King Country Explorer #1
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Route Overview
General Overview
This Adventure was created and personally logged by Ross Bowden. Ross is a keen adventure rider with an extensive knowledge of the remote North Island track network.
The King Country Explorer is a full day trip that includes some of the best public gravel roads in the area. The route leads you through some of the North Island's wildest, stunningly beautiful, and most unspoilt terrain.
While the route has to include some tarmac to link everything up, the majority of this route is made up of gravel roads that are great fun. If you are looking for a full day trip departing from Taumarunui, and a stop for a lunch of whitebait at Mokau, then this Adventure is a perfect option.
This Adventure is best traveled in good weather as the views on a clear day are outstanding.
Start/Finish Point
While this Adventure can be started at any point along the route, the natural start/finish point is Taumarunui. At this location there is a fuel station to fuel up for the day. The GPX files and route information supplied for this Adventure start and finish at Taumarunui.
Terrain includes
This route aims to have as many gravel roads as possible and while there are still a reasonable number of tarmac stretches, the volume of gravel roads will please any gravel seeker. All the gravel roads included in this route are Grade 1 and Grade 2.
Distance
316 km
Max Fuel Leg
190 km
Travel Time
This is a full day route. The actual time taken will depend on how long you spend at some of the natural stopping points such as the lookouts, lakes, rivers etc. The average seat time for the entire route is 6 hours.
It is recommended to start this route early in the morning so that you are not rushing later in the day.
Accommodation
While this route is intended as a day trip there is the option for staying at Mokau, where there is a motel and campsite.
If you want to make this trip a two day one, check out King Country Explorer #2.
Access Permission
No permission is needed for this route, all the tarmac and gravel roads are legally accessible to the public.
Access Limitations
This Adventure is recommended for fine weather. If there has been recent heavy rain then a few days should be waited before setting off. Ideally you'll want to travel this route when the visibility is good as there are impressive views.
Safety
While this is not considered a technical route it does include a few semi-remote areas so it is recommended to travel as a group with typical equipment including tools, spares and a PLB or emergency beacon.
