Ohakune

I love the Queens Birthday. Every year by this point we always really need a break from the winter slog. This year was no exception, although this time we were lucky enough to get away for the long weekend to Okahune.

On the edge of Tongariro National Park, this lovely little town is clearly a busy mecca for skiers and snowboarders once the snow has fallen. This weekend it was bitterly cold at times but no snow appeared, so the town was full of walkers and families escaping the working week for a bit.

We were also lucky enough arrive on the weekend of the Ohakune Carrot Carnival. The town was full of food and craft stall plus live music and lots of carrots!

We took a walk up the "old coach road" which takes you to Hapuawhenua Viaduct. The old coach road winds up through beautiful countryside until you get to the old viaduct which was built over 100 years ago.

The old cobbles that made up the surface of the road are still visible in many places.

It took us about 1.5 hours to reach the viaduct and we travelled through farmland, forest and into an Alpine wetland.

The track must take a lot of maintenance as the wetland is clearly a fragile environment.

Being winter meant that by the time we headed back down the sun was low in the sky and the moon was out.

The lack of light made the landscape that much more stunning.

We also managed to find a bit of snow up at Turoa ski field. 

Just enough to have a snow ball fight :)