154 Marshalls Road, Raetihi-Ohakune, Ruapehu
Before 1908 the Coach Road linked two railheads on the North Island Main Trunk railway. Cobblestones were laid to give the road a solid foundation. After the rail heads had been linked the route became overgrown. Now local activity and DOC has cleared the vegetation so that this fascinating route is both a walkway and a cycleway.
A diversion provides access to the Hapuawhenua Viaducts, a key part of New Zealand's rail heritage and to a disused tunnel. (see the related place) The cycleway forms part of the Mountain (Ruapehu) to the Sea section of the national cycle trail project, (Nga Haerenga)
To get to the viaducts via the walkway you can leave your car at the Marshall's Rd car park and take an enjoyable two hour return walking trip. DOC information panels along the route highlight items of interest. The viaducts are reached by an side track from the Coach Road. You may wish to start your journey at the Ohakune Station as there have been break-ins to cars parked at Marshall Road but this increases the walking distance.
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