Taupo - Dannevirke
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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.
It is a day trip that makes up the section from Taupo to Dannevirke and includes some of the best public gravel roads in the area. These include Range and Maunga Roads.
This Adventure is best traveled in good weather as the views on a clear day are superb.
Start/Finish Point
This is an A to B route. Starting at Taupo and ending at Dannevirke.
The GPX files are in this direction but it can be traveled in either direction.
Terrain includes
Awesome windy tarmac roads, great metal roads, fantastic scenery.
All the gravel roads included in this route are Grade 1 in dry conditions.
Distance
274 km.
Max Fuel Leg
If fuel is required it is necessary to detour.
140 km into the route you will reach Puketapu turnoff to Taradale, where fuel is available.
153 km into the route you will reach the turnoff to Hastings where fuel is available.
Travel Time
Average seat time is 4.0 hours at a steady pace allowing plenty of time to have a good look around some of the interesting places.
Along the route you pass:
The Puketapu. (food and drink).
Accommodation
We normally stay at this motel which provides basic and convenient accommodation at reasonable prices:
The Viking Lodge.
https://www.vikinglodgemotel.co.nz/
Access Permission
All roads within this Adventure are publicly accessible so access permission is not required.
Access Limitations
This Adventure is recommended for fine weather. While it is possible to travel this route all year round, if there has been recent heavy rain there can be slippery, muddy sections.
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.
