Museums & History
Things to do in Ohakune
EXPERIENCE SOME OHAKUNE CULTURE
National Army Museum
Located in Waiouru, a 20 minutes’ drive from Ohakune, the National Army Museum showcases New Zealand’s military history, telling the stories of Kiwi soldiers and exploring New Zealand’s participation in major conflicts worldwide.
The Railway Museum
Open Friday to Sunday, the Railway museums is a converted 1930s railway shed. It is home to a selection of fascinating displays on the history of the railway and the settlement in the region. (20 min walk from the hostel)
Waimarino Museum
Only open on Sunday afternoons, the Waimarino Museum is based in the relocated historic Raetihi railway station with additional exhibition space provided in former stables and jail cells. This museum focuses on the history of the Central Plateau from the early Maori settlers, through the time of the prosperous timber industry up until the present day. (15 minutes’ drive from Ohakune)
Horopito Motors
This wrecker’s yard once was the set of the movie “Smash Palace” in the 80’s. Now, it’s home to a rich collection of vintage cars. Don’t expect for them to be in a perfect condition, this 15 acres land present a vast assortment of vehicles in varying states of decay. The garage is still working and for a small donation, you can wander around at your leisure. (10 minutes’ drive from Ohakune)
Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park
Ohakune being known as the Carrot Capital of New Zealand, it only made sense that, after building a giant 7.5 m high carrot for a television ad, ANZ Bank would donate it to the region. Installed in 1984, the giant carrot is an “impossible to miss”. Carrots have grown in Ohakune since the 1920’s thanks to the rich volcanic soil. Now, the industry has diversified and the carrot Park has welcome more giant vegetables such as a potato, a Brussel sprouts, a swede and a parsnip.