RobiNZ Personal Blog

Auckland to Whanganui & Wellington | Time Out 2021-22 Driving

My ultimate destination was Nelson but to get there by road means Wellington and the Cook Strait Ferry. Had booked a return Bluebridge crossing back in September. Was glad of that as by January space on the ferries was at a premium thanks to post COVID demand and reduced capacity on their opposition, Interislander, who had a smaller boat substituting for one out of action. A morning sailing meant arriving the evening before in Wellington and, while can do the trip non-stop, decided to stop overnight on the way there. Having recently been to Taupo, I went via Whanganui. It's... Read more →

Great Lake Trails | Kinloch K2K & W2K | Time Out 2021-22 Taupō

Plan for today was ride the Kawakawa/K2K and W2K Great Lake Trails at Kinloch, near Taupō. A chance Facebook connection led to Buzz, who saw my Friday ride update and in Taupō for a family event, joining me for some of the day. Kinloch was busy but most of the traffic seemed focused on the marina and getting boats launched. Had no problem getting a park by the beach for the day. We met for breakfast at the Tipsy Trout Café, their fine French Toast and a couple of coffees fuelled me for the first part of the ride; The... Read more →

Whakarewarewa Forest Loop & Te Ara Ahi Trail | Time Out 2021-22 Rotorua

I was up early, for me on holiday at least, for the drive up to Rotorua to meet up with Auckland Cycling Group. They were having a introductory weekend ride at the Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as 'The Redwoods', Mountain Bike Park. It is decades since last rode in Rotorua, so thought was a good chance to check it out with people who knew their way around! There are a few route options for the drive from Taupo to Rotorua. I took the back road through Broadlands and Reporoa. I cycled it years ago in a Rotorua - Taupo 100... Read more →

Huka Trails Rotary Ride to Aratiatia | Time Out 2021-22 Taupo

Taupō was my next 'away' destination to ride the Great Lake Trails. There are four sections on the lakeside around, and further west of, Kinloch. The Kawakawa/K2K and W2K trails at Kinloch can be ridden in any order but the more remote Waihaha Trail typically requires a shuttle drop-off and boat pick-up, from the beach back to Kinloch. Originally, I planned to do all four legs while in Taupō but the Auckland Cycling Group scheduled a ride in Rotorua for the same weekend. I couldn't go any earlier, due to the 'can't be missed' Big Bike Film Night but also... Read more →

Auckland Region | Waiheke | Time Out 2021-22 Christmas and January

Waiheke Island is another place close to home (35km) I’ve been to, and around (sailing), countless times but never cycled. Bizarrely, although parks closed to cycling, I’ve ridden more at its Rangitoto & Motutapu Island neighbours thanks to the annual DUAL Charity Cycle event. I joined Thomas and Guy on a sweltering summer day for a loop of Waiheke (TO2122-62). They were getting the ferry from Devonport so drove there to meet up. I considered riding to get the ferry from town, which stops at Devonport, but by the end of the day was glad I didn’t! Ferry, jet skis... Read more →

Putaruru Blue Springs & Hauraki Rail Trail | Paeroa to Wāihi | Time Out 2021-22 Waikato

Initially I planned to ride a bit more River Trail but, after a Facebook enabled reconnection, instead met up with an Adventure South cycling friend who lives in the Waikato. It was great to catch up, relive past shared cycle travels and hear about her new ones. Going home via Putaruru gave me a chance to visit somewhere I've driven past many times but never made time to stop. Since that was the point of this summer exploring, I did stop. Putaruru Blue Springs Walk I did a short walk (TO2122-W07) from Leslie Road, near Putaruru, to the Blue Springs.... Read more →

Waikato River Trail | Karāpiro to Arapuni & Jones Landing | Time Out 2021-22 Waikato

The Waikato River Trails were 104km of continuous trail from Karāpiro (near Cambridge) to Atiamuri (near Tokoroa) but a permanent trail closure in 2020 means there is now one road section. I decided to avoid the tarmac and just do the four trail sections as a series of day rides. First up was the Green (on map above) Pokiawhenua Bridge (Karāpiro) to Arapuni trail plus a short return extension to Jones Landing (TO2122-60). Had a minor disaster while packing the car, a great start. Filled a backpack water bladder which I rarely use and found out, by stupidly lying it... Read more →

Te Awa River Ride | Ngaruawahia to Hamilton | Time Out 2021-22 Waikato

On 2nd December 2021 the COVID-19 Alert Level System ended, replaced by the COVID-19 Protection Framework or traffic light system. Northland to about Gisborne – Whanganui were on Red (restricted) with the rest of the country at Orange. From 14th December the Auckland Regional boundary lifted but with proof of vaccination required to travel (no problem). This was loosely administered by requiring businesses to scan/sight vaccine passes on entry and random road checkpoints like how drink drive testing is normally policed. On 30th December all but Northland moved to Orange which meant I could travel with little restriction other than... Read more →

Auckland Region | Āwhitu | Time Out 2021-22 Christmas and January

On December 31 Auckland moved to the COVID Protection Framework Orange Traffic Light setting and serious travel was OK. I did a few regional rides before heading out of Auckland for a few overnight trips, to check out gear, before embarking on the more extensive South Island adventures. Āwhitu? Although just 17km from home, I have only visited Āwhitu, South Head of the Manukau Harbour, a few times and never ridden there as by road it is 110km away. This is a more familiar view, from Whatipu on the North side of Manukau Harbour. To make it a day ride... Read more →