Ratamaire Loop
Farm roads, a secret DOC lake, and views of Mt Ruapehu across the Ohakune plains. A classic local loop most visitors never find.
Head out of Ohakune towards Raetihi, turn onto Lakes Road, and follow it up through sheep and beef farmland with big views of Mt Ruapehu across the plains. Stop at Ngā Roto-o-Rangataua (Lakes Reserve) — a quiet DOC lake loop through native bush that's worth the 10 minutes — then continue onto Ratamaire Road.
Ratamaire Road is an unformed paper road through classic Kiwi farmland: close the gates, watch for stock. The road loops over the hills and drops back into Rangataua before the return leg to the shop via Dreadnought Road. 20km, 209m elevation, 52% sealed, 48% gravel and farm track.
Know before you go
Ratamaire Road is an unformed seasonal road. After heavy rain it can be muddy and slow. Ask us at pickup — we'll tell you straight.
The ride
- Ngā Roto-o-Rangataua (Lakes Reserve) — southernmost volcanic blowhole of the Pacific Rim
- Rolling farmland with open Ruapehu views
- Ratamaire Road — real Kiwi farm country (close the gates)
- Satisfying 20km loop, no retracing
What Kune provides
- MTB and e-bike hire from the shop
- Full briefing + current road conditions
- Route map — includes gate locations
What to bring
- Packed lunch or snacks for the loop
- Water — no facilities on route
Interactive map & trail reports
Ratamaire Loop on Trailforks
Live trail status, recent reports and the full interactive map.