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.

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

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



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.

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.


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.

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

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.

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...
