Berm Buster Trail Ride Taupo

Location

SH 5 Napier-Taupo Road, Taharua Road, Wainui Forest, about 25 minutes from Taupo.

Directions: off Taharua Road from SH 5. Follow arrows at the SH 5 corner into Taharua, then just past the one-lane bridge turn right into the forest via Homestead Road.

The ride

Suitable for all 2-wheel abilities.

The Taupo pumice terrain is described as rideable in all weather, with over 100 km of rolling hills, winding gullies, firebreaks and jumps. Main trails are freshly groomed after each event. Optional expert-only trails are available, along with purpose-built novice and kids trails.

Weekend trail information notes that tracks are changed during the year and riders should check at sign-on for updates.

Trails listed:

• KTM Trail: 31 km, 7 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
• HUSQVARNA Trail: 25 km, 4 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
• GASGAS Trail: 15 km, 7 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
• MOTOREX Trail: 10 km, 1 optional breakout track graded 2
• Kids forest track: 0.6 km, for kids on small bikes; no full-size bikes unless looking after kids
• Novice kids track: 0.4 km, for kids learning to ride; no fast kids please
• Little Wittle track: 0.1 km, small and flat for novice kids
• MUD Track: 3 km, can get muddy but fun

Times

• Sign-on from 8:00 am
• Starts between 9:00 am and 9:30 am
• Tracks open 9:00-9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Enter on the day by cash. No Eftpos.

Fees

Saturday:

• Adult: $70
• Child under 11: $40
• Youth 11-15: $50
• Family 2+3: $200

Weekend:

• Adult: $100
• Child under 11: $50
• Youth 11-15: $60
• Family 2+3: $300

Sunday:

• Adult: $60
• Child under 11: $20
• Youth 11-15: $30
• Family 2+3: $140

Families means Mum, Dad (parents) and their children, up to 3 kids maximum, aged 15 years or younger.

Requirements

• No quads
• No dogs
• Fire extinguishers are compulsory for adult riders and can be bought on the day for $30, with a return system offering $20 back
• This is a working forest, so absolutely no entry to the forest before the event on Saturday and Sunday

Facilities

Food, coffee and cold drinks for sale. Savanahs Food Cart noted.

Demo bikes and hire bikes at each event. Book hire bikes early. Bike service with Huka Honda.

Motorcycle and accessories display from AFC, plus riding gear and outlet deals.

Accommodation options in Taupo. Camping is available in a paddock near the ride from Friday afternoon, with no charge at this stage. The paddock has only 1 Portaloo. Text Dee. No dogs, fires, or riding around the paddock.