Mountain Biking
The 42 Traverse (Grade 3/ 46 km one way)
The 42 Traverse is one of the premier MTB rides in the North Island. Renowned for the long and often rutted down hills, to test even the most ardent Kamikaze MTB freak. The track surface varies from gravel to mush, some stream crossings and the inevitable uphills. The scenery is outstanding from wide vistas of all three volcanoes to lush unspoiled bush.The ride takes from 4 to 7 hours – people averaging in our experience 5.5 hours – from Kapoors Rd on Highway 47 to Owhango, with several river crossings, taking in regenerating forest, the awesome Canyon valley and finishing with a fantastic downhill.
Riders should equip themselves with appropriate clothing and equipment, spare brake pads, map & compass and food and drink.
Fishers Track (Grade 2 / 21 km one way)
This relatively unknown downhill track is an accelerating 10 km decent off the side of the Volcanic Plateau, dropping from 840 metres to 500 metres, adrenaline rush is in your hands. The surface is mixed but does have a fair proportion of grass.
Howard’s Lodge runs a Transport Service to the start and the finish of the 42 Traverse and Fishers Track.
Transport Rates (minimum 4 people)
42 Traverse – $35pp
Fishers Track – $35pp
Other mountain bike tracks in the area
John McDonal Loop | 4-6 hours | Tongariro Forest | Grade 5 | 40km
Owhango Loop | 2-4 hours | Owhango | Grade 4 | 33km
The Pines | 1-3 hours | National Park | Grade 2 | 30km
Mangapurau Trig | 3-5 hours | Ruatiti (30km from National Park) | Grade 3 | 22km
Tree Trunk Gorge | 2-4 hours | 20km souht of Turangi | Grade 3 | 17km
