Fiona Van Dam & Friends North Island Adventure

Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand and your North Island Adventure! Meeting at a central city location, we'll start with a short tour briefing and bike fitting session before embarking on our first ride of the trip, the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop – the newest Nga Haerenga Great Ride of New Zealand – purpose-built to take in a range of sights and scenery in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest. It also realises the community’s long-held vision to create a classic, deep-forest adventure. Being mostly easy (grade 2) with just a couple of short intermediate (grade 3) sections mixed in, the trail has been designed for confident riders of almost all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Storyboards along the route share the area’s long and fascinating history – from its fiery, volcanic past and rich Maori culture, to the planting of its mighty California Coastal Redwoods, all enjoyed with wonderful vistas of Lake Rotorua and Tikitapu. We finish the 34km ride at The Secret Spot where we can enjoy hot pools, showers and a celebratory drink to celebrate the start of some epic riding planned for the next 10 days. There's a short 1 hour transfer to Lake Taupo where we'll settle into our accommodation before enjoying our first group dinner Cycling Distance: Whakarewarewa Trail - 34km Accommodation: Taupo Top 10 Holiday Park

Meals:  D

Lake Taupo boasts a wonderful network of trails around the Northern rim of the Lake. Today we’ll enjoy riding through native wetlands and bush and regenerating forest as well as sweeping descents to secluded bays, perfect for a dip at the end of the day. There'll be time to visit the famous Huka Falls, the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand, wander along the lakefront and perhaps enjoy relaxing at the Wairakei Thermal Pools. Own dinner arrangements tonight with plenty of options. Cycling Distance: Great Lake Trails – upto 33km, 441m Accommodation: Taupo Top 10 Holiday Park

Meals:  B

After breakfast it’s a 1hr 15 minr drive to the start of the Timber Trail on the edge of the Pureora Forest. The trail follows old logging roads and tramlines linked with well-constructed unsealed tracks and a series of thrilling suspension bridges. We get the hard work out of the way this morning, climbing for 14km with stunning views until we reach the highest point of the ride. From here it’s mostly downhill for the rest of the day, winding down the side of Mt Pureora and across the flanks of the Hauhungaroa Ranges with a couple of amazing suspension bridges to cross along the way. We finish the day at Piropiro Flats right by our outstanding accommodation and hospitality at the Timber Trail Lodge. For those still with energy to burn, there's the option of a short bush walk from the Lodge. Cycling Distance: Timber Trail - 36km; 608m Accommodation: The Timber Trail Lodge

Meals:  B,D

This morning we head back into the native forest and cross over a tumbling gorge on one of the highest and longest swing bridges in the country, keeping a lookout for New Zealand’s native pigeon, the beautiful Kereru. Today’s climbing consists of 2 much shorter uphills compared with yesterday’s ascent, with the 2nd one finishing at the Ongarue Tramway terminus. From there it’s mostly downhill all the way to the end following the old tramway. We pass remnants of the region’s logging history, more swing bridges and the fascinating Ongarue Spiral and its rather spooky, old tunnel. The trail continues downhill to Ongarue. We then load the bikes and drive 90mins to Ohakune, a quaint ski village at the base of Mount Ruapehu, which will be our home for the next 2 nights. There will be the option of a 17km ride up the highest sealed road in New Zealand for those keen for a late afternoon activity! Cycling Distance: Timber Trail - 43km, +495m Accommodation: Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park

Meals:  B,L

The Whanganui National Park is another 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 is optional. 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” where 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 canoeing 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 plenty of 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. For those who choose to stay in Ohakune, you have the opportunity to explore the town and/or undertake some short local rides or a longer back country ride. Cycling : No cycling today - jetboat and canoeing Accommodation: Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park

Meals:  B,L,D

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 our ride in the picturesque riverside city of Whanganui, one of the first cities to be founded in NZ. We have chosen for the group to have a full day off in this arty city on the Tasman coast as there are plenty of things to see or do, both active and relaxing! Cycle : upto 62km, +950m on back country roads Accommodation: Aotea Motor Lodge, Whanganui

Meals:  B,D

A full day off the bike to rest the legs. Perhaps choose to explore the many art galleries and cafes or if you're keen on some kind of exercise, enjoy a self guided ride or walk. Accommodation : Aotea Motor Lodge, Whanganui

Meals:  Nil

Mainly following quiet country roads through farmland, the Three Rivers Heartland Ride connects arty Whanganui and 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 Mairenui Rural Retreat, a farmstay complex nestled in the scenic hill country of the Rangitikei District. Mairenui is a working sheep and beef farm, with deer and horses also, and has been in the Sweet Family for over 100 years Cycling Distance : 63km, +959m Accommodation : Mairenui Rural Retreat

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we stay off the beaten track on a scenic and often surprising journey through rural Manawatu, full of natural wonders, local history and country hospitality. 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. Cycle upto 70km, 1170m Accommodation : Solway Copthorne Hotel, Masterton

Meals:  B

This morning we enjoy our final North Island ride on the Wairarapa Cycleway. This is a pleasant touring route with stunning views of the Wairarapa region and plenty of rural charm. We’ll take a mid-morning breather by the delightful Gladstone church before finishing this pretty ride in the small town of Martinborough. Martinborough is the heart of Wairarapa wine-country with plenty of opportunities for tastings and cellar-door dining. It offers a heart-warming blend of down-to-earth rural charm and sophisticated indulgence. The village centre itself is leafy and attractive. This afternoon feel free to explore one or more of the local cellar doors, cruise the boutique shops or we can head across to explore another lovely Wairarapa town, Greytown. We finish the day with our final group dinner to celebrate the end of a trip of lifelong memories. Cycle 60km; 402m Accommodation : Martinborough Hotel

Meals:  B,D

After a relaxed start and breakfast in our hotel we head across the Remutaka Ranges to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city where you will be dropped at a central Wellington location. If you have some extra time available, Wellington is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. Highlights include a visit to Zealandia, the world’s first fully-fenced ecosanctuary and an incredible slice of wilderness, discovering our stories at our National Museum, Te Papa, riding the historic Cable Car, a visit to Weta Workshop, the home of movie-making magic, or a wander along the waterfront. Cycling : No cycling

Meals:  B