North Island, New Zealand, 19-25th February 2012.
The Low down-
We have put together a very special week of riding and sightseeing based around the central North Island. This area is the crowning jewel of biking in NZ; its mix of super sweet flowing singletrack and breath taking scenery is guaranteed to get you hooting your way through some of the best riding of your life. Come join us and make some new riding buddies whilst experiencing what some say are the best trails in the Southern Hemisphere possibly the World! Yes that is a big call, but they really are that good.
We will be riding in three main areas, The Whakarewarewa (Redwoods) forest of Rotorua, W2K and Craters of the Moon in Taupo and Whirinaki trails in The Bay of Plenty Region.
Whakarewarewa Forest on the southern outskirts of Rotorua contains one of the oldest trail systems in the country. These master crafted trails have an unbeatable blend of proximity to the city centre, riding surfaces, topography and they are surrounded by trees that make you feel like a dinosaur is about to walk past. This forest will be our main riding base and has enough sweet singletrack to keep riders entertained for a very long time.
A few years ago Mike Ferrentino of US magazine, BIKE, described the Rotorua trail network like this:
“Rotorua…Tourism central…This haven of geysers and mud pools is, and always has been, New Zealand’s meeting point between tourism and Maoritanga…Not that we really had time to notice or care, sucked immediately into the local forest, onto trails built by mountain bikers with mountain bikers in mind. Trails in verdant shade that dip, weave and roll. Trails that sneak through trees in a way that makes hard riders hoot with joy yet at the same time could coax a huge grin to the face of a 70-year-old grandma on her first bike ride ever. Sure, gawk at the geysers, wrinkle your nose at the stinking mud holes, soak in the springs, but get down on your knees and kiss the mulchy earth of these trails because they are the true hidden treasure here."
What’s included-
- Flights- 30kg baggage, meals and entertainment.
- Insurance- Base level travel cover.
- Transfers- Sunshine coast to Brisbane and return.
- Accommodation- Shared with kitchenette, thermal spa and bike storage.
- Transportation- To and from riding areas, town and food shopping.
- Shuttle runs- 5 rides to the top of the redwoods forest.
- Guides/Mechanics- Qualified, experienced and friendly to keep you and your ride happy.
- Photos and helmet cam footage of you riding.
- Good times!
What extra's you need to supply-
- Money for meals, trail food and drink
- Bike & Equipment (hire gear available)
- Personal Effects
- Upgraded insurance if you plan on really going big.
- Strong legs, big heart, open mind.
Itinarary-
Day 1- Arrival
Touchdown in Auckland mid afternoon, load up the van and bike trailer and jump on the road to Rotorua. On arrival we check into our accommodation, build up the bikes and have a chance for an evening cruise around the Beautiful thermal town of Rotavegas. It’s perfect timing for a coffee at the famous Zippy Central café or a beer and pub meal in the Pig and Whistle.
Day 2- First day in the forest.
We ride 200m from our hotel and straight into the Rotavegas classics such as Billy T, Split Endz, Pondy DH, Old Chevy, Hot X Buns, Rockdrop, Pig Track, Gunna Gotta, The Tickler, Be Rude Not To and Mad if you don't. A great first day, get your bearings and experiencing why everyone raves about the riding in Vegas.
Day 3- Bring on more Redwoods!
Back into the Redwoods again, exploring the gems we missed out on the day before and revisiting our favourites. We will split the first couple of days into two rides, morning and afternoon. Jump on both or fill half the day with sightseeing around Rotorua’s famous thermal pools and bike shops.
Day 4- W2K trail- Whakaipo bay to Kinloch and return.
Jump in the Van and head down to Lake Taupo for the classic W2K trail. Built by the Taupo mountain biking community, W2K was opened in 2008. The trail twists its way around the side of Lake Taupo and consists of challenging climbs, big descents and awesome views over the lake, It’s a real mountain biking experience and a must do for bikers experiencing the Nth Island. The ride will be around 40km and if we have the time and legs in the afternoon we will stop by “Craters of the Moon” Mtb trails, have a spin on some trails like tourist trap, bumblebeez and check out the steaming volcanic vents in the craters section.
Day 5- Shuttle Day
After a big previous day we nurse your legs back into the Redwoods with a day of shuttle runs. Five shuttles to the top of the range per person so we can blast back down some of the more challenging descents such as the National downhill track, Huckleberry hound, Little red riding huck, Corners and Billy T. After the shuttles, spend the afternoon in your room’s private little thermal spa telling war stories or head into town for a cold ale, what a day!
Day 6- Te Urewera National Park, Whirinaki trails.
Back in the van for a 90km drive southeast of Rotavegas into the Bay of Plenty region. The Whirinaki Forest Park mountain bike tracks were purpose built and weave through one of the most spectacular and interesting forests in the world - ancient, awesome, magnificent, Jurassic Park-like are some of the words used to describe this unique chunk of Aotearoa/New Zealand. This ride will be challenging consisting of some big climbs followed by big descents, so hang onto those bars people!
Day 7- Rest? No, Redwoods I hear you calling!
There’s still more awesome trails to explore so let’s take it a little slower, get some great riding photos and enjoy a good pub meal on our last night.
Day 8- I’m quitting my life and moving here..
Feel free to join in with the last day exploring the Redwoods, do some shopping or sit in a hot spring slowly coming back to reality after the crazy week of riding. Either way you better get your fix because “returning to normal” is just around the corner! Wash our bikes, pack our stuff and back to Auckland for the mid afternoon return flight to misery, Boohoo!
Price $1620pp For more info and bookings, call us on 54743322 or contact us online
* Bike On Australia Pty Ltd reserves the right to cancel or postpone any adventure tour. In which case a full refund will be given. Cancellation of booking between 5 days and 24hrs before departure will result in deposit being lost. Non-attendance or cancellation within 24hrs will result in full payment taken. Bike On is not responsible for any injuries, sickness and or loss or damage of equipment. Prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.