Ruapehu is welcoming the Government's announcement of a $405,000 investment through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) to help develop the new Horopito Hub at a key junction on the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. The funding was announced as part of the Government's investment in visitor facilities and tourism infrastructure projects across New Zealand.
The Hub will create a safer and more welcoming gateway at the junction of three important sections of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride: the Ohakune Old Coach Road, Ruatiti Connector and Te Hangāruru.
A key part of the project is the provision of public toilets, addressing a critical visitor-facility gap for cyclists, walkers, runners and other users at Horopito. The project will also provide formal car parking, safe shuttle access, shelter and improved wayfinding, creating a safer and more welcoming gateway for both visitors and locals. These facilities will benefit trail users while also supporting Horopito residents, highway travellers, shuttle operators and visitors to nearby attractions. The Government announcement noted the investment will support public toilets, safe shuttle access, parking and other visitor facilities at Horopito.
The facility will enable the historic Horopito Old School Hall to be better used for community gatherings, events, education and other activities. Housed in the former Horopito School building, the hall is a Group B Heritage Building and has been preserved through sustained community effort since residents formed the Horopito Residents and Ratepayers Society in 2006.
The Hub will provide a foundation for further community-led and tourism-related activity, encouraging visitors to spend more time in Horopito and supporting the wider Ruapehu visitor economy.
The Hub will complement the growing visitor activity already being generated by Horopito Motors, widely known as Smash Palace. Its recent investment in the Jump Start Coffee Cart, alongside its established visitor attraction, demonstrates local confidence in Horopito's potential and the opportunities created as more people stop, explore and spend time in the area.
"This investment recognises Horopito's growing importance within our connected trail network and the wider region," Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust Kaihautū Ara Lynley Twyman said.
"The Hub will address a long-standing gap in public toilets and other essential visitor facilities, improving safety, comfort and accessibility for people walking, cycling and travelling through Horopito. We are grateful for the Government's support through the IVL, which recognises the importance of investing in infrastructure that enhances visitor experiences while benefiting local communities."
"We look forward to working closely with the Horopito community to ensure the Hub is a welcoming, well-used asset that reflects local aspirations and delivers lasting benefits."
The Trust welcomed the support of Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and the Government's continued investment in visitor infrastructure that strengthens regional tourism and community outcomes.
The project application was supported by Visit Ruapehu and will be delivered in partnership with Ruapehu District Council, which will lead the project and own the completed public assets.
"Horopito is an important gateway within the Ruapehu visitor network. This investment will improve the visitor experience, support greater use of local community facilities and create new opportunities for tourism activity in the area," Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said.
Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust will support delivery through its trail, visitor-experience, stakeholder engagement and signage expertise. The Trust also acknowledges the Visit Ruapehu, Ruapehu District Council, Horopito Ratepayers Association, the Horopito Old School Hall community, the Fredrickson family and everyone who has supported the project's development.
Detailed design, consenting and delivery planning will now progress, with the preferred aim of opening the Hub during summer 2026/27.
The project is another important step in growing the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono network and ensuring its benefits are shared across local communities, visitors and the wider region.
