New Zealand Cycle Touring Route - Taihape to Napier

This 136km ride crosses from Taihape over the Gentle Annie to Fernhill in the Hawkes Bay and is a lot easier than it used be when it was mostly gravel but it is now all sealed. Nevertheless it is still a hard ride with some steep inclines and descents.
The Gentle Annie gets its name from the steep descent into the Kaweka Forest. Approximately halfway between Taihape and Napier after crossing the Ngaruroro river is the Department of Conservation Kuripapango campground which has toilets and there is a hut called Robsons Lodge which must be booked. This can be a good place to stop if 76 kilometres is far enough to travel in one day. The ride features spectacular views as you head down into the Rangitikei Gorge and then fantastic views of the Central Plateau. The route goes through a remote and scenic part of the North Island so it is worthwhile taking an extra day to enjoy the views rather than pushing through to Napier in one day.