The Tongariro National Park, in the centre of the North Island, is one of New Zealand’s most intriguing landscapes. With its towering mountain peaks, active volcanoes (don’t worry, they’re closely monitored), desert-like plateau, deep blue crater lakes and thick swathes of tussock and flax, this is a region of dramatic contrasts. Little wonder then that the park provided filming locations for Ithilien, Mordor and the Gates of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The region is used all year-round by adventure seekers: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, there are mountain tracks aplenty, while in winter, skiers and boarders flock to the skifields of Whakapapa and Turoa. It’s also an absolutely brilliant place to explore by bike…
Introducing: Pedal the Plateau
Lake Taupo Cycling Trust has just introduced a new cycling tour of the Central Plateau. This 345km circumnavigation of the region takes place 22-28 March 2015 and takes riders from the shores of Lake Taupo through the Tongariro National Park and back to Taupo. Six days are spent in the saddle, with a full rest day to explore the alpine villages of Whakapapa and National Park.
The six legs of the journey range from 30km to 105km over undulating countryside. There are enough hill climbs to leave riders with a sense of achievement, but this isn’t a gruelling, gutbuster of a tour and anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be able to complete it comfortably.
The entry fee for Pedal the Plateau is NZ$1495 per adult or NZ$1120 per youth (10-16 years inclusive). This includes meals during the seven days of the ride, tented accommodation in Waiouru and Tihoi and luggage transfer. Accommodation in the overnight stops of Taupo, Turangi, Ohakune and Whakapapa/National Park is an additional cost and dependent on your selection (options to suit all budgets available). Online entry is now open and places are limited – so get in quick if you want to take part. Head to the website for more information.
Natural High is providing bike hire for the event. We recommend the Specialized CrossTrail, the Specialized Sirrus or one of our high-performance road bikes. If you’re thinking of taking part and don’t want the hassle of bringing your own bike, we can hook you up. Simply send us an email with your requirements and we’ll match you up with the perfect bike.
Pedal the Plateau dates not working for your schedule? The following guided cycle tours also incorporate the Central Plateau:
15-day road tour of the North Island
17-day road tour Auckland to Christchurch
17-day road tour Christchurch to Auckland
