Explore Untouched Wilderness on Foot and Bike — a Unique 2-Day Adventure!
Join us for a two-day journey deep into the heart of Whirinaki Forest and Te Urewera. This special experience combines a guided forest walk with remote backcountry cycling — offering a rare chance to explore one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural regions.
On Day 1, our trusted partner operator will guide you on a 3–4 hour walk through the pristine Whirinaki Forest — a towering podocarp rainforest rich in cultural and ecological significance.
On Day 2, enjoy a supported bike ride along the gravel access road from Aniwaniwa Falls at Lake Waikaremoana, with options to ride 47 km to Ruatāhuna, 74 to Minginui or up to 96 km to Murupara.
At a Glance…
Time commitment: 2 days
Who is it for: Bike experience required. Well suited to gravel or MTB cyclists.
Ride starts at: Aniwaniwa Falls
Ride ends at: Murupara Bakehouse
Total kilometres: 47kms to Ruatahuna or 74 to Minginui or 92 to Murupara.
Trail Grade: this is not a graded forest track, this is a remote, gravel public road past the lake, waterfalls, streams, blue duck and free-range horses.
Van departs from and returns to: Hamurana, Rotorua
Accommodation style: Chalets
Food: 1 dinner, 1 breakfast and 2 lunch are provided.
Best bike: hardtail mountain bike, full-suspension mountain bike, e-mountain bike, gravel bike.
Date
Sat Dec 6th to Sun 7th Dec 2025
FIVE places left ORSat 13th Dec to Sun 14th of Dec 2025 FULL
OR BYO DATE: If you bring a group of 8 or more riders you can request your own dates.
Price
NZD $550 inc GST. Add $115 inc GST if e-bike hire is required.
Route Map – going south to north east
Itinerary: Whirinaki & Waikaremoana Weekender
What Track & Trail provides…
- Transport and support vehicle. All transport is ex Rotorua
- Accommodation, shared basis
- Breakfast, dinner, lunches, water, electrolytes, riding snacks
- Secure parking for your car at our Rotorua base
- Ride information & route notes
- Basic mechanical support and first aid
- Carry your overnight gear
- Bike hire if needed
- … what you provide: you ride, have fun, be awesome and see the less trod parts of NZ
The Waikaremoana Weekender Ride
E-bikes are welcome or can be hired.
A total distance of UP TO 97 kms on ONE day of awesome riding.
Ride only a little or a lot… our van will pick you up wherever you stop.
A gravel bike, mountain bike or e-bike mountain would suit this tour. Road bikes would not be suitable.
Bikes, Food & Accommodation
Are you considering BYO bike? If you are driving to the start of the trip in Rotorua, you may like to bring your own bike. There are a few bike styles that work well on this trip. Here are the options:
- Gravel bike
- Hardtail mountain bike
- Full suspension MTB
- E-bike mountain bike
You are responsible for the fitness of your bike. Please get it fully serviced before you join the tour. It will be doing between 47 and 96 kilometers mostly off-road and parts and service centres are nowhere to hand.
Your bike must be able to carry 1 litre of water, your rain jacket, snacks, phone, spare inner tube and sunscreen so a handlebar bag, front roll or frame bag is recommended. Avoid backpacks as they put too much pressure on your sitting bones, affect your balance and are too hot in summer.
Track & Trail has a fleet of NZ-designed Sinch e-bikes available for hire in small, medium and large frame sizes. The cost is $115 incl GST to hire an e-bike for the day. If we do not have your size we will hire it in Rotorua for you. Contact Peter if you plan on hiring any type of bike. Read the Bike Hire Agreement.
The trip includes breakfast, an evening meal and snacks.
Typical meals Include:
- Evening – prepared by Ruatahuna Cafe
- Breakfasts – fresh fruit, muesli, toast and spreads, hot drinks.
- Snacks – fresh fruit, muesli bars, nuts and baking.
If you have a special dietary requirement or regime, please contact us before booking. If you are gluten free, coeliac, vegetarian or have allergies, you can bring supplementary ingredients.
Safety comes first! The main threats are; loose gravel surface, getting lost, getting cold, running out of water, sunburn and some pretty loose driving by boaties. We are here to mitigate as many of those risks as possible but care and attention will be required from you at all times.
The new Waikato Expressway connects Aucklanders to Rotorua with a comfortable 2.5-hour drive. South Islanders can fly into Rotorua Airport. Overnight in Rotorua on Friday before the departure on Saturday morning and the ride on Sunday. Bring your bike, or we can hire one to you.
Trip Price
NZD $550 inc GST plus bike hire of $115 inc GST if required.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Waikaremoana and challenge yourself on an unforgettable cycling journey.
Secure your spot today by completing the form below.
Exclusions
The tour price does NOT include:
- getting to Rotorua
- optional activities
- personal equipment
- bike repairs
- alcoholic drinks & random café stops
- emergencies. Cost of emergency evacuation by ambulance or helicopter is at your own cost.