Taupo to Taumarunui | Time Out 2021-22 Drive

A relocation day, just a drive to an overnight stop near Taumarunui which was positioning for the next ride departure. Took the long way, via National Park instead of SH41, as had plenty of time and there were a few potentially interesting stops along the way.

Taupo_Taumarunui_Drive

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the best. I was OK with not riding today!

The sky and Lake Taupo merge

When you get back to the car and notice the similarity between Italian lines, paint shading, and Lake Taupō cloud layers...

The sky, car and Lake Taupo merge
The sky, car and Lake Taupo merge
Lake Taupo merge

Motuoapa Bay

Stopped for the nice lake view towards the Great Lake Trails area across the lake. This bay best known for its marina and Holiday Park which offers Retro VW Kombi style Cabins.

Motuoapa Bay View

Te Ponanga Saddle

There's a proper lookout on Te Ponanga Saddle Road (SH47) but I got there to find it in the clouds and pouring rain. In typical NZ fashion driving about 1km back down the hill revealed this roadside view.

Te Ponanga Saddle Road view
Te Ponanga Saddle Road view

Opotaka, origin of the ‘Ka Mate’ Haka

Opotaka, a historic Māori kāinga (settlement) (SH47) and origin of the iconic haka ‘Ka Mate’ (often performed at NZ events). There isn't much left of the village, traces of rua (food storage pits) and whare (structure) footprints, but the history is fascinating.

Opotaka, home of the iconic haka ‘Ka Mate’

Mahuia Rapids

I stopped at Mahuia Rapids (SH47) but the arrival of heavy rain prevented me staying long.

Mahuia Rapids

Chateau Tongariro Hotel

Mount Ruapehu is right there, behind Chateau Tongariro Hotel, not that you'd know today! The weather was so grim I just took this photo and headed back down the mountain.

💡
The Chateau is currently closed, pending renovation but that has no timeline.
Chateau Tongariro Hotel

Mahoe, via Taumarunui

I drove through to Taumarunui even though was staying at Mahoe Motel, a short distance South of it. Their restaurant wasn't open so grabbed some dinner and breakfast for my early start tomorrow.

I'm riding the Pureora Forest Timber Trail and must be at the Ongarue shuttle depot, 32km North, before 8am.

My sleep was a bit disturbed, woke several times. Nothing to do with the motel, it was thanks to ominous torrential overnight rain...


Time Out Drive/Cycling Exploring New Zealand 2021 - 2022
I spent October 2021 to early August 2022 exploring New Zealand both cycling and drive/cycle road tripping. This index was updated as that journey progressed, not always to plan, with links to blog posts and other external resources. ‘The Why’ and ‘The Plan’ sections have an overview of how