Mt Ruapehu & the 3 Rivers

Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand and your North Island Adventure! Meeting at a central location in Taupo, we'll start with a short tour briefing, load up and head off to Taihape, the Gumboot Capital of New Zealand (taking approx 2.5 hours). After a bike fitting, safety briefing and a picture by the gigantic iron Gumboot, we head off on our first ride to the ski village of Ohakune, also known as the Carrot Capital of New Zealand..... The ride traverses quiet valleys and the Volcanic Plateau following a series of backroads, both sealed and gravel, with the main attraction of the ride being the delightful landscape. On a clear day the views of the active volcano, Mt Ruapehu, are outstanding as we approach Ohakune. Ohakune's claim to being the Carrot Capital reflects the importance of market gardening in the area, but perhaps of more interest is its proximity to Tongariro National Park and the skifields on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. On arrival, we'll settle into our accommodation before enjoying our first group dinner Cycle : Taihape to Ohakune Heartland Ride : Upto 53km, +909m, 39% gravel

Meals:  D

The Whanganui National Park is a special place which was created to protect the upper reaches of the Whanganui River. Once an important transport route for both Maori and early European settlers, the river flows from Tongariro National Park to the Tasman Sea through wild lowland forests. Today's excursion on the Whanganui River will be a truly memorable excursion. A short transfer to Pipiriki and we start our adventure with a 55 minute jet boat journey upriver 32 kms to the Mangapurua Landing, through an area of spectacular natural features with deep river gorges covered with lush native vegetation. From the drop off, it's an easy grade 40 minute walk following in the footsteps of the early pioneers along the old roadway to the “BRIDGE TO NOWHERE” . Here you will stop for lunch on this historical monument of a bygone era and learn the history from your local guide. The next part of your adventure is an easy grade canoe back down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki, through a landscape of remote hills and bush clad valleys. We'll pass through the scenic gorge of the Manganui o te Ao River and the Ngaporo and Autapu rapids should provide some 'gentle' excitement. More exotic trees and farmland, an eel weir and the Paparoa rapid follow before reaching the boat ramp below Pipiriki village. A short transfer back to Ohakune for a second night. Cycle : No cycling today - jetboat and canoeing

Meals:  B,L

Today we're back on our bikes to complete our adventure in the Whanganui National Park. We head back to Pipiriki and ride south along the Whanganui River Road, a fully sealed road but gently undulating with a couple of challenging ascents near the start and finish. The effort, however, is well worth it, not least of all for the elevated views along the river, but also for the many Maori and European heritage sites along the way. Between them, they tell quite the story of New Zealand’s early settlement, beginning with early Maori for whom the river was a primary highway. Major landmarks include Hiruharama (Jerusalem), a Catholic Church and convent built at the end of the nineteenth century and the restored Kawana Flour Mill, built in 1854. We finish the day in the picturesque riverside city of Whanganui, one of the first cities to be founded in NZ and an artists' haven. The glittering new centrepiece of the city’s $70 million art gallery redevelopment was recently named as one of the top 20 cultural spots in National Geographic's "Best of The World" list for 2024. Dinner at your leisure tonight with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Cycle Options : Back country roads, 100% asphalt Standard : 56km, +772m Avid : 79km, +1000m

Meals:  B,L

Mainly following quiet country roads through farmland, the Three Rivers Heartland Ride connects arty Whanganui and the rural hub of Hunterville, making for a picturesque journey passing through heartland Rangitikei. The Three Rivers route traces historic stock routes as it winds its way north to the Volcanic Plateau. Highlights include Whanganui’s quirky Durie Hill elevator, tunnel and tower; and pretty rural scenes. From Hunterwille it's about an hour's transfer to Makoura Lodge, located on a high country station on a remarkable slice of rural New Zealand's landscape. The property has been owned by the McIntyre family since 1896 and our hosts are the 5th generation on the property. Cycle Options : Back country roads Standard : 63km, 890m, 100% asphalt Avid : 73km, +1145m, 25% gravel

Meals:  B,D

This morning we enjoy a delightful ride mostly on the Manawatu Cycleway. This area is rich in native bush and lush farmland and there are some amazing photo opportunities as you wind your way down into the Pohangina Valley and follow alongside the Pohangina River on the western flank of the Ruahine Ranges. Head down past the historic Komako St Bartholomew’s Church, a beautiful building that has served as a place of worship for around 100 years. We'll enjoy lunch in the rural village of Kimbolton, renowned for its world class gardens and quaint country charm and also pass through Apiti, known as the gateway to the Ruahine Ranges. We return to Makoura Lodge for a 2nd night, with our final group dinner to be enjoyed. Cycle Options : Back country roads Standard : 59km, 852m, 16% gravel Avid : 90km, +1358m, 24% gravel

Meals:  B,D

Today we stay off the beaten track on another scenic and often surprising journey through rural Manawatu, full of natural wonders and local history. We wind our way up the Mangawharariki Valley, following deep sided Papa cliffs with wide ranging views to the Ruahine Ranges and vistas of snow covered Ruapehu in the distance. The ride includes stunning climbs and descents overlooking the Kawhatau River and meanders through pretty valleys and native bush. This will be a memorable final ride, after which we have a 2hr 30 min drive back to Taupo, where you will be dropped in a central location early evening. Cycle Options : Back country roads Standard : 60km, 876m, 27% gravel Avid : 87km, +1363m, 36% gravel

Meals:  B,L