The Ruapehu District is a tourism mecca in the North Island, brimming with gorgeous views, dramatic alpine landscapes and epic walks. It’s a major spot for both international and domestic travel.

This project emerged from a need to create a streamlined visitor experience at the Ohakune isite. Visitors and guides needed a single place to access information about local attractions in a richly visual, interactive way.

This interactive map of the Ruapehu District uses our Storymapp® Box technology to highlight attractions throughout the district. This is the largest Storymapp® Box we have created to date.

We worked with the Ohakune isite team to come up with a comprehensive list of attractions in the district. These experiences are grouped into key categories, such as ‘cycling’, ‘day walks’, ‘major walks’, ‘river activities’, and more.

Each location is represented with a pin on the interactive map.

Clicking on a pin opens a more detailed view of the location, where visitors can access images, videos, and essential visiting information. Where relevant, trail routes are also mapped on the interactive map, with key points of interest highlighted.

3D topography brings the district to life. Visitors can explore prospective activities in detail, seeing the full trail routes – and just how steep they might be!

The Ruapehu Storymapp® Box is also integrated with the Taumarunui cultural storytelling trail, Te Ara Nā Te Kōtuku. This allows the Storymapp® Box to double as an entry point for visitors to discover some of the district’s rich cultural heritage.