Tongariro Forest Loop

This ride is suitable only for experienced riders who are up for a real challenge. You'll encounter every type of riding imaginable on this trip and should be a skilled mountain biker with heaps of outdoors experience. Ensure you pick a dry day for this 5 - 8 our adventure.

The track starts from the picnic area where the John McDonald Road meets Highway 47. After crossing the footbridge, follow Pukehinau Road - an old forestry road - until you reach Danahars Track where you'll turn right. This track eventually narrows to a single track and drops you above the Mangatepopo Stream where you'll follow a small track down to the water. Carrying your bike here can be a real challenge.

Follow the stream down the valley for a half hour before reaching the OPC - Owhango track which fords the Mangatepopo Stream. Follow this track until you reach your first right where you'll be rewarded with a steep and challenging downhill which ends at a bridge. You'll soon meet up with the 42 Traverse after a tough one hour climb. After reaching the top, the ride flattens off before your left down the Pukehinau Track which brings you to the road where the ride began.

For this very challenging ride, a detailed map and a GPS is strongly recommended.