Desert Road SH1 — Waiouru toTurangi.
Distance
65 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
500 m
Desert Road SH1 — Waiouru to Turangi.
The Desert Road is the most desolate stretch of State Highway 1, crossing the volcanic Rangipo plateau in the rain shadow of the Tongariro volcanoes. Tussock, red gravel-fields and the snow-capped cones of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro make it look like nowhere else in New Zealand. Exposed, high (over 1,000m) and the first road to close when it snows — check the forecast before you ride.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance65 km
Days1
Total climb500 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
WaiouruStart · Start in Waiouru, the army town at the southern end of the Desert Road. Fuel up — this is the last town for 65km, and check the forecast for snow closures.
Rangipo DesertScenic Point · A stark volcanic gravel plateau above 1,000m in the rain shadow of the volcanoes. Tussock, red desert and the cones of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro to the west.
TurangiEnd · End in Turangi at the southern end of Lake Taupo — New Zealand's trout-fishing capital on the Tongariro River. Warm up with a meal after the exposed crossing.
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