Ruapehu
Dramatic landscapes: glaciers, crater lakes, major ski fields, the Whanganui and Waikato Rivers, and World Heritage Tongariro National Park - with active volcanoes Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. There is plenty of riding on offer in the central plateau.
Ruapehu Dirt Features
A Riding Weekend at the Chateau Tongariro by Matthew Bennett
Local Trail Guide - Ruapehu
Matemateaonga Track
The Matemateaonga Track is back on the MTB radar for a three year trial after a review of the Whanganui National Park management plan. It joins the famous Bridge to Nowhere/Mangapurua Track as an approved ride. The track originated as a Maori trail and settlers dray-road that penetrated the dense bush between the Taranaki and the Whanganui Rivers. In 1911 work started on making it into a more substantial road, but this was abandoned with the outbreak of WW1.
An overnight stay at the Bridge to Nowhere lodge would be the preferred option breaking these two excellent tracks in two. Check out bridgetonowhere.co.nz for all your travel, meals and Accommodation options. Strathmore and SH43 is just 25 kms south of Kohi Saddle, with another 30 kms to Stratford where food and accommodation can be had before tackling the logistics of getting back to the start.
Map: BJ31 & 32
Distance: 43 kms
Grade: 3
Best done during a dry spell and in an east west direction.
42 Traverse
The 42 Traverse is a great ride and many die hard mountain bikers have ridden it more than once. It popped up in the early 90s as an epic ride with a lot of consequences. Back then there were no track markings, and many reported incidences of bike, body and group rescues. Some things may not have changed, the riding is just as good, however, people are generally better prepared, and the track is well marked. The track is 46kms through the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area. There is a car park 6kms down Kapoors Road, however, you can ride from the State Highway 47 turn off (at Kapoors Road), which is 16 km north of National Park Village. The Track, Grade 3, is for experienced riders and crosses streams with a number of downhills. Be prepared for chilly conditions.
Useful Resources
T42 Mountain Bike Race – www.t42.co.nz