 Located within the Manawatū-Whanganui region, the town is northeast of Whanganui and west of Waiouru.The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "place of care" for .A rural service town known as New Zealand's Carrot Capital, Ohakune is a popular base in winter for skiers using the ski fields (particularly Turoa) of nearby Mount Ruapehu and in summer for trampers hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.