Te Ara Ahi Plus #

The Te Ara Ahi cycleway runs beside SH 5. It’s not the most pleasant of rides, but it’s a good way to get to Eight Mile Gate at the southern end of Whakarewarewa Forest. From there, you can come back into town via the forest – this suggested route takes you back via Phillips Road, Sandstone Road and Fern drive:

There are lots of other ways back, of course – one great option is to take Mossy Track out to Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake), and then back to Sandstone via Lakefront Road: