Best area to ride around Waikato?

**wbks** · 25th September 2009, 19:27

Simple question, really: What is the best trip to ride in the Waikato?

**tomobedlam** · 25th September 2009, 19:34

If you want to stay in the Waikato out to Raglan is good. There are some good roads west. Anything to the east is boring as well as any ride that involves SH1

**slofox** · 25th September 2009, 19:40

Originally Posted by wbks

Simple question, really: What is the best trip to ride in the Waikato?

Ahhhh..well. Several.

Ngaruawahia to Whatawhata to Pirongia to Otorohanga (SH39) and return via Ourowhero Road and Pokuru to Te Awamutu then via Paterangi Road to Ohaupo and Hamilton...watch for LEO's

Arapuni Road from Kihikihi then up the west bank of the river through Horahora and Maungatautari to Cambridge.

East from Otorohanga via Otewa Road and back somehow through the maze of roads in the middle there...

Raglan and return.

Kawhia and return

Towards Kawhia and then south on Harbour Road to Kinohaku and then over the top to Waitomo and return through whichever road you choose.

SH22.

Just a few to start with...

**beyond** · 25th September 2009, 19:41

Highway 22, Heatherington Road, the road through to Raglan off Highway 22 and the road to Kawhia plus around that lake by Te kauwhata... all good roads

**slofox** · 25th September 2009, 19:41

Originally Posted by tomobedlam

If you want to stay in the Waikato out to Raglan is good. There are some good roads west. Anything to the east is boring as well as any ride that involves SH1

Wot 'e said - south and west is the most interesting IMO.

**SPP** · 25th September 2009, 20:08

+1 for SH22, Ohautira, to Raglan for fish'n'chips and a beer. Back in reverse.

**marty** · 25th September 2009, 22:23

South east and south west of Cambridge is my choice (and back yard). Loop around Mt Maungatautari is 80k of bliss. On the other side, Karapiro Rd/Buckland/Peria/Scotsmans is 90k of fast/slow/twisty roads. Stop in Matamata/Te Awamutu/Cambridge depending on which loop you do for coffee & fuel.

**Bounce001** · 26th September 2009, 07:48

Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, down towards Mangakino through Waipapa. Back towards Tokoroa, Old Taupo Road (back way to Putaruru or Tirau), Okaroire Pub, Home.

**Quasievil** · 26th September 2009, 08:23

the Coro Loop is a favourite on here, but personally I like the back roads down around mangakino and benydale as posted above

**Blackbird** · 26th September 2009, 09:01

Originally Posted by Quasievil

the Coro Loop is a favourite on here, but personally I like the back roads down around mangakino and benydale as posted above

+1 for both of Quasi's suggestions. Mango/ Bennydayle was my playground when I lived in Tokoroa - very little traffic. It will be the extended Coro Loop for me tomorrow if the weather forecast is to be believed

**Snails pace** · 26th September 2009, 11:50

If I want an alternative to 22 I head off SH2 Kopuku - Coalfields/falls roads to Waeranga - Te Kauwhata - across the bridge at Rangiriri - Te Ohaki Rd down to Ngaruawahia then down Whatawhata, Pirongia, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti - Hwy30 to Whakamaru. Back up Waipapa Rd to Arapuni and Putaruru - Whites Rd out to Te Poi then on to Old Te Aroha Rd onto Hwy 26 to Tirohia - Awaiti Rd - Awaiti canal rd - reservoir rd - kaihere rd finds you at Ngatea - pipiroa rd - up hwy25 to Waitakaruru - coast rd to Miranda - mangatangi rd back to Hwy2. Nice sunny day through the week pure bliss.