North Island road help

[phaedrus]

so i'll be riding up to Tauranga soon. Can anyone give me some info about the way up from wellington? particularly weather (not a fan of ice) and routes to take.

[Jantar]

The quickest way is to stay on SH1 (via Desert Rd) to Taupo, then through Rotorua on on to Tauranga. An easy one day ride, but possible ice between Taihape and Waiouru, then again between the top of the Desert Rd and Rangipo.

The more scenic ride (and should avoid ice) is to go over the Rimutakas, up to napier, then on to Gisborne. From here you have the choice of throgh the Gorge to Opotoki (very small chance of ice) or around the cape to opotiki. Through Whakatane to Tauranga. Allow 2 days to appreciate the trip.

[What?]

If the weather is fine and cold, I would not use the Taupo - Rotorua, Rotorua-Tauranga or the Mamaku hill. Ice is not uncommon on either route.
Also worth avoiding is the Whakatane to Rotorua road.
Rotorua - Te Puke - Tauranga will be fine, but the traffic will drive you nuts.
Jantar's suggestion is a good one - take 2 days and go around the East Cape.

[Hitcher]

Google Maps is your friend! Use the "directions" facility, type in the address of your departure point, the address of your destination and, voila, the optimal route is all mapped out for you.

You will note that Google recommends going from Wellington to Tauranga via Whakamaru and Tokoroa, rather than via Taupo. Not only shorter, but more scenic, better roads and less traffic.

Google Maps is your friend!

[Jantar]

If the weather is fine and cold, I would not use the Taupo - Rotorua, Rotorua-Tauranga or the Mamaku hill. Ice is not uncommon on either route.
Also worth avoiding is the Whakatane to Rotorua road.
Rotorua - Te Puke - Tauranga will be fine, but the traffic will drive you nuts.
Jantar's suggestion is a good one - take 2 days and go around the East Cape.

Just remember, phaedrus is from Dunedin. He is asking about ice, not frost.

[What?]

Ain't that the truth! I had occasion to be in Dunny Din last month, and warm it weren't.
But there can still be enough ice on inland BOP roads to tip one on one's arse. I know this...