An inspiring six-day adventure that encompasses the North Island’s rural scenery and lost world. Ventouro's unique trip through the Forgotten Highway and onto the Hawkes Bay Vineyards sprawling across the Gimblett Gravels where your tastes buds will be as enlightened as your legs have been on the journey there.
A journey that follows the early pioneers along the Forgotten Highway, past the once-bustling Republic of Whangamomona and other trading posts that are now virtual ghost towns. We cross the expansive Central Plateau, under the watchful eye of Mount Ruapehu as we descend on the Gumboot capital of the world. Our last leg the ‘Gentle Annie’ takes its name from the steep descent from the Central Plateau to the Kaweka Forest, before opening onto glorious fields of vineyards flanked by the hills and tipping into the Atlantic Ocean. Our final stop is a hidden retreat in the golden Tuki Tuki Valley.
Trip Details
- Moderate Riding Difficulty
- 6 nights 7 days
- 560km (9000m Elevation)
- Rides between 50 to 145km
- Guided Rides and Vehicle Support
- All Food included plus Sports Nutrition
- Daily Laundry
- We take care of everything, you just enjoy the ride!
Trip Highlights
- Forgotten Highway
- Central Plateau
- Mt Ruapehu
- Wineries and Vineyards
Itinerary
Day 1
Taranaki Coastal Ride
Distance 60km, Elevation 855m
An easy roll through the lush dairy country of the region at the foot of Mt Taranaki, before returning along the clifftop coastline that is NZ’s surf highway.
Lodging: King and Queen Hotel
Day 2
Stratford to Whangamomona
Distance 65km, Elevation 850m
A journey that follows the early pioneers along the Forgotten Highway, past the once-bustling Republic of Whangamomona and other trading posts that are now virtual ghost towns.
Lodging: Whangamomona Hotel
Day 3
Whangamomona to Owhango
Distance 110km, Elevation 2304m (*75km, 50km)
Exiting the Forgotten Highway we take in stretches of gravel road, signs of the time for this once busy stretch to many traders. The views from the top of the short climbs will make it all worth the effort along with the post-ride refreshments on our short transfer to Ohakune.
Lodging: Powderhorn Chateau
Day 4
Ohakune to Taihape
Distance 105km, Elevation 2063m (*75km)
A chance to climb New Zealand’s highest road for those wanting more of a challenge, or take a sleep in if legs are feeling it, and take in the gentle ride across the flats to Taihape.
Lodging: Aspen Court
Day 5
Taihape to Havelock North
Distance 145km, Elevation 2319m *(75km)
Our last leg the ‘Gentle Annie’ takes its name from the steep descent from the Central Plateau to the Kaweka Forest, before opening onto glorious fields of vineyards flanked by the hills and tipping into the Atlantic Ocean.
Lodging: Black Barn Retreats
Day 6
Tour of the Bay
Distance 50km, Elevation 446m
Time to explore the Hawkes Bay and it’s famous underlying gravel soils that produce some of New Zealand most exceptional wines. The extensive limestone trail network will serve as well as we traverse the region.
Lodging: Black Barn Retreats
Day 7
After a relaxed breakfast its time to say goodbye for now but we hope to see you again soon.
Total Distance 560km, Elevation 9000m
*Easy and moderate options are 370km, 440km
For more information on itinerary, dates, food and accommodation contact Ventouro info@ventouro.com or 0212937675
