CYCLING TOURS AND HOLIDAYS | Lake Taupo & The Central Plateau, NZ

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Experience the very best of New Zealand, Lake Taupo & the Central Plateau

24 - 29 November 2022 (6 days / 5 nights)

The BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is in our humble opinion one of the best fun rides on the planet. However, you aren’t doing the Central Plateau justice by coming just for the one-day event. There’s so much more.

All of Ride Holidays guides have lived in Taupo so we know it very well. This is our backyard. You won’t be left wondering!!

The perfect mix of cycling, sightseeing, cafes, restaurants and rest. Ride Holidays promise you a fantastic week in one of New Zealand's most scenic regions. All you have to do is book your plane ticket - we'll take care of everything else.

There really is a bit of everything. A world class Fondo right through to cycling up a live volcano in New Zealand’s most visited National Park. More importantly – it will be hassle free after and will leave NZ having made some lifelong friends. Non-riding partners are very welcome. See you soon.

Day 1, Thursday 24 November

Welcome to New Zealand

It's great to have you here.

We encourage you to be on the earliest flight from Australia which normally arrives at about 11am. We'll pack the vans and head towards Taupo. Ideally departing just after midday. It's about a 4hr drive however leaving Auckland can take require patience. The traffic is worse than Sydney.

If you plan on arriving early, then please talk to Karl for accommodation advise.

The National Velodrome in Cambridge is located halfway to Taupo. Let's stop for coffee. We'll be greeted at the Avantidome by Cycling New Zealand who will show us around.

We plan to arrive in Taupo late afternoon. We'll put all the bikes together in our designated bike room and then pop out for a short spin. Just to make sure things are working properly. Our mechanics will be on standby.

Tonight - some of you may feel like an evening stroll along the lake shore. The sunset at this time of the year can be stunning.

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud.

/Meals Included: Welcome dinner

Day 2, Friday 25 November

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge | Expo day and some local sights

We hit the road just after breakfast. Our first goal is the 10am Aratiatia Dam release. A must here in Taupo.

Actually, no. Aratiatia is not our first goal. It’s our 2nd. A nice local coffee spot is our first.

We'll cover a gentle 40 to 60 km today. If some want longer then it's easily arranged.

You'll also visit the magnificent Huka Falls. A foot bridge right at the top of the falls puts you in a prime position to get up close and witness the frightening display of more than 220,000 litres of water blasting by every second.

We'll also stop for a coffee and cake late morning at the Prawn farm. The Prawns are delicious however it's the view from the café deck which is the real draw card. Coffee and cake are on us. You’ll work the cake off tomorrow – we promise.

Our ride concludes at the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge expo where you'll register for tomorrows ride as well as having a stroll around the Sport & Lifestyle Expo. Tomorrow will be awesome. You are in for one fantastic ride…

Non-riders: You don't miss out. You will be driven to all the places mentioned above. As well as a glass blowing factory and Taupo's famous beehive honey café.

/Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 3, Saturday 26 November

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge | Expo day and some local sights

D-Day… The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. Riding New Zealand's benchmark cycling event begins with a single turn of a pedal. Join cyclists from countries around the globe and make 2022 your Taupo Cycle Challenge year! In its 46th year, this event is incredibly well organised with the majority riding either 80 or 153km. Safety is paramount, fun essential and the views are stunning.

Jonny and I will guide you around. Usually, we target about 6 hours. It's certainly not compulsory to ride with us. We generally stop for coffee in Turangi. For us – it is not a race.

Post ride, Saturday afternoon - sit back on the grass and take in the entertainment on offer while enjoying a glass of wine. You are the guests of honour at the Ride Holidays marquee. You deserve it. Job well done. Now all you have to do is win the car. Yes, prize giving is like no other - cars, overseas holidays you name it. And you are in to win.

Non-riders: Even though you aren't riding we think exercise is important so today we head out on a short, guided walk along the Waikato River. New Zealand's longest river. We'll try and time it so that you arrive back in town the same time as the cyclists. Just in time for that glass of Sav Blanc.

/Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4, Sunday 27 November

BBQ, fishing, and a cruise on Lake Taupo

What a day we have planned. Our breakfast café is about a 30min bike ride away. If you want to carry on riding after breakfast, then we are more than happy to do so. Maybe a gentle 50km? This afternoon we are happy to show you around the rest of Taupo. Bring your swimmers as the thermal pools are a must. Last year we even had a few play golf. Happy to roll out the clubs again in 2022.

This evening we've booked a private 4-hour cruise on Lake Taupo. We'll fish on the way, Taupo is well known for having the world's biggest and angriest trout. One or two will feature at our on-the-lake BBQ dinner in a secluded bay. Eat up - tomorrow is a full day in the saddle. The ride is epic and one of the best in the whole country.

Non-riders: Join us for breakfast and then we'd recommend the hot pools at Wairakei The waters and clays of Wairakei were highly valued by Maori for their healing powers and therapeutic benefits. Maybe even the cyclists will join you…. They'll need it.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (inc wine and beer) Lunch is own arrangements.

Day 5, Monday 28 November

100km of Pure 100% New Zealand

Live volcanos, ski fields, country roads, remote lakes - you won't forget today. We will leave Taupo nice and early as we've booked a great little fishing café for breakfast. In fact - it's opening just for us. Cyclists will end up at the top of Whakapapa ski field. The views are unforgettable. We will have vehicles with us so those who want to ride less can do so. No pressure. (Longest ride is 110km however that includes 2200VM)

Our starting point for today’s ride is a town called Turangi. It’s 40km from our hotel at the southern end of the lake. Established in 1887, Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s first National Park, and the fourth National Park to be created in the world. Tongariro National Park has gained international significance by being awarded UNESCO Dual World Heritage, a status which recognises the park’s important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.

Tonight, we share a meal and say cheers to all that we've achieved over the last few days - some fantastic cycling, new friends, and old, stunning meals and of course some of New Zealand's best scenery.

Non-riders: Tongariro National Park is a must… You simply must see it. You'll be spending the day with us. The only difference being that you'll take the gondola up to the next level.

/Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6, Tuesday 29 November

Home, James

After breakfast we'll pack the vehicles and head back to where it all began. Auckland International Airport. The first flight out shouldn't be booked prior to 2pm. Some of you may not fly out until the evening. Of course, if you are planning on extending your stay then we are happy to offer advice.

Safe travels home.

Thank you for your company, we hope you'll join us on one of our other worldwide adventures.

/Meals Included: Breakfast