3
Moderate
Activities
  • 5 day road cycle
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days$3645NZD

Trip Code: TFW

Trip highlights


  • Marvel at rugged, remote inland farming country hardly anyone gets to see
  • Enjoy great hospitality from the locals of back country NZ
  • Cycle on the Volcanic Plateau with stunning views across to the North Island's 3 active volcanic peaks.
  • Ride the famous Forgotten World Highway to the equally infamous Republic of Whangamomona
  • Get up close and personal with the slopes of the dormant volcano, Mt Taranaki,
  • Enjoy the beaches, parks, art galleries and cafes of New Plymouth
  • Ride like a local on a smorgasbord loop of back country Taranaki

A hidden gem on the Western flank of New Zealand's North Island, Taranaki is often overlooked because of its remoteness, but that's the reason to visit! The region is dominated by Mt Taranaki, a dormant volcano with its near-perfect cone and the second highest mountain in the North Island. The mountain reigns supreme over Egmont National Park, a area of diverse vegetation, lush waterfalls, rainforests, and mossy swamps that has developed in an environment of frequent volcanic activity.

We make our way to Taranaki from Taupo, where our trip starts, via the Volcanic Plateau, an active volcanic and thermal area including the North Island's 3 active volcanic peaks, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Our first ride, on a relatively quiet road, offers stunning views of all 3 peaks, as well as native forests, open plains and rolling hills.

The following 2 days are spent on the famous The Forgotten World Highway, New Zealand's oldest heritage trail and all things remote, mysterious and scenic. The Highway follows ancient Maori trade routes and pioneering farm tracks through ambitious historic settlements, untamed native bush and stunning natural scenery. Our night on the Highway is spent in one of New Zealand's most iconic country Hotels in the charismatic town of Whangamomana, declared as a Republic by residents in 1989 due to their frustration with the local council!

The Highway ends in the Shakespearean inspired town of Stratford, beneath the Eastern slopes of Mt Taranaki. We'll head up the mountain late afternoon to experience the stunning scenery, mountain flora and bountiful birdlife.

From Stratford our adventure continues, cycling on quiet country roads around the base of the Mountain as far as the city of New Plymouth. Along the way, we'll pay a visit to Pukeiti, a garden of international significance hosting one of the world's biggest and most diverse collections of rhododendrons and other exotics. New Plymouth itself is a vibrant and contemporary city, known for its art galleries, picturesque parks and spectacular, wild surf beaches.

As all the locals will tell you, our final loop ride is a memorable gem delivering a satisfying smorgasbord of riding experiences. It has it all – flats, hills, sea-edge promenade, scenic farmland, quiet roads, a tunnel and a historic bridge. We will be back in New Plymouth by late afternoon when our tour ends; please book any onwards flights from New Plymouth for departure after 5pm.


Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand and your North Island Adventure! Hopefully you should all have arrived yesterday and be ready to ride this morning, with any personal bikes built up and gear prepared. Meeting at a central location in Taupo, we'll start with an introduction and short tour briefing before loading up and heading off to Turangi, known as the Trout Capital of New Zealand reflecting its reputation for superb fly fishing (taking approx 1 hr). After a bike fitting and safety briefing, it's time for our first ride over the Te Ponanga Saddle and across the Tongariro Volcanic Plateau to the small town of National Park, the highest urban township in New Zealand. Along the way the views across to the 3 active volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngaurahoe are spectacular, showcasing a unique World Heritage site, 300,000 years in the making. Arriving at National Park mid afternoon, there'll be time to explore the local area before our first group dinner Cycle : 52km, 962m, 100% asphalt

Meals:  D

Today is our first taste of real back country, remote, heartland New Zealand! Starting in civilisation, we end in the tiny Republic of Whangamomona (pop. 40 humans plus numerous other inhabitants), where a goat was once the President and which sells its own passports. The day starts with a 45 minute transfer to the start of the Forgotten World Highway in Taumaranui, the meeting place of the Whanganui and Ongarue Rivers and an important centre in Maori history. Built on colonial bridle paths formed in the late 19th century, the Forgotten World Highway is remote and mysterious to the extreme. "A bit upsy downsy" is how one local resident puts it - a classic New Zealand understatement to describe a road that hugs the rugged contours of the land to provide a natural roller coaster experience. We start with a 30km stretch of hilly farmland initially alongside the Whanganui River, the original 'highway' into this hinterland. The asphalt Highway leaves the river and winds up Paparata Saddle before descending into the beautiful Tangarakau Gorge, where the landscape changes from farmland to dense native bush. Rolling through the Gorge we ride through the single-lane Moki Tunnel, known locally as the 'Hobbits' Hole', over the Tahora Saddle and finish with a mostly downhill final few kms into Whangamomana. Tonight we'll eat and sleep at the Whangamomana Hotel, one of New Zealand's iconic country hotels. Cycle Options : The Forgotten World Highway, 100% asphalt Standard : Taumaranui to Nevins Lookout: 51km, +695m Avid : Taumaranui to Whangamomana 88km, +1407m

