Otorohanga East – Back-Country Adventure Ride Leave the town behind and discover the quiet back roads east of Otorohanga. This is a true New Zealand countryside adventure, taking you through rolling farmland, up into the hills and back down again on a thrilling gravel descent. Your ride begins at the NZMCA Park in Otorohanga, where you quickly leave the town behind and join the riverbank trail. The trail takes you alongside the river and beneath the road and railway bridges – an interesting start that gets you away from the traffic almost immediately. After approximately 200 metres, look for a gateway and turn left, following the trail alongside the road. Continue ahead and pass underneath the railway bridge, following the footpath around to the left. You’ll then cross over the road bridge before swinging left again and passing underneath the railway bridge. You are now onto Otewa Road and the countryside really opens up. Into the back country Follow Otewa Road for approximately 16 km, enjoying the peaceful rural surroundings as you make your way east of Otorohanga. At the turn-off, turn right onto Barber Road. This is where the ride starts to get interesting. Barber Road provides a steady 6 km climb. If you’re looking for a good workout, this is the place to put some effort into the legs. If you’re taking a more relaxed approach, simply select a comfortable gear and cruise your way to the top. Managing your e-bike on the climb This ride is a little more demanding than a flat recreational ride, and getting the best out of your e-bike is part of the experience. The 6 km climb on Barber Road is a good opportunity to practise managing both your motor assistance and gears. For the best riding experience, we recommend keeping the e-bike’s power assistance generally between levels 1 and 3 and using your gears to help maintain a comfortable pedalling rhythm. As the road gets steeper, change down through the gears rather than immediately increasing the motor assistance. This makes the climb easier on your legs and helps you use the battery more efficiently. A good rule is: Lower gear + steady pedalling + moderate power assistance = an easier and more efficient climb. There is no need to race to the top. Find a gear and power level that feels comfortable, settle into a steady rhythm and enjoy the changing views as you climb. Once you’re over the top, the effort is rewarded with rolling country roads, great views and the exciting 5 km gravel descent on Tahaia Bush Road. There is no rush – the views are your reward. As you gain elevation, the landscape changes and the road becomes more undulating. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views stretching across the countryside, with the landscape opening up both east and west. A moment to stop and take it in Keep an eye out for the site of the old Rewarewa School. It’s a great place to stop, catch your breath, have a drink and take in the surrounding countryside. From here, continue along the road until you reach a junction. Keep towards the right and onto Tahaia Bush Road. The downhill begins This is where the ride changes character. Tahaia Bush Road changes from sealed road to gravel, and you are rewarded with an exhilarating 5 km downhill run through the back country. Take your time and enjoy it, but remember that gravel can be loose and conditions can change, so control your speed and ride to the conditions. At the bottom, turn right onto Bush Road and begin making your way back towards Otorohanga. Through the heart of dairy country Turn left from Bush Road onto Tahaia Cross Road. From here, you’ll ride through predominantly dairy-farming country. Dairy farming is the backbone of the local Otorohanga economy, and this section gives you a real feel for the rural landscape that surrounds the town. Continue along Tahaia Cross Road before turning right onto Mangawhero Road. At the T-junction, turn left and continue along Mangawhero Road until you reconnect with Otewa Road. Turn left onto Otewa Road and you’re now retracing the route you took earlier in the ride. Follow Otewa Road back towards Otorohanga, then return through the riverbank trail and back to the NZMCA Park. The experience This ride is for those who want to get off the beaten track and experience the real rural Waikato. You’ll ride beside the river, pass under historic road and railway bridges, cruise through dairy country, tackle a steady hill climb, enjoy expansive rural views and then descend 5 km of gravel back into the countryside. It’s a ride of contrasts – river trails, sealed country roads, hill climbing, spectacular views and an exhilarating gravel descent. And because you’re riding an e-bike, you can choose your own pace: work hard on the climb or let the motor take some of the sting out and simply enjoy the scenery. Ride with GPS route: ⁠Otorohanga East – Back-Country Adventure Ride Ride character: Scenic back-country adventure Terrain: Sealed roads, rolling countryside and approximately 5 km of gravel Highlights: River trail • Rural farmland • 6 km climb • Rewarewa School site • Hilltop views • 5 km gravel descent Best suited to: Riders looking for a genuine countryside adventure and a little more challenge than a flat recreational ride. Safety note: Take care on the initial riverbank/bridge section and ride to the conditions on Tahaia Bush Road. The 5 km gravel descent can be loose in places, so control your speed and allow extra stopping distance.