Parks & Rivers – in the Taumarunui Ruapehu Area

Local Parks

Omaka Lodge is set in park-like grounds where you can wander around the beautiful garden set in an elevated rural farming environment, enjoy a game of tennis or croquet, swim or soak up the ambiance of just being here.

Rangaroa Reserve is an area where you can enjoy a walk through regenerating native bush and take a seat to rest and enjoy the lovely views over the southern end of Taumarunui and the Whanganui River.

Cherry Grove is a place where you can view the meeting of the Whanganui and Ongarue Rivers, walk along the river banks, picnic and and engage in play or family fun in the open area.

Sunshine Scenic Reserve (access via Marsack Road) for a mostly moderate 40 minute uphill walk over small bridges through  regenerating native bush up Sunshine Hill for a panoromiac view of Taumarunui and the surrounding hills and farming landscape.

Te Peka Lookout is a 15 minute climb through bush on a good track to the lookout. The lookout features a viewing platform with extensive views of Taumarunui and the surrounding valleys.

Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve is a reserve where you can enjoy a walk along tracks and over a boardwalk, through a variety of attractive scenery, past Ohinetonga Lagoon and through beautiful forest.

Needless to say, there are also the more major parks and reserves an little further afield including Whanganui National Park, Tongariro National Park and the ski field at Whakapapa on Mount Ruapehu.

Local Rivers

The Whanganui River provides a whole range of experiences to the visitor. You can tramp or walk, jet boat, kayak, canoe, cycle and sightsee.  More information

The Ongarue River is a major tributary of the Whanganui River, it flows west then south from its sources in the Hauhungaroa Range northwest of Lake Taupo, passing through the town of Taumarunui before joining the Whanganui River at Cherry Grove.

The Whakapapapa River is not too far away from Omaka Lodge. The river comes off the Whakapapa skifield of Mount Ruapehu, down the western slopes of the mountain through Owhango before finally merging with the Whanganui River just east of Kakahi which is a relativley short drive from Omaka Lodge.