Please note:This trip requires a minimum of 4 adult fares to run.
The Gentle Annie Cycle Journey
The Gentle Annie Cycle Journey takes you from River Valley Lodge on the banks of the Rangitikei River, east of Taihape, riding a loop that finishes back at River Valley Lodge. This loop captures some of the most iconic central North Island scenery with spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu and the eastern ranges. The route includes travel along the historic Taihape-Napier Road and gravel back roads. You will ride through or past some of the biggest and most iconic high country Sheep and Cattle Stations in New Zealand. These include Ngamatea, Erewhon, Otupae and Mangaohane Stations.
This ride is vehicle supported.
If we cannot secure the accommodation options listed, then our fallback option will be to drive back to River Valley Lodge each night.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at River Valley Lodge before dinner (which is included). Spend the night in a deluxe ensuite room at River Valley Lodge.
Day 2: After breakfast, we start on the adventure! Today, we will ride a mix of backcountry gravel and sealed roads, visit the spectacular Mokai Bridge, ride through the small village of Moawhango and on up the hill to Oruamatua – a tastefully renovated shearers’ quarters on a historic sheep and cattle farm—distance 56 km, plus a further 8 km, which is optional from Moawhango Village to Oruamatua. Your driver guide will cook you a delicious dinner, and breakfast the following morning.
Day 3: Today’s ride is on a sealed section of the Taihape-Napier Road. You will experience some big hills today, mostly down, but a couple of goody uphills. However, we cover a relatively short distance – about 47 km with truly spectacular scenery. Your day’s riding will end at Kuripapango, the eastern side of the Gentle Annie Hill. We will then drive back along some of the route you rode to stay overnight at the River Cottage beside the Rangitikei River, arriving by mid-afternoon. It’s time for a swim if it is a hot day! Your driver guide will again cook you a delicious dinner that evening and breakfast the following morning.
Day 4: After breakfast, you will be shuttled to Otupae Junction, about a 15-minute drive from The River Cottage. Then, taking the back roads, ride back to River Valley Lodge through Otupae and Mangaohane Stations, crossing over the Rangitikei River at the Mangaohane Bridge, stopping for lunch along the way. This is our shortest day, the ride being about 35 km. Arrive at River Valley Lodge early afternoon. You may stay an extra night at the Lodge if you wish (not included in the package price).
Departures
As accommodation is included at River Valley Lodge the night before the first day of riding, this first night is considered Day 1. We can be flexible on departure dates, so work with our reservation team on a day that suits you and your group. As we work with other accommodation providers, some flexibility in dates may be required.
Group Size
We will run a trip for groups of 4 or more riders, up to a maximum of 8. If your party is smaller than four riders, please enquire about the dates of existing trips, as you may be able to join another group
What Kind of E-Bikes are Available?
We have a range of E-bike sizes (XS-L), available to hire, all mountain bike style. The Giant Talons are suitable for everyone, while the Liv Tempts are specifically designed for women and have a lower top bar. E-bike hires on one of our Giant Talons or Liv Tempts are an additional $100 daily.
Bringing Your Own Bike
If you prefer to bring your own bike, it must be able to be ridden on a rough gravel road. We suggest a mountain bike style bike would be most appropriate for the conditions. We would encourage you to have your bike serviced before the ride. We strongly recommend a minimum of a 500wh battery.
Fitness
We would encourage riders to have an average to a good fitness level. While an e-bike does make it easier, having some fitness will make the ride more enjoyable.
The Details
Most of the ride is on backcountry roads and would be Graded 1 – 2 as a trail ride. You will share the road with other traffic, though you will likely encounter few other vehicles. We encourage you to ride to the conditions and your ability. This is a vehicle supported ride.
Gallery
What we provide
- Tasty breakfasts (x3), lunches (x3), dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
- One night of comfortable Lodge ensuite accommodation on twin share basis at River Valley Lodge, one night at Oruamatua Shearers Quarters (fully renovated accommodation), and one night at the River Cottage. Depending on availability, there may be changes to these accommodation options
- Our driver/guide will cook delicious meals and attend to the harder details.
- Tasty, nutritious snacks, drinks and treats
- Full vehicle support along the trail, including the trailer for luggage and bikes
What's Not Included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic Beverages – only River Valley Lodge has a Licenced Bar.
- E-Bike Hire & Helmet - an additional $100 per day
- International or domestic flights and taxes
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
- Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc.)
- Travel insurance
Have any questions?
Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666
