The Geyserland Classic is the event that started it all. Running since 2016, this three-day ride takes you from Rotorua to Matata, then via backroads to Rerewhakaaitu, and home via Waikite Valley:
The ride starts on Queens Drive outside the Rotorua museum. On the first day, you cycle to Matata, where we traditionally camp at Murphy’s campground 3 km from town. The next morning, you head into town for breakfast and then ride beside the hills to SH 30, then on to Te Teko for a second breakfast, before heading into the hills and the long stretch via Ngamotu Road all the way to Rerewhakaaitu.
There’s no water at all between Te Teko and Rerewhakaaitu. You can get water from the drinking fountain beside the tennis courts on your left as you head into Te Teko, and at Rerewhakaautu there’s a tap on the side of the dental clinic at the school.
From Rerewhakaautu you head to Rainbow Mountain, and then south to Waiotapu, where there’s a store and a pub. Then you head over the hill to camp for the night. On the organised events, we generally use the Waiotapu Scout Hall where you can either sleep in the hall or camp outside. At other times, you can camp at the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools a few kilometres down the road.
On the final day, you head back to Rotorua via the Te Ara Ahi cycleway.
As always, there are regular and hard options for each day so you can pick your level of difficulty.
Day One: Rotorua to Matata
| Option | Description | Distance | Climbing | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | Follows backroads on the northern side of the lakes to Matata | 91 km | 900 m | Route Map |
| Hard | More gravel and hills on the northern side of the lakes to Matata | 116 km | 1,400 m | Route Map |
Day Two: Matata to Waikite Valley
| Option | Description | Distance | Climbing | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | Te Teko and Rerewhakaaitu to Waikite Valley | 114 km | 1,450 m | Route Map |
| Hard | Adds Herepuru Road and McIvor Road | 127 km | 1,930 m | Route Map |
Day Three: Waikite Valley to Rotorua
| Option | Description | Distance | Climbing | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | Head home via Te Ara Ahi | 28 km | 300 m | Route Map |
| Hard | Adds a loop through Waikite Valley | 65 km | 1,000 m | Route Map |
Two-Day Option
If you’ve only got two days, you have the option of turning left once you reach Rainbow Mountain and taking Te Ara Ahi back to Rotorua. This does add an extra 16 km to the route, making it a 130 km day from Matata back to Rotorua.