King Country Explorer #2
Login or Join Adventure Guide for full access to the Adventure Map, plus information including detailed route notes, fuel stops, food supplies/dining, accommodation, preparation and safety, downloadable GPX files plus a printable booklet.
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 Adventure Route #2 is a two day route 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 two day relaxed trip departing from Taumarunui, and a overnight stop at Mokau or Awakino, 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.
Travel Time
Conservative seat time is 3 hours and 45 minutes on Leg 1 plus 4 hours and 30 minutes on Leg 2. However, this time will vary depending on your riding / driving style. There are a number of spots to stop and look around, so to get the most out of the route, ideally allow a full day to give you plenty of time without rushing.
Accommodation
There is the option for staying at Mokau. Here there is a motel and campsite.
Or there is accommodation available at Awakino. This is comprehensively detailed in Leg 1.
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 the views are outstanding on a clear blue sky day.
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.
