelling from Raurimu to Raetihi and Ohakune. Coaches ferried railway passengers for almost two years between the two railheads until the new railway linking Raurimu and Ohakune was completed.
With the railway line completed, the road was abandoned and left unmaintaned ever since.
The Ohakune Old Coach Road is the best example of a cobbled road surface of its age, and length in New Zealand.
The Ohakune Old Coach Road Now. Dual Cycle Way and Hiking Trail
The Ohakune Old Coach road is becoming a popular dual track for walkers and mountain bikers. A return journey of 6.8kms takes walkers and riders from Marshalls road in Ohakune along the cobbled section of the Old Coach road up to and then crossing the Hapuawhenua viaduct that spans 284 meters with a highest point of 45 meters before returning to the Marshalls road carpark.
Alternatively the track can be accessed from Matapuna road in Horopito. A 11km journey one way.
For bikers the Old Coach road also completes part of the Mountains to Sea trail from Ohakune to Whanganui.
For Ohakune Accommodation options from chalet rentals to lodges please click here.
For Ohakune transport, shuttles and taxis click here.
For Ohakune restaurants, cafes and food options click here.
And if you need a cold beer or relaxed glass of wine after your Ohakune Old Cach Road experience then click here to visit Ohakune Bars and Pubs.
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