06/02/14 - 09/02/14 (4 days, 3 nights) Waikato/ BOP/ Hawke's Bay/ Gisborne

[bosslady]

Nerrrd and I are planning a wee road trip that will start on Thursday 6th February (Waitangi Day) in Auckland and end in Auckland on Sunday 9th February. You know how the saying goes, the more the merrier! So, if anyone is interested in riding some or all of it, or just whatever really, let us know! Note however that the roads leading into and out of Lake Waikaremoana (Days 2 & 3) are gravel. We don't have a heap of experience in gravel so we'll be taking it slow, but please don't come on this part of the trip if you're already sh#*ting bricks at the mere thought of it! We'll be taking it relatively easy and neither of us are exactly speed demons so while there won't be too much pressure you should be good enough to keep up with us snails going the speed limit etc.

We're planning on camping for the first 2 nights and perhaps renting a cabin for the third. We've put together a rough itinerary so far (see below) though there's still a bit to be confirmed. The time guidelines are exactly that, guidelines, so don't take them as gospel etc. Have posted a map from google below, hopefully it's showing up!


View Larger Map


Day 1 (06/02/14)
Meet @ Papakura Autobahn @ 9am FUEL
Leave @ approx. 9:30am
Stop @ Raglan @ approx. 11:30am for FUEL/LUNCH (123 km's, 2 hrs)
Leave @ approx. 1pm
Stop @ Mangakino @ approx. 4pm for FUEL (311 km's, 4.5 hrs)
Stop @ Rotorua @ approx. 5pm for FUEL/DINNER/SLEEP (382km's, 5.5 hrs)
**TBC** Accommodation: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park (Camping @ $26 per night)

Day 2 (07/02/14)
Leave Rotorua @ 10:30am FUEL/BREAKFAST/BUY LUNCH(?)
Stop @ Murupara @ approx. 11:15am for FUEL (62km's, 45 mins)
Stop somewhere (?) along the way to eat LUNCH
Stop @ Lake Waikaremoana @ approx. 3pm for FUEL/DINNER/SLEEP (163 km's, 3.5 hrs)
Accommodation: Waikaremoana Holiday Park ( Camping @ $15 a night)

Day 3 (08/02/14)
Leave Lake Waikaremoana @ 10am FUEL/BREAKFAST
Stop @ Gisborne @ approx. 12:30pm for FUEL/LUNCH (144 km's, 2.5 hrs)
Leave @ approx. 2pm
Stop @ Matawai @ approx. 3pm for FUEL (215 km's, 3 hrs, 15 mins)
**TBC** Stop @ Ohiwa Beach @ approx. 4:30pm for FUEL/DINNER/SLEEP (301 km's, 4 hrs, 25 mins)
**TBC** Accommodation: Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park (Standard Cabin @ $65 for 2 adults)

Day 4 (09/02/14)
**TBC** Leave Ohiwa Beach @ approx. 9:30am
**TBC** Stop @ Katikati @ approx. 12pm for FUEL (164 km's, 2hrs, 20 mins)
Stop @ Waikino Station Cafe @ approx. 12:20pm for LUNCH (207 km's, 2 hrs, 45 mins)
Leave @ approx 1:30pm
Stop @ Papakura Autobahn @ approx. 2:45pm FUEL/GOODBYE!!! (303 km's, 4 hrs)


Like I said, the more the merrier we'd love for one or even a few people to come along

[insomnia01]

Cool Loop !!! no doubt you'll have fun

[bosslady]

Cool Loop !!! no doubt you'll have fun

Here's hoping! Looking forward to finally making it to Lake Waikaremoana.

[skippa1]

The road in and out of Waikaremoana isn't just any old gravel road......you know that don't you? It's a prick of a road even in a modern 4x4 and goes on forever.

[nerrrd]

The road in and out of Waikaremoana isn't just any old gravel road......you know that don't you? It's a prick of a road even in a modern 4x4 and goes on forever.

Yeah we've heard but sometimes it's hard to know just how bad it is from reading about it; basically that's why we've allowed a whole day more or less to get to the lake from Rotorua.

Thanks for the heads up.

[Gremlin]

The road in and out of Waikaremoana isn't just any old gravel road......you know that don't you? It's a prick of a road even in a modern 4x4 and goes on forever.

I was last there mid 2012, I thought it was a great road (obviously don't make it your first gravel road). Went from Taupo in the morning, down SH5 through the forest (name escapes me) and on to Matawai by evening. Found it a little slippery where the surface wasn't much more than smooth mud, mainly at the Waikaremoana end but otherwise, it's a great ride.

Enjoy

[skippa1]

I was last there mid 2012, I thought it was a great road (obviously don't make it your first gravel road). Went from Taupo in the morning, down SH5 through the forest (name escapes me) and on to Matawai by evening. Found it a little slippery where the surface wasn't much more than smooth mud, mainly at the Waikaremoana end but otherwise, it's a great ride.

Enjoy

I travel that road quite a bit when deer stalking. It is long, tedious, gets rutted pretty often and you have to look out for everything from horses and pigs to locals driving shirt heap cars too fast once you leave Murupara. Nice scenery. Entirely their call but I wouldn't choose it at Bossladys level of experience.

just sayin

[skippa1]

I travel that road quite a bit when deer stalking. It is long, tedious, gets rutted pretty often and you have to look out for everything from horses and pigs to locals driving shirt heap cars too fast once you leave Murupara. Nice scenery. Entirely their call but I wouldn't choose it at Bossladys level of experience.

just sayin

Actually cancel that shit I just said. Go for it. Life is for living. I have taken my nana dress off now...

[bluninja]

Yeah we've heard but sometimes it's hard to know just how bad it is from reading about it; basically that's why we've allowed a whole day more or less to get to the lake from Rotorua.

Thanks for the heads up.

Just noticed you've changed your bike......did the 90 mile beach ride really get you hooked on off road stuff?

[leathel]

I will join you for the first bit ..... If my parts arrive in time, My new Shocks failed and dropped there oil so have replacements coming.

I will have to see where and when I need to be for the next ride I am on to see when I split off

[nerrrd]

Just noticed you've changed your bike......did the 90 mile beach ride really get you hooked on off road stuff?

Bike was more of an xmas present to myself, been keeping quiet cos I'm a bit embarrassed at the extravagance of it all frankly ...Having said that it's lighter, got a bigger tank, a chain and pretend adventure tyres, so probably more suited to off road than the Beemer. But really it's basically another commuter.

And yeah I loved every bit of the 90 mile beach run so I'm keen for more!

[bluninja]

Just looked up a pic of the bike...looks nice. Enjoy it and don't be embarrassed that you've bought a Honda

[bosslady]

I travel that road quite a bit when deer stalking. It is long, tedious, gets rutted pretty often and you have to look out for everything from horses and pigs to locals driving shirt heap cars too fast once you leave Murupara. Nice scenery. Entirely their call but I wouldn't choose it at Bossladys level of experience.

just sayin

What is my level of experience?

And anyway, as Nerrrd said, that's precisely why we have allowed a whole day to get there, so as to not feel too pressured about it.

[BigAl]

Just make sure you've got that back brake adjusted

[skippa1]

What is my level of experience?

And anyway, as Nerrrd said, that's precisely why we have allowed a whole day to get there, so as to not feel too pressured about it.

You are new to bikes....you haven't been riding that long and only got your current bike recently