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Cyclists riding across the Bridge to Nowhere, Whanganui - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Cyclists riding across the Bridge to Nowhere, Whanganui  | Visit Ruapehu
Scenery along the Mt Ruapehu & the 3 Rivers cycle - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Scenery along the Mt Ruapehu & the 3 Rivers cycle  | George Clerk; Getty Images
Pristine and relaxing nature along the Whanganui Journey - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Pristine and relaxing nature along the Whanganui Journey
Whanganui Journey looking beautiful and lushes - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Whanganui Journey looking beautiful and lushes
Cycling the quiet back roads of the Rangitikei District - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Cycling the quiet back roads of the Rangitikei District  | River Valley Lodge
Scenery along the Mt Ruapehu & the 3 Rivers cycle - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Scenery along the Mt Ruapehu & the 3 Rivers cycle  | Janina Delissen
Scenery along the Mt Ruapehu & the 3 Rivers cycle - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Scenery along the Mt Ruapehu & the 3 Rivers cycle  | Adventure South NZ
Most meals are included. Credit Geoff Marks - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Most meals are included. Credit Geoff Marks  | Geoff Marks
Our new support vehicles are ready to take on the New Zealand roads. - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Our new support vehicles are ready to take on the New Zealand roads.  | Rob Pieper
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South) - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
North Island Central Plateau Loop (credit: Adventure South)  | Annie Lowie
Our morning tea pitstops are full of delicious treats - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Our morning tea pitstops are full of delicious treats  | Geoff Marks
Typical North Island farm shed - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Typical North Island farm shed  | Anne Lowerson
Ready to ride through the Manawatu backroads - Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers, New Zealand
Ready to ride through the Manawatu backroads  | Lisa Jones
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Mt Ruapehu & the Three Rivers

A spectacular journey exploring New Zealand's hidden gem, the Manawatu/Whanganui, a region with active volcanoes, 3 mighty rivers, rich farmland, vibrant forests and a fascinating history.

New Zealand
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 8 reviews

6 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: MRR
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 6 Days
Activities
  • 6 day road/gravel cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 5

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

23kg of CO2-e PP per day

(116kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Enjoy Heartland NZ cycleways through the Manawutu and Whanganui regions
  • Stay 2 nights in the quaint ski village of Ohakune on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano and the North Island's highest mountain
  • See the magical Whanganui River up close by bike, jetboat and canoe
  • Explore the fascinating history surrounding the mighty Whanganui, Whangaehu and Rangitikei Rivers as they flow from the Volcanic Plateau and Ruahine Ranges to the Tasman Sea
  • Enjoy the remoteness of Makoura Lodge, situated on a high country station owned by the McIntyre family for over 125 years

Overview

Explore untouched hinterland and stunning back country rides on this remarkable tour exploring the Manawatu/Whanganui region in the Lower North Island. The region is dominated by the Volcanic Plateau, an active volcanic and thermal area including the North Island's 3 active peaks, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. We'll also experience the 'spine' of mountain ranges running through the middle of the central North Island, with gentle rolling farmland on both sides coupled with mystical native forests and fast flowing rivers, which run from the Volcanic Plateau and Mountain spine out to the Tasman Sea.

Our journey begins in the shadow of the highest mountain in the North Island, Mt Ruapehu, following a delightful back country cycle route traversing quiet valleys and the Volcanic Plateau to the ski town of Ohakune on the slopes of the active volcano.

2 nights staying on the Volcanic Plateau provides opportunity to spend a full day adventuring in the Whanganui National Park, exploring the River by jet boat and canoe through gorges and amongst native bush. We follow our on-water adventure with a cycle alongside the River on a delightful back country road finishing in the coastal town of Whanganui.

From here we head into the hidden gem of the Manawatu region for 2 days to ride past soaring cliffs and lush farmland against the dramatic backdrop of the Ruahine Range.

Starting and finishing our trip in the town of Taupo, on the edge of the lake of the same name, provides opportunity to extend your holiday and spend a couple of days exploring New Zealand's largest lake and surrounding adventure playground.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand and your North Island Adventure! Meeting at a central location in Taupo, we'll start with a short tour briefing, load up and head off to Taihape, the Gumboot Capital of New Zealand (taking approx 2.5 hours). After a bike fitting, safety briefing and a picture by the gigantic iron Gumboot, we head off on our first ride to the ski village of Ohakune, also known as the Carrot Capital of New Zealand..... The ride traverses quiet valleys and the Volcanic Plateau following a series of backroads, both sealed and gravel, with the main attraction of the ride being the delightful landscape. On a clear day the views of the active volcano, Mt Ruapehu, are outstanding as we approach Ohakune. Ohakune's claim to being the Carrot Capital reflects the importance of market gardening in the area, but perhaps of more interest is its proximity to Tongariro National Park and the skifields on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. On arrival, we'll settle into our accommodation before enjoying our first group dinner Cycle : Taihape to Ohakune Heartland Ride : Up to 51km, +819m, 39% gravel

