Bicycle Network Victoria: Great Escapade New Zealand
Rider Route
See where we will explore and the spots to stop and see on the way.
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Day 1 - Gisborne loop ride 55km
Situated at the northern end of Poverty Bay, Gisborne is one of the first places in New Zealand to see the sun rise out of the Pacific. Famous for its surrounding wineries and produce, this first day ride will give you the opportunity to have a relaxing ride and sample some amazing local produce.
Day 2 - Gisborne – Matawai 74km
Day 2 wil start with something special. Waka Toa will be performing a Karakia (a prayer) and Waiata (song) ceremony on Midway Beach to send you on your way. This will happen at 7.30-8am so if you can delay heading off this day we believe that this will be a very special way to start the ride.
It will also give you the opportunity (if you see fit) to dip your wheel in the Pacific Ocean at the start and then again in Lake Taupo at the finish.
Leaving Gisborne you will travel through lush farming flatlands, with the Raukumara Ranges looming in the near distance. The last twenty kilometetres of this day will see you climbing these ranges into isolated forests and the tiny village of Matawai.
Day 3 - Matawi – Opotiki 74km
One of the most spectacular roads, today's ride takes you through the Waioeka Gorge. One side is the Waioeka River, which can be a tranquil stream or a gushing river - whilst on the other is a wonderous cliff face. And the best bit? 50kms of glorious downhill riding that delivers you to the Pacific Oceans at Opotiki on the Bay of Plenty.
Day 4 - Opotiki – Whakatane 48km
A short ride into the culturally significant city of Whakatane. Sitting at the mouth of the Whakatane River, you can relax on the banks of the river and look out on the Pacific Ocean whilst behind you looms the Whakatane Headlands, a spot incredibly important in Maori history, as the area is one of the first Polynesian settlements.
Day 5 - Whakatane - Rest Day
We have chosen Whakatane for the rest day as there are so many and varied things to do, and we are sure you will find something wonderfully new Zealand to do.
Whakatane is the gateway to Whakaari/White Island, New Zealand's most active volcano, located 48 kilometres north of Whakatane and a popular destination for day cruises. Popular tourist activities include swimming with dolphins, whale watching, chartered fishing cruises, surf tours, amateur astronomy, hunting, aviation and bushwalking.
Day 6 - Whakatane – Rotorua 96km
This is the day that you need to start carrying a small towel and your swimmers on your bike as you pass opportunities to jump in a hot spa. Rotorua is a world famous location, most well known for its geo-thermal activity.
The city is famous for its many tourist attractions based around those physical attributes (geysers, mud pools and hot spas) and of course its multitude of mountain bike trails.
Day 7 - Rotorua – Okoroire 44km
This day will take as usual through spectacular country to the village of Tirau (famous for its corrugated iron sculptures) and onto the grounds of the Okoriore Hotel.
The Okoroire Hotel was built in the 1880s from native timber. It has been owned by the same family for three generations. You will have access to it's famous hot baths, bush walks and a 9 hole golf course. However don't over do it because tomorrow is the long ride.
Day 8 - Okoroire – Whakamaru 80km
Approximately 100km from Okoroire back through Tirau (for a coffee) before a gorgeous ride through undulating farm land and forests. You will finish the ride on the banks of the Waikato River, that will provide you with a view that, if you have any breath left from riding, take it away!
Day 9 - Whakamaru – Taupo 47km
All good things must come to an end, but what an end! Seemingly only a short day on paper there is a good climb before you head into Taupo. However the climb will be worth it as you reach the top of one the climbs stretching out before you will be the amazing Lake Taupo.
Rolling down into Taupo you will have plenty of time to reflect on some of the most amazing country that you have passed through during the ride. Taupo is a very welcoming town, with lots of excellent cafes bars and other place where you will be able to plan your next ride.