The BEST tourist mountain bike trail in the region…
Up to fifty km, mainly downhill back to TRM on the most spectacular bike trail in the region…
TRM received inquiries about a new bike trail challenge – a 25 km downhill trail from the top of the Kaimanawas to the Desert Road – being promoted using a helicopter to transport bikes and riders to the start. The cost, depending on the number of riders and the selected flight plan, is upwards of about $700 to over $1,000 per rider. For some reason this initiated more interest in TRM’s alternative option – the budget version. Also in the last year, the popularity of a new 33 km Rotorua Loop track up a hill and around a pine forest has increased significantly. The feedback we have had is that this TRM trail will easily match it! OK?
This is our Big Day Out Trail with the starting point from the Desert Road (altitude 770 m). It offers everything, by clever linking between various tracks, roads, private and public, sealed and gravel and concrete, wide and narrow, generally easy biking (Level 2) with some more technical (Level 3) to wind the way back to Turangi. There are two covered stops provided, one for morning drinks, another for lunch. It is too complicated to describe everything on a website report. It is not a race track but more of a scenic mix of mountain biking experiences suitable for all mature riders, offering lots of variety from a speed section to shallow stream crossings. Something for everyone. A unique experience for mountain bikers.
Recreational trail bikers who have enjoyed the cruisy Tongariro River Trail often ask if there are any other similar more challenging bike trails locally. There is one – a beauty! – a wonderful ride that we have deliberately tried to keep for TRM guests only. But now the secret is out…
But you are warned… Last summer 11 ladies from Rotorua wanted to test this trail and requested route description notes and maps etc. TRM regret we need to be cautious about providing such personalised route maps and instructions online as we never know where they end up. i.e. Recently we received complaints when bikers – not TRM inmates – discovered part of the trail had been closed off. If they had checked with us first we could have provided alternative options for the same track. They only discovered the more recent earthworks which blocked off the link afterward. Having to back-track and getting lost ruined their ride. Fortunately, there are several alternative options to suit all riding abilities. Local knowledge is important.
In places where the trail veers off, warning markers have been tied on pine trees to indicate any change in direction. Nevertheless, we do get some keen riders concentrating so hard on biking they miss the markers and could get lost.
For TRM inmates we also include a shuttle service to the start of the trail. The total distance is between 40 and 50 km depending on the chosen route preference. The distance is reduced by much of the trail heading downhill, as the start is over 400m higher elevation than the finish on the Tongariro River Trail at TRM. Ebikers will not care…
If you are looking for a new one-off Big Day Out biking experience then TRM bikers confirm this is the best trail in NZ offering the most comprehensive mixture of central plateau trail riding available in the entire region. That is compelling positive feedback from tourist bikers.
The photos below are some of the teams that have enjoyed the trail and confirm it is suitable for tourist bikers of all ages, providing they are in better physical condition than me! Their comprehensive trail reports indicate:
Fat tyres make it easier on the bum.
Helmets with a peak are best.
Sunnies look better. (Polaroids help to see the trout!)
Lycra is not that cool. (Swandris are more popular)
Check out their flash bikes. (serious machines)
They recommend a two-night booking.
Fine weather is preferred. (Full moons bring fine weather)
A personal locator beacon is optional (there is only one track)
Age is just a number.
Enthusiasm is helpful, but….
Attitude is everything.
With summer approaching the demand will increase, so book now… to enjoy the trail, a two nights stay is strongly recommended. TRM staff can take bikes and riders to the starting point up the Desert Road, using your vehicles already equipped for carrying bikes, to leave them waiting for you back at the motel. Riders need to factor in a $ charge is necessary for the shuttle service – the amount depends on the number of bikers.
Below is mainly a repeat of a previous TRM report to wax on about the wonderful scenic 3-4 hour bike ride back to Turangi. This is a combination of trails that very few know about. That is deliberate! Good local knowledge is essential to avoid getting lost. For tourist trail bikers it is a good test providing heaps of variety and new surprises around every corner – it has lots of everything linking up several other challenging scenic interesting tracks. There is nothing else like it in NZ. Why? NZ has only one Tongariro River!
It leads from SH1 to the Tree Trunk Gorge track located about 5 km east of the Desert Road (SH1), in the middle of nowhere, then it heads north back to Turangi along the eastern side of the upper Tongariro River on a DOC managed track to the Pillars of Hercules swing bridge (photo below). That is the easy bit to follow. Warning – you might get your feet wet crossing mountain streams.
Then a scenic feature of the ride is through some spectacular mature native bush providing a canopy over unsealed roads past remote DOC camping grounds (with covered rest/drink stops) where tramping tracks (Umukarikari and Urchins Tracks) lead into the Kaimanawas, eventually emerging from the bush trail onto the Poutu Dam (below) and across the Tongariro River.
Then follow a choice of routes linking several other tracks via the canal speed section under SH1 to a surprise compulsory rest/lunch stop to link with other forest trails, which offer so much variety they are beyond description, eventually linking back to TRM via the Tongariro River trail. Whew!
You can see from the images it also incorporates a speed section (traffic signs indicate a maximum speed of 30kmph – see photo below) along the banks of the Poutu canal leading under SH1 near the outlet – Poutu Stream – from Lake Rotoaira. Confused? That is why our map is essential.
If this appeals then contact TRM for a booking to include our ‘exclusive’ map of the route – restricted to TRM guests only.
Sorry – you will not find the route map or directions on any other biking publication or website.
It takes about 4 hours depending on how much time bikers spend drooling over the scenery and counting the trout or inspecting the facilities at the rest stop. The nominated halfway drink/rest stop is absolutely unique and the only one like this in NZ. Indeed, long after you have forgotten the Kaimanawa trail route we promise you will remember the rest stop amenities, but we cannot give away too much over the net. It would spoil the surprise!
Ross Marshall has prepared detailed trail notes with individual distance references for each different stage and additional info on other historic sites nearby – which are available for TRM bikers. Strongly recommended.
