WHAKAREWAREWA Forest Loop GREAT RIDE • WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST LOOP
TRAIL INFO
3-5 Hours 31km
TRAIL GRADES: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop © Graeme Murray
BEST FOR: Confident families and those stepping up their mountain biking adventures.
TE PŪTAKE O TAWA CAR PARK loop 3-5 hours
31km
New Zealand’s premier e-bike track takes in gurgling mud pools and active geysers while weaving through the shady Whakarewarewa Forest tracks. The combination of ups, downs, flats, hairpin bends and berms will keep you on your toes and smiling from ear to ear.
T
he newest addition to Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand is the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop,
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comprised of three stages. The naturally gifted forest, also known the Redwoods, holds a wealth of history, culture, flora and fauna
and is beloved by both locals and visitors alike. The new purposebuilt trail takes in a spectrum of Rotorua’s sights. At Te Pūtake o Tawa, five taonga represent the stories of ancestors (including Hinemoa and Tūtānekai) that are important to Tūhourangi people, mana whenua here. The artists of these pieces are local and direct descendants of the tūpuna depicted. Between here and Te Ara Ahi, you’ll follow a historically significant path used by local iwi for hundreds of years before the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera destroyed the original forest, burying it under three metres of ash. Along the Loop, there are several spots to stop and take in spectacular views. Lake Tikitapu makes a great spot for a refreshing swim, and the popular holiday park across the road sells snacks and drinks. Following Te Koromete Tītokorangi, views open up to the north to reveal the glorious Lake Rotorua and its surrounding caldera.
TE PŪTAKE O TAWA TO TE ARA AHI Grade 2–3 (EASYINTERMEDIATE) A 14km ride taking 1–2.5 hours TE ARA AHI Grade 1 (EASIEST) A 8.5km ride taking 30 minutes WAIPA CAR PARK TO TE PŪTAKE O TAWA Grade 2 (EASY) A 10.5km ride taking 1–2 hours INFO: As Whakarewarewa is an active geothermal area and a working forest, all signage or detours must be heeded. MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Mostly good but can get patchy around Tikitapu. SAFETY: First aid service is provided by the First Response Unit operated by Rotorua MTB Club. Phone 0800 WHAKA (0800 942 521). FOOD & WATER: Four water refill stations are marked on the map and on trail map boards. Food can be purchased at Waipa and Te Pūtake o Tawa car parks, and the holiday park and café at Tikitapu. Days and hours vary. TYPE OF BIKE: Mountain bikes or electric mountain bikes are required and can be hired at Waipa and Te Pūtake car parks, as well as bike shops in town. GRADE 2 (EASY) GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
