You can also drive on to the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu. Ohakune has a population of around 1,500 people. From Ohakune to Wellington takes about four hours. From Wanganui to Wellington takes about two hours. The few multi-lane highways in New Zealand are near the big cities.
Most roads are one lane each way.
Traffic drives on the left. The speed limit in towns is 50 km per hour. On the open highway it is 100 km per hour. You need to bring your driving licence. Visitors from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States do not need an international driving licence.