Timber Trail, Waikato and Great Lake Cycle

Today we begin our adventure with a short briefing in Rotorua before getting on our bikes for a warm up ride along a scenic trail. We then drive to the start of the Waikato River Trail near Atiamuri where we ride the first section of the trail. Stopping for a picnic by the river we then jump back on our bikes to ride the 2nd part of the trail. This southernmost section of the trail offers views of the expansive Lake Whakamaru. Almost directly across the lake at Atiamuri is the stunning Pohuturoa rock, a magnificent historically significant feature, lifted by volcanic forces and weathered by the elements. The next 12km section has great views along Lake Maraetai and includes the 70m long Mangakino stream suspension bridge. This section is also where the Waikato River Trails Trust has recently planted several thousand native trees along the edge of the Lake. After our ride, we head to the Timber Trail Lodge in the heart of the Pureora Forest and our home for the next 2 nights. We check into our accommodation and unwind in anticipation for the next day's adventure. Cycling Distance: Rotorua Loop 3km and Waikato River Trail - 49km

Meals:  D

After breakfast this morning it’s a 50 min 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. Cycling Distance: Timber Trail - 40km

Meals:  B,L,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 head to Taupo where we will be based for the next 2 nights. Cycling Distance: Timber Trail - 47km

Meals:  B,L

Today we start with a scenic boat trip across Lake Taupo, including visiting Maori Rock Carvings and scenic waterfalls. The boat trip will finish on the North shore of Lake Taupo where we'll meet up with our bikes again. The Great Lakes Trails are another of New Zealand's Great Rides and are a journey of volcanic discovery around the rim of Lake Taupo, a supervolcano that was formed after one of Earth’s largest known eruptions. Todays ride includes the lakeside settlement of Kinloch and Kawakawa Bay - we'll ride over volcanic headlands and get glimpses across Lake Taupo through to the volcanic mountains of the Central North Island. There are shorter and longer options for the afternoon, all on purpose built trails through lush native forest. A short drive back to Taupo before finishing the day with a soak at the Wairakei Terraces nestled in the Wairakei geothermal valley. This evening we will come together for our final team dinner! Cycling Distance: Great Lake Trail - up to 45km

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast we visit nearby Huka Falls, the largest falls on the Waikato River and the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand. Then it's just over an hour to transfer to the start of the ride. Today's riding is 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 and feed to celebrate the end of some epic riding. A short transfer will see us back at our central Rotorua drop off around 5pm Cycling Distance: Whakarewarewa Trail - 34km

Meals:  B,L