Meals: D

The Whanganui National Park is a special place which was created to protect the upper reaches of the Whanganui River. Once an important transport route for both Maori and early European settlers, the river flows from Tongariro National Park to the Tasman Sea through wild lowland forests. Today's excursion on the Whanganui River will be a truly memorable excursion. A short transfer to Pipiriki and we start our adventure with a 55 minute jet boat journey upriver 32 kms to the Mangapurua Landing, through an area of spectacular natural features with deep river gorges covered with lush native vegetation. From the drop off, it's an easy grade 40 minute walk following in the footsteps of the early pioneers along the old roadway to the “BRIDGE TO NOWHERE” . Here you will stop for lunch on this historical monument of a bygone era and learn the history from your local guide. The next part of your adventure is an easy grade canoe back down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki, through a landscape of remote hills and bush clad valleys. We'll pass through the scenic gorge of the Manganui o te Ao River and the Ngaporo and Autapu rapids should provide some 'gentle' excitement. More exotic trees and farmland, an eel weir and the Paparoa rapid follow before reaching the boat ramp below Pipiriki village. A short transfer back to Ohakune for a second night. Cycle : No cycling today - jetboat and canoeing

Meals: B,L

Today we're back on our bikes to complete our adventure in the Whanganui National Park. We head back to Pipiriki and ride south along the Whanganui River Road, a fully sealed road but gently undulating with a couple of challenging ascents near the start and finish. The effort, however, is well worth it, not least of all for the elevated views along the river, but also for the many Maori and European heritage sites along the way. Between them, they tell quite the story of New Zealand’s early settlement, beginning with early Maori for whom the river was a primary highway. Major landmarks include Hiruharama (Jerusalem), a Catholic Church and convent built at the end of the nineteenth century and the restored Kawana Flour Mill, built in 1854. We finish the day in the picturesque riverside city of Whanganui, one of the first cities to be founded in NZ. Dinner at your leisure tonight with plenty of options. Cycle : Back country roads, 100% asphalt Standard : Pipiriki to Upokongaro 62km, +955m Avid : Pipiriki to Whanganui 72km, +1140m

Meals: B,L

Mainly following quiet country roads through farmland, the Three Rivers Heartland Ride connects arty Whanganui and the rural hub of Hunterville, making for a picturesque journey passing through heartland Rangitikei. The Three Rivers route traces historic stock routes as it winds its way north to the Volcanic Plateau. Highlights include Whanganui’s quirky Durie Hill elevator, tunnel and tower; and pretty rural scenes. From Hunterwille it's about an hour's transfer to Makoura Lodge, located on a high country station on a remarkable slice of rural New Zealand's landscape. The property has been owned by the McIntyre family since 1896 and our hosts are the 5th generation on the property. Cycle Options : Back country roads Standard : 62km, 890m, 100% asphalt Avid : 73km, +1140m, 25% gravel

Meals: B,D

This morning we enjoy a delightful ride mostly on the Manawatu Cycleway. This area is rich in native bush and lush farmland and there are some amazing photo opportunities as you wind your way down into the Pohangina Valley and follow alongside the Pohangina River on the western flank of the Ruahine Ranges. Head down past the historic Komako St Bartholomew’s Church, a beautiful building that has served as a place of worship for around 100 years. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the rural village of Kimbolton, renowned for its world class gardens and quaint country charm and also pass through Apiti, known as the gateway to the Ruahine Ranges. We return to Makoura Lodge for a 2nd night, with our final group dinner to be enjoyed. Cycle Options : Back country roads Standard : 53km, 733m, 16% gravel Avid : 85km, +1183m, 21% gravel

Meals: B,L,D

Today we stay off the beaten track on another scenic and often surprising journey through rural Manawatu, full of natural wonders and local history. We wind our way up the Mangawharariki Valley, following deep sided Papa cliffs with wide ranging views to the Ruahine Ranges and vistas of snow covered Ruapehu in the distance. The ride includes stunning climbs and descents overlooking the Kawhatau River and meanders through pretty valleys and native bush. This will be a memorable final ride, after which we have a 2hr 30 min drive back to Taupo, where you will be dropped in a central location early evening. Cycle Options : Back country roads Standard : 60km, 876m, 27% gravel

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

5 scheduled departures between 31 Jan 2027 and 11 Apr 2028.

