New Zealand North Island Itinerary, Part 3

Day 15 (Mar 9)

Waiotapu Tavern, 2476 State Highway 5, Waiotapu R D 3 3073

to

Waimangu Volcanic Valley, 587 Waimangu Rd, Rotorua 3043

(5 miles)

Some absolutely amazing geothermal formations here.

[ http://www.waimangu.co.nz ]

Waimangu Volcanic Valley, 587 Waimangu Rd, Rotorua 3043

to

Wai-O-Tapu, 201 Waiotapu Loop Rd, Rotorua 3073

(7.3 miles)

One of the larger, busier geothermal parks. The November-March hours are 8:30am-6:00pm, last admission 4:45pm.

[ http://www.waiotapu.co.nz ]

Day 16 (Mar 10)

Waiotapu Tavern, 2476 State Highway 5, Waiotapu R D 3 3073

to

Barcelona Motel, 21 Taniwha St, Taupo 3330

(34 miles)

A relatively flat, straight ride on a relatively calm road, all the way to the Barcelona Motel in Taupo. Watch for the overpass as you approach town – traffic might compel you to route around it.

[ http://www.barcelonamotel.co.nz ]

Day 17 (Mar 11)

Barcelona Motel, 21 Taniwha St, Taupo 3330

to

Canoe & Kayak Taupo, 54 Spa Rd, Taupo 3330

An easy walk to the kayak depot, for a river-run down the Waikato River, followed by a multi-hour kayaking session along the shores of Lake Taupo.

[ http://www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/ … ]

Day 18 (Mar 12)

An unscheduled day! Holy crap, dude! I’m sure we’ll figure something out.

Day 19 (Mar 13)

Barcelona Motel, 21 Taniwha St, Taupo 3330

to

Oasis Motel Tokaanu, 426 Sh 41, Tokaanu 3381

(36.2 miles)

A fairly easy clockwise ride around the lake, except for one steep hill section near the beginning. Might want to bypass the highway there via Rotongaio Road. The shoulder is narrow in a couple sections, then widens out.

[ http://oasismotel.co.nz ]

Day 20 (Mar 14)

Oasis Motel Tokaanu, 426 Sh 41, Tokaanu 3381

to

Mangatepopo Rd trailhead

Shuttle service from Tokaanu/Turangi provided by Turangi Alpine Crossing. Departure times are 6:00am and 7:30am. Cost: $30 one way per person.

[ http://turangirentals.co.nz/ … ]

Mangatepopo Rd trailhead

to

Ketetahi Rd trailhead

(12 miles)

The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 12 miles, with a gentle downhill slope for a good portion of it.

[ http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/ … ]

If we’re feeling particularly ambitious, we can ascend the optional trail up Mt Ngauruhoe. It’s an additional 2000 feet – almost doubling the ascent of the hike. No easy task.

[ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ngauruhoe ]

Ketetahi Rd trailhead

to

Oasis Motel Tokaanu, 426 Sh 41, Tokaanu 3381

The latest return shuttle departs at 5:00pm. Cost: $30 per person one way. An additional $50 charge will apply for a later pickup.

Day 21 (Mar 15)

Oasis Motel Tokaanu, 426 Sh 41, Tokaanu 3381

to

The Park Hotel Ruapehu, 2/6 Millar Street, National Park 3989

(38 miles)

This will be a rough riding day, primarily because of the steady ascent. We’ll be going up 2500 feet.

[ http://www.the-park.co.nz ]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *