This was stage 5 of the trail as we had decided to do it this way as on paper there appeared to be less inclines. Boy were we in for a surprise!
In the end I think it didn't matter which way you did it.
This stage is 25 kms and took us longer than the time allocated in the cycle trail book (Classic New Zealand Cycle Trails) but we were in no rush and stopped a number of times for photos, drink and food.
We met a awesome couple at the Whakamaru reserve who have camped there for the last 15 years with family. They filled up our drink bottles with ice cold water and we were back on our way. We discovered that you need a permit to camp at some of the reserves like this one. You can acquire a season camping permit for $25 which allows you to camp on any of the reserves during the season. Something to think about for future trips.
The second part of the day was Stage 4 - Whakamaru Dam to Mangakino Lakefront Reserve. (13 km) This would be our resting place for the night. The track ends up meandering around the golf course. Just before you head into a grove which takes you to the Mangakino reserve there is a turn off that takes you right up to the lake/river where camping is but no toilets. we decided to camp there the night, although in hindsight maybe we should have pushed on 1 km to the reserve, which we ended up getting to the next morning for a coffee stop at the Bus stop cafe. Wendy says they make good coffee.
Day Two: Part One
A good night sleep and back on the road at around 8am. Coffee and we were now starting Stage 3 Mangakino reserve to Waipapa. (20 km)
This is really where the fun started. Lots of steep inclines. It was hard work with 20kg of gear in my panniers and Wendy carrying about 10kg. There was times when we had to push the bikes up hill. We were rewarded with some downhill stretches. This is where the line I made up " I don't want anymore inclines only declines as I am declining."
At the beginning it meanders through some pine forest ending up at the Maraetai dam with some old relics of previous industry.
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| An old depositry used to load gravel onto the trains for transport |
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| An obstacle that tried to stop us from carrying on. We managed to get around it. |
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| Lunch near the Waipapa Dam |
Just before finishing this stage we came across the first other cyclist. She (Marilyn) was riding along the road and asked me if she should take the trail to Mangakino reserve. She had more gear then we did and was riding and tour bike rather than a MTB. She concluded from my response that the road would be a safer alternative. It was great to share experiences and chat. She was from Canada doing a 3 months bike tour of NZ. We were able to give her some hints and ideas of things to do and see on her way. After a few more chit chats we went our separate ways. Ka kite ano Marilyn.
Once we stopped for lunch we realised that there was no place to set up camp and it was quite early. The area has a long drop but no water facilities and a sign telling you not to drink the water due to gardia. We decided to push on but were aware that our water was low. I cycled back a km to ask some workers who were at the dam if they knew where we could get some water. They were not very helpful. So make sure you bring plenty of water. We had had two 1.5 litres bottles and 3 drinking bottles. This ended up not being enough as will be discovered in part tow of day 2.
Day two part two - Stage 2 - which finishes at Arapuni.
Our goal was to get to Jim Barnett Reserve approximately 15 km from Arapuni. The whole stage is 34 kms. This was the worst part and the hardest and most gruelling. Not only were we running out of water but they decided to put 6 flights of stairs that we needed to get our bikes up. After which we did get some relief with a few down hill rides. Wendy was getting more confident on her bike during these times. Still we were far behind schedule. After a quick dip in the river and Wendy putting water over her head from the river, we set off for yet another unexpected climb. 37 switch backs that climb up to Waotu Road next to a quarry and in between there somewhere a very long high swing bridge. Afraid of heights? Then don't look down. Beautiful scenery all along this part.
We arrived at the top of Waotu Road at around 9pm. It was going to rain, no water to be seen and it was getting dark. We decided to pitch the tent on the side of the road instead of pushing on the few kms to Jim Barnett reserve. Lucky we did as it started to rain soon after we got the tent up and organised. A late dinner, bottles put out to collect some well needed water and off to bed.
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| We started by helping each other one bike at a time. |
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| I carried Wendy's the last two flights as a rest was needed. |
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| Time for a dip using water from the river next to a sign that says water supply. We took this to mean for other uses other than drinking because of previous warnings. |
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| A brave girl who is afraid of heights. Don't look down. |
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| Camping on the side of the road. It was actually darker than the picture shows. |
Day 3 Part one - Get to Jim Barnett reserve and hope that there is water and toilets then push on to Arapuni and the Rhubarb Cafe. MMMM!
We probably needed to do another 20 kms to get to Arapuni. Jim Barnett Reserve is really nice. We arrived at the top end of it really early around 7.45am as we had started the morning at 6.50am. And we found water and toilets. Chatted with a grandmother who was taking her grandkids on a bit of an adventure. A gentle 1.5 kms through a native bush took us back onto the road for the remaining time to Jones Landing. We stopped here for breakfast and met a neat family, who shared similar interests as we do. They filled up our drink bottles as we would not say no this time and off we went back onto the road for the final push to Arapuni. As we turned off onto Darby road for the final few kms I realised that we had just hit 100kms on my cycle computer. Stopped for a photo. You can take the trail from Jones landing to Arapuni but it is only for expert Mountain bikers and you don't want to have panniers etc. We decided against it. If you do take the road option follow the road until you get to Darby Road. Don't miss it otherwise you will have trouble continuing on the trail.
We reached Arapuni at about 11.30. Early lunch to be had at the famous Rhubarb Cafe. A nice couple who run it Bryan and Louise Samuel. The food was awesome. I decided to liquify myself with a Chai Latte, a Blueberry smoothie, and to finish with a strawberry thickshake as well as some solid good homemade food.
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| Well needed water. |
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| The bike trail gates. Difficult to get the bike over with panniers. If you were on your own you may need to take them off. |
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| Mat and Ness with their kids Chloe, Skyla and Jae. Thanks for the chat and the water. Keep up the ball skills Skyla and enjoy high school Chloe and Jae, keep being you. |
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| 100 KM |
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| Rhubarb cafe and food. |
So the last part starts near the Arapuni swingbridge. You don't actually go over it as the trail stays on the same side of the river. This was the last 13 kms of our trip. We had done this part before but thought we would do it all in one go.
Almost at the beginning of this leg I got a puncture and had to stop for about 20 minutes to replace the inner tube, which one should always carry at least two and remember to replace your stock as soon as you get home.
Our son picked us up at around 3.15pm from The Pokaiwhenua bridge car park and we can proudly say that we have done and dusted the Waikato river trail.
Over all summary
Beautiful scenery, tough in places and we had to walk our bikes in a number of places. Bring plenty of water and pack as light as you can. Do not underestimate the stage 2 part. It is advanced and be prepared for flights of steps whichever way you take it.
When we got home we were exhausted but very proud of ourselves. I asked Wendy what I should call this and she said "How to lose a kilo in 3 days." I finish with a video of the trip. Thanks to all the people who made this happen or the people we met along the way. We really felt part of nature and free.
