Snap Shot

There's 12km of unsealed road through the Tangarakau Gorge. There's other parts of unsealed road but I think that may be the longest.

Jan n Neil

I don't have an off road bike, though Neil has one that would cope. I'm just not happy at all riding on gravel - so it may not be for us. We'll come up with the 4WD and do it one day

Jan

Pom_Chch

Hi Jan n Neil,

I'm envious of your trip, looks great!

I don't have any tips as such, I haven't yet been to the North Island. But remember to check out BookMe for bargains. Lots of discounts for thermal pools, cruises, rafting etc.

http://www.bookme.co.nz/bookings/rotorua-taupo/home

This looks like fun:

http://www.bookme.co.nz/bookings/rot...experience/563

Hope you have a good time. Let us know how it goes

Stormer999

Yes we feel the same on gravel it's all about having the goonies to pin the throttle so the bike rides out of the gutter and on to the ridge, were both hopeless at it. Taking the number of roads that suddenly change from steel to grit then a lot of opportunities are missed. Must book in for a bit of training in that direction.....

Stormer999

Have been checking up and the 10k of gravel on the Forgotten Highway is well kept and doable even for peeps like us so we are going for it......can always get off and push..

Jan n Neil

A neighbour runs motorbike tours and she reckons is hard packed too. Looking like it might be on the itinerary

Jan

Stormer999

Yes a friend from oop NI said he and 3 friends all on Honda Blackbirds went up and yes very hard packed and well maintained.

Stormer999

We will be ferrying on the 7th and return on the 14th bring on the sunshine and take away the wind!

Stormer999

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9caIN6XSvg

Yes it has to be a 'must do'

HeatherGirl

Hi Jan and Neil

Here is a photo of the unsealed part of the Forgotten Highway taken in the spring..
Husband is a biker and he says it would be fine if you go canny on the short section thats unsealed... enjoy!

Stormer999

Two words that bring back memories....canny from my mothers Geordie and twp from my fathers Welsh.

Jan n Neil

I think we can cope with that thankyou very much, really helpful

Jan

Jan n Neil

so are we!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TommyLuck

When you're in Taupo you might want to consider resting your motorcycling muscles at DeBretts Hot Pools Spa;

http://www.taupodebretts.co.nz/

I thought it was good value for a $20 entrance fee pp and doesn't close until 9:30pm so it's a pretty leisurely place to chill out.

Stormer999

Many thanks TommyLuck...it's entered on the list