GREAT RIDE • TE ARA AHI – THERMAL BY BIKE
TRAIL INFO
BEST FOR: Non-stop geothermal wonders that will knock your socks off.
ROTORUA to WAIKITE VALLEY 2 days
48km
There aren’t many places in the world where you can cycle past gurgling mud pools and spewing geysers before dismounting your bike and sinking into an all-natural thermal river. This is the Te Ara Ahi cycle trail and there’s nowhere quite like it.
V
olcanoes are the founding fathers of New Zealand so you’re never too far from geothermal energy. Dubbed Te Ara Ahi - Thermal by Bike, this 48km
36
trail covers four fascinating volcanic areas and snakes through some of Rotorua’s most impressive hot spots. Before you depart the ever-
steaming (and we won’t lie, perpetual stench) of Rotorua, take a dip in Te Ranga thermal river. Locally known as Kerosene Creek, these naturally heated waters are nature’s most relaxing ointment. From here, head towards the geothermal fields of Whakarewarewa and into the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Whakarewarewa Village is home to the ancestors of those who survived the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, an event that completely obliterated the famed Pink and White Terraces; once considered a Wonder of the World. Continue to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and onwards to Waikite Valley Thermal Springs where the trail concludes. This is a smooth and gently undulating journey. Some sections feature technical single-track and short but steep climbs, particularly between Waimangu and Waiotapu. It’s considered an all-season trail, but things can get muddy between June and August when conditions could also be frosty. ABOVE: Te Ara Ahi – Redwoods © Destination Rotorua RIGHT: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop © Tess Richardson
2 Days 48km
TRAIL GRADES: ROTORUA TO WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY GRADES 2-3 (EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) A 30km ride taking 3-4 hours. WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY TO WAIKITE VALLEY THERMAL POOLS GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) An 18km ride taking 2-3 hours. MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Good along most of the trail. DRINKING WATER: Fresh drinking water is available at cafés at the Rotorua mountain bike car park in the Waipa Valley, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools and at Lake Okaro and the Waiotapu Tavern. TYPE OF BIKE: Hybrid bikes will suffice for most of this trail although a mountain bike is better suited to off-road sections and detours into the Redwoods Mountain Bike Park, or up Rainbow Mountain. GRADE 2 (EASY) GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