Meals:  B,L,D

Another stunning, challenging ride on the Forgotten World Highway, distinguished by 3 Saddle crossings, each worth stopping at the top to take in stunning vistas and catch your breath! Leaving straight from the hotel, it's just a short warmup before heading over the first Whangamomana Saddle, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape with a backdrop of beech and Podocarp forest. Next up is the Pohokura Saddle, named after a prominent Maori Chief and with views into the valley used as a large railway construction campsite. The final Saddle on our remote journey is the Strathmore Saddle which, on a clear day, offers stunning views of both Mount Taranaki and the Central Plateau. The Forgotten Highway finishes in Stratford, named after its English counterpart, but rather less iconic, although Shakespeare is reflected in the Street names and the Glockenspiel Clock. Later this afternoon, we'll head up the lower slopes of Mount Taranaki to enjoy the stunning views and mountain flora and birdlife. There is a diverse range of vegetation to observe that has developed in an environment of frequent volcanic activity. Cycle : The Forgotten World Highway, 63kms, +755m 100% asphalt

Meals:  B,D

The legendary annual Tour of Taranaki Cycle Challenge takes riders on a striking road race around Mt Taranaki, tackling the full 148km circuit in one day. Today's ride tackles upto 90k of the same circuit with the mountain continually changing its aspect throughout the ride. Because it is considered one of the most symmetrical mountains in the world, it is a very distinctive landmark. From Stratford we head almost immediately onto gently undulating secondary roads through pleasant farmland. With only a couple of small settlements along the way the road is shy of traffic and offers wide ranging views both of the Mountain and across farmland out to the Tasman Sea. Another feature of Mount Taranaki is its circle of encompassing dark green forest and some distance into the ride, we start to head further up the slopes and into the native bush. There are still peaks of the sea, but the native trees and ferns are a delight to ride through. Pukeiti Gardens is a Garden of International Significance with its world renowned collection of rhodedendrons and other exotics. After a lunch stop here it's almost áll downhill' to the vibrant city of New Plymouth. There may be some free time to visit Pukekura Park, the impressive Puke Ariki Museum or the Len Lye Centre before our final tour dinner at a local restaurant. Cycle Options : Around the Mountain, 100% asphalt Standard : Stratford to Pukeiti Gardens : 62km, +755m Avid : Stratford to New Plymouth: 89km, +811m

Meals:  B,L,D

The Kennett brothers have been pioneers in the development of all things biking here in New Zealand and they describe today's ride as one of the best loops in New Zealand, which is high praise indeed. This is where the locals ride and for good reason - it takes in rural New Zealand at its most beautiful. We start by riding up the coast on the award winning New Plymouth Coastal Walkway with crashing waves, and crystal ocean as far as your eye can see. Turning inland we'll experience the beautiful rich dairy country of rural Taranaki steeped in history, including the historic Bertram Suspension Bridge over the Waitara River and the Tarata Tunnel dug by hand in 1904 to enable residents to get to the valley from Waitara. Climbing up and over the Tarata Saddle, it's then an 18km rural rollercoaster through to lunch in the small town of Inglewood, founded in 1875, in a clearing in dense forest. After lunch, it's an easy downhill roll back into town where you can be dropped either back in the central city or at the airport for an early evening flight. Cycle Options : 100% asphalt Standard : New Plymouth to Inglewood : 66km, +927m Avid : New Plymouth Tarata Loop: 93km, +1080m

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • 4 nights hotel/motel accommodation, based on twin share
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Central Location Pick up from Taupo and Drop off in New Plymouth
  • 2 Adventure South professional guides
  • Comfortable support vehicle throughout
  • Speciality bike trailer to carry bikes and luggage
  • Snacks, fruit and water while cycling
  • Department of Conservation and National Park Fees

  • Domestic airfares and taxes
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast and water while cycling
  • Road/Gravel bike - available to hire
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. You will have two experienced members of our guiding team. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.


Accommodation


Bike information


Trail Surface


Grading

Moderate  
3

The trip is graded moderate. You will need a good level of fitness and we suggest 2-3 hours of cycling three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. You will need to be able to cycle 50-60km each day for the Standard itinerary, and as much as 90km on the longest day of the Avid itinerary. The on-road sections will have low to moderate traffic levels on back-roads. Riders need to be confident riding with some traffic. Ebikes are suitable if ridden appropriately and battery life is managed (i.e. not on turbo the whole time, and in the correct chain ring for climbing hills). The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.


Departure dates


Notes

HS
Holiday Season

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$3645NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike RentalNZD$150
  • EBike RentalNZD$500
  • Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departureNZD$795
*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Mt Taranaki & The Forgotten World trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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