  • Departs 31 Jan 2027 – ends 5 Feb 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 10 Apr 2027 – ends 15 Apr 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 17 Oct 2027 – ends 22 Oct 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 27 Jan 2028 – ends 1 Feb 2028 (6 days)
  • Departs 11 Apr 2028 – ends 16 Apr 2028 (6 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Tasty breakfasts (x5), lunches (x3), dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 5 nights comfortable motel/lodge accommodation on twin share basis
  • Whanganui Jetboat & canoe River Adventure
  • Transport pick up from and drop off to one central Taupo location
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages (other than breakfast or trailside)
  • Bike Hire (available to rent)
  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Airport Arrival and departure transfers
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. You will have two experienced members of our guiding team. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

Video

North Island Cycling Adventures

Reviews (8)

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New Zealand is a beautiful country, especially when you can see it pedaling on two wheels. The transport on Adventure South was comfortable. The two guides were fantastic providing encouragement, snacks and fun facts along the way. My experience included gravel, mountain and road biking. The electric bike I opted for worked great . The restaurants selected offered plenty of great food!

Lynne V|United States
25 Feb 2026
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We had an absolutely great time and were so well looked after by our experienced and enthusiastic guides with plenty of forward information and guidance, and all our every-minute needs well and truly met.

Christopher M|Auckland , New Zealand
23 Nov 2025
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GUIDES

Our two guides were a great duo; they were cheerful, caring, supportive and encouraged us when needed (eg on challenging sections of rides) and importantly communicated with all of our team.

ITINERARY

The itinerary was well balanced with good cycling exercise and diversity of routes, along with well stationed “rest” times.

John T|Brisbane QLD, Australia
1 Apr 2025
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Trip details, organization, support, variety, guides and meals and scenery and quiet country roads were all outstanding!

Fran D|United States
26 Mar 2025
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Adventure South NZ was a great organization to work with coordinating a bicycle adventure in New Zealand. Their customer service is right on and the tour guides were exceptional with their knowledge of cycling, logistics and history of the islands, both North and South.

Mary AD|Wisconsin, United States
14 Feb 2025
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Extremely well organized and executed to perfection. Guides are as good as you will ever find professionalism. Helpfulness and knowledge of all things new zealand.

Marilyn H|Oregon, United States
13 Feb 2025
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The guides were always attentive to our needs, helping those who needed an extra hand. The routes were just right, starting easy and increasing in challenge!

Peter M|Arkansas, United States
13 Feb 2025
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Dusty S|Oregon, United States
16 Feb 2025

Extra trip info

AccommodationBikesTrail surfacesWill My Trip Run?
Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motels

Often family run, the chosen motels for this trip are 3 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Comfortable guest house accommodation in the Waikato region | Destination Great Lakes Taupo

Lodge

Makoura Lodge was built on the family farm by the McIntyres and features macrocarpa timber milled from the property and rocks from the nearby river for stonework.

One of Adventure South's Fleet Low Step eBikes | Izzi Barton

Sinch eBikes - Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL

Designed right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, our fleet of Sinch eBikes is made to handle the country’s trails with ease. These pedal-assist bikes take the edge off hills and longer rides thanks to smooth, reliable Shimano motor systems and a comfortable, upright riding position.

They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. The smaller sizes (XS, S, M) feature step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture, while large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.

One of Adventure South's Fleet Size Large/XL High Step Bikes | Izzi Barton

Sinch eBike (Front suspension mountain bike style) - Sizes L & XL

Designed right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, our fleet of Sinch eBikes is made to handle the country’s trails with ease. These pedal-assist bikes take the edge off hills and longer rides thanks to smooth, reliable Shimano motor systems and a comfortable, upright riding position.

They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. Large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.

One of Adventure South's Fleet Hard Tail Mountain Bikes (not electric) | Izzi Barton

Avanti Discovery - Hard Tail Mountain Bike (Not an eBike)

Our custom Avanti Discovery bikes are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — simple, solid, and comfortable. Fast-rolling tyres and upgraded suspension forks keep things smooth over mixed terrain, while the 1x10 drivetrain makes gear changes easy and intuitive.

Hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable stopping power, and the rear rack fitted with one of our rack bags (included in hire) is ideal for stashing your layers, lunch or camera. With a relaxed upright riding position, this is a great choice for those who want a traditional, pedal-powered ride without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Avanti Discovery is a dependable trail mate.

This bike is also available in a low-step model on request!

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.

One of Adventure South's Fleet Road Bikes | Izzi Barton

Avanti Gran-Durance 3 - Drop Bar Bike

The Avanti Gran-Durance 3 is our go-to do it all drop bar bike — stable, responsive, and ready for the kind of North island riding we love to share. Built with a lightweight aluminium frame and fork, it’s designed for long days in the saddle, with relaxed geometry that takes the edge off the climbs and keeps you feeling confident on the descents.

It’s the perfect match for the kind of riding we love to share.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.

Pretty back roads of the North Island sweep through farming country | Jan Kaluza

Sealed Road

Most of these roads are quiet back-roads with no shoulder. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Cycling the quiet back roads of the Rangitikei District | River Valley Lodge

Gravel Road

This surface is manageable for most, however cyclists need to be comfortable riding on rougher gravel surfaces including graded roads and deeper gravel.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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