Day 6 - Natural wonders and cycle trails

Today was Day 6 of our Tour Kopiko cycling adventure! Our 122 km expedition began in Murupara and concluded in Mangakino, with an overnight stay planned at the newly renovated Maratai Lodge. Anticipation filled the air as we set off on our bikes again expecting more beautiful scenery and kiwi experiences.

We departed from Rotorua and resumed our journey where we left off yesterday, in Murupara. Heading west along the highway from the township, we remained watchful for logging trucks, a common sight in this region. We tackled the straight road with a 5% grade for 12 km, battling a headwind that slowed our speed to 8 km/h.

As we cycled past the site of the Pink and White Terraces, once natural wonders of New Zealand, we reflected on their history. Reportedly the largest silica sinter deposits on Earth, they were lost and thought destroyed in the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, while new hydrothermal features formed to the southwest, such as the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley.

Our adventure took an exciting turn as we veered onto the Te Ara Ahi cycle trail, leading us to the Rainbow Mountain picnic area. It was time for tea or our first lunch! We chose to bypass the thermal mud pools at Waiotapu. Continuing along a mix of sealed and gravel roads, we eventually descended steeply into Waikite Valley, with some of us reaching speeds of 75-79 km/h, passing the Thermal Pools on the right and the golf course on the left. We pushed on past one of New Zealand’s bison farms to the Ohakuri Power Station, where we stopped for our second lunch.

After refueling, we followed the highway towards the Whakamaru Power Station, where we joined the Waikato River Trail for 26 km on a single track.

We ended our day at Maratai Lodge. After a quick shower, we headed to the Mangakino Club for dinner. Grilled Snapper, chips, salad, and a cold beverage. The meal was fantastic, and the staff were lovely.

We thought today presented a wonderful whirlwind of landscapes, history, and natural wonders. It was a day marked by more challenges, discoveries, and cherished moments that I’m sure will be etched in our memories.

The pinnacle awaits us tomorrow as hopefully we reach the geographic center of the North Island, marking another special milestone in our journey.

We intend to be off grid, but will tune in once we find reception.