The 60kms Waihau- Apley Roads loop, is all on road. The country roads are tar-sealed apart from gravelly Waihau Road. It is an undulating ride and requires good battery management. The scenery is mainly country farms and stunning views. We had a perfect weather day for our ride. Very little wind (the roads are highly exposed to the wind), sunshine and the magnificent snow-topped Kaweka Ranges in view. This ride is inspired by a video (below) made by Brian Brown. (We rode in the opposite direction).

We began our ride at the corner of Apley and Dartmoor Roads. Dartmoor Road follows the Tutaekuri River, and there a few points to ride off the road for river access. The route passes the once famous Sacred Hill Winery (currently closed). Dartmoor Road is tar-sealed. At the end of Dartmoor Road, we turned right into Waihau Road which is well maintained gravel. We stopped for lunch after 33kms. By this stage I had used up 3 of the 5 battery notches. After lunch, it was a short ride to the intersection with Puketitiri Road, where we turned right. The road is mainly downhill with just one serious uphill after the Rissington Bridge. On the right before the one lane Rissington Bridge, the tree sculpture of two Anzac Soldiers has been completed. There is a small cemetery on the left of the bridge entrance that could be worth a stop. We turned right into Apley Road to return to the start. It was my first time experiencing cycling down Apley Road (and the shoe line) which gave me a fresh perspective. We all decided that the clockwise direction we took worked out well. It was good getting most of the downhills on the return leg. My battery level was still displaying 2 notches.

Route.

Start: corner Apley/Dartmoor Roads. Dartmoor Road, Waihau Road, Puketiriri Road, Apley Road. (All right hand turns). There are no cafes or public toilets.

Another route option if you are fit and/or have decent battery power. Start at the Puketapu Hotel. Instead of turning right at Apley Road, continue along Puketiriri Road, turn right into Puketapu Road to return to the start. (Thanks Danny). Approximate extra distance 20kms +, with hills.

Click on the images to enlarge.