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Ohakune Mardi Gras organisers are giving away more than $1 million worth of Tūroa day passes as part of this year’s event, with up to 8,000 visitors expected to descend on the mountain town.
Every Mardi Gras attendee will receive a complimentary Tūroa day pass through a partnership between the Ohakune Events Charitable Trust, Boost Ohakune, Audiology Touring and Pure Tūroa.
Pure Tūroa head of brand and marketing James Simpson says the initiative aims to encourage more people to experience the mountain.
“At Tūroa, we’re passionate about sharing the mountain with everyone, including people who may never have considered skiing or snowboarding before,” James says.
Boost Ohakune chair Cam Robertson says the promotion is expected to deliver wider benefits for the region.
“Visitors are not only attending one of New Zealand’s great winter festivals, they’re also being encouraged to return and experience the mountain, stay longer and explore the wider region,” Cam says.
Ohakune Mardi Gras has been running for nearly three decades and combines live music with winter celebrations.
The 2026 event will be held on July 4, with organisers encouraging visitors to secure accommodation and make a weekend of their visit.
