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 (kilometre) ride. From the cyclists I saw it's still a popular early morning ride, but long straights and battling a strong headwind meant it didn't look very appealing.
I got to Rotorua a bit early, time to get a coffee and find some extra sunblock before heading to the MTB park. Even with SPF50 block my nose was getting a little singed, some zinc block solved that for the rest of summer.
Whakarewarewa Forest Loop
The park has over 150km of trails, from Grade 1-6 (Easy-Extreme), but we mostly rode the recently established 'Forest Loop' (TO2122-64). It is 35km of easy riding on Grade 1 and 2 trails with some nice flowing sections and great scenery.
After a rendezvous at the impressive base facilities and brief briefing we set off at an easy pace. There was a fair mix of ambient and ebikes with the emphasis on exploring and enjoying, not racing.
Climbing out of the forest to overlook Lake Rotorua.
The whole track is beautifully constructed and maintained. There are no fees to ride at this tourist draw card recreational facility.
Regrouping at the top of the climb.
Spectacular views over Rotorua and the lake.
This parking area, mid-trail on the opposite side of the forest, has food and beverage outlets, changing/toilet facilities as an alternate entry point.
Typical of the bush single track sections.
We regrouped again at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) for a mid-ride rest, some for a swim.
From there the trail skirts the lovely Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) with some amazing views. It stays high above the privately owned lake which isn’t open to swimming, fishing, or boating. It is sacred to the Te Arawa Iwi (tribe), who are the area’s original Māori inhabitants, because the lake was the site of important battles and numerous sacred burial grounds.
This section is new and has a wonderful flow, the highlight of a great route.
An ACG rider videoed the ride and shared nicely edited highlights on his 'NZ On 2 Wheels' YouTube channel. By chance he was following me a couple of times. I'm in a short section from 0:05:30, then check out his ride on the wonderful Green Lake section from 0:08:55 ~ 0:11:00.
After that section we left the Forest Loop and returned to the carpark on more technical Grade 3 Tikitapu Rd/Taura trails, some more glimpses of me riding it at 0:11:26, which included quite a big drop-off near the end. I was committed before appreciated how high it was but rolled it OK anyway. I was riding cautiously as didn't want to jeopardise the summer ahead with a stupid 'hero fail fall' injury!
A bit of Te Ara Ahi - Thermal by Bike
After the trail I decided to ride a city trail to the town center and lake front. Chanced upon another ACG rider, who was not there for the meetup, and joined him for this short ride. We followed the roadside trail down and a more meandering lakeside/stream trail back. This used to be part of a 45km Te Ara Ahi Cycle Trail (and still is at 100% Pure New Zealand newzealand.com) through to Waiotapu, but as I write is no longer a separate ride on the Great Rides site. Not sure what is happening as they only show a small portion as part of the Forest Loop Ride.
It wasn't a long ride but had some scenic parts, cycling through geothermal areas is a bit of a novelty. Below, looking across the lake to the iconic Rotorua Bathhouse building. Built in 1906-08 it was the home of Rotorua Museum, Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, but is currently closed for earthquake strengthening.
Rotorua Lakefront Reserve Entry.
Summer means the lake level, seen below, is lower than normal.
Taupo Refuel
After the ride it was back to Taupo for a shower and then out to get dinner. After wandering around the lakefront options, I settled for takeaway Burger Fuel. Their "Bastard Burger", fries and a shake lived up to their sign: refilled the bike engine for tomorrow's riding.
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