It's not part of the great New Zealand cycleway, but a new opportunity in Whirinaki Forest Park opening on Saturday September 5 has certainly been greatly anticipated by the New Zealand cycling fraternity.
Upgrading and realigning a section of the Whirinaki multiday walking track, one hour southeast of Rotorua, has been underway for the past year or so.
The new Moerangi Saddle section will allow both cyclists and walkers to use the track with widening and other engineering designed to minimise conflicts and keep riders travelling slowly.
Department of Conservation visitor and historic assets manager Earl Rewi said the track covers 35km and climbs 640m if ridden from the easy end.
“It’s an 840m climb from the other (River Rd) end, so we expect most people will choose the softer option – for the first time anyway.”
Mr Rewi added that those who have had a preview have given the ride a 4-plus difficulty rating.
“That’s mostly because of the length, but also because in places the climb is quite taxing.”
That challenge, or at least the ability to break it in half, is in part what will make the ride special.
The track passes three DOC huts, one an historic deer cullers one, so it’s practical (and in some cases a likely necessity) for users to stop overnight and experience the majesty of the forest far from the glare of lights or noise of anything other than kiwi and morepork.
Mr Rewi said this makes it a standout track for which September 5’s opening as part of the Whirinaki25 celebrations has been eagerly awaited.
On the day, riders (and walkers) will be able to start on the track from around 8.30am, following an earlier blessing by kaumatua from Ngati Whare iwi.
To avoid unnecessary congestion at the road end, those planning to tackle the route – either right through or to a shorter turn around point – are asked to assemble at Minginui Village from 8am onwards.
A gold coin koha will see bikes and riders will be transported to the trail head with collection and return to the village provided later in the day.
Members of the NZ Deerstalkers Association will be offering free sausage sizzle food at the huts along the way, so there’s more than just the fantastic bush and exceptional views as an excuse to stop and rest weary legs and lungs.
Sweep riders will account for all who set out, and slower participants will be asked to turn around to avoid having traffic on the track after dark.
Due to the changeable weather in the Whirinaki Forest, visitors are advised to carry windproof jackets.
Because of the anticipated numbers on opening day, the option to use the huts for an overnight stay is not being offered.
Any other day of the year, however, riders and walkers can look forward to kicking back on a cosy bunk after a hard day on the Moerangi Saddle – the North Island’s newest and possibly best overnight adventure.
