42 Traverse - Mountain biking

Today was a sunny and nice warm day. So I decided in the morning to go biking. It is quiet at the rental at the moment, so it wasn't a problem. The track is crossing the Tongario Forest. One of the must have done tracks in New Zealand. DoC calculates the time with 4 to 6 hours. Start is at 910 m above sea level a bit further north then the start of the Tongario Crossing.


The track is about 42 km long. the first 6km are possible by car as well as the last 4 km. I cycled back to Raurimu and ended with 62 km. Puhh, that was hard. The last 15 km on the highway in full sun.


The track surface varies from gravel over sand to mud. 3 long downhills 2 fords and moderate hills to climb up. long curves and always a nice lookout. Deep valleys and native forest is the scenery.


A bit tricky are the fords you have to pass. I'm not sure if you can ride all three. I cheated the first two and walked :-). All together it is an amazing ride and you should do it if you find the time.


Google GPS map: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=139738