42 Traverse

The 42 Traverse is one of New Zealand’s eminent mountain biking rides suitable for average to above average fitness riders. The ride travels 48km across the vast central plateau starting on Kapoors Road off State Highway 47, on the edge of the Tongariro Forest, through to the historic village of Owhango, nestled above the Whakapapa River.

The well marked track covers a diversity of terrain featuring open country, stunning river valleys and native bush canopy and of course panoramic views of Ruapehu.

Leave plenty of energy for the final 2km climb up from the bridge crossing the Whakapapa River to lovely Owhango where you can satisfy your hunger and thirst with a hot or cold beverage at the great local café or country pub.

The 42 Traverse is must do for those people who love the challenge of completing a quintessential New Zealand adventure whether on foot, pedaling or motoring.

Fishers Track (21km 2-3hours)

This relatively unknown downhill is a real blast and with the best part of 17km downhill dropping from 900 metres to 400 metres the adrenalin rush is in your hands. The surface is mixed but does have a fair proportion of grass, which makes for some interesting cornering.

Erua Conservation Area (1-4hours)

3km from Horopito on Middle Rd, a mix of 4WD & single tracks. A good area for exploration.

Rangataua Forest (1-3hours)

Start at Rangataua Village rails tracks, ahead through the forested area. Tracks are 4WD and old logging tracks.

Ruatiti Road

Sealed road, very scenic, 16km downhill from SH4 to Ruatiti domain picnic areas & swimming holes or try Scenic Cycles, "You ride down, drive back" option.

Check out more information on Mountain Biking in and around National Park and further afield here...

So much to do in one location

Little-Mountain-Biking-2-Little.jpg Little-Land-based-activities-1.jpg Little-Snow-Sports-1.jpgLittle-Watersports-1.jpg

Click each image for more information

 Mountain-Biking-2-Big.jpgThe endless view across the Tongariro Crossing and Central Plateau out toward the Southern Ocean
Mountain-Biking-3.jpgIridescent blue of one of the Emerald Lakes during corssing
Mountain-Biking-5.jpgView over Tongariro creater to Mt Ngaruho (aka Mt Doom)
Mountain-Biking-4.jpgLooking back over the Tongariro Crossing routeMountain-Biking-7.jpgSpectacular view over the central plateau to Mt Ruapehu

The Pines

Go 3km South on SH4 from National Park. The Old Waikune Prison is on your left. On your right is the Pines. There is a tarsealed road across the railway tracks on your right that heads down to the old mill site. This is the old forestry area the prison used to mill. Throughout the pines are great tracks. Pick up a map from the BP garage at National Park Village.

John McDonald Loop

For the experienced riders who like a challenge, this is perhaps the best ride in Tongariro Forest. It's only a 40km loop, but it takes 4-7hours and excellent navigation skills. You will encounter every type of riding imaginable on this beauty.

 Click here to read about other rides in the Tongariro National Park region.