Taupo #

The traditional way to cycle between Rotorua and Taupo is to take Broadlands Road, which involves 50 kilometres on a busy road with almost no shoulder. There’s a much nicer and more bikepacking-friendly way to go, via Waikite Valley and Te Kopia Road:

This route does include a 4.5 kilometre stretch on SH 1, but the second half is all downhill and it’s over quickly. The rest is either quiet country roads, or gravel and cycle paths.