9/30/2021 Gentle Annie (Taihape to Napier) — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
Gentle Annie (Taihape to Napier)
Mountain Biking
Dif culty Hard
Length 134.7 km
Journey Time 2 days
Region Hawkes Bay
Sub-Region Hastings
Part of the Collection Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/gentle-annie-taihape-to-napier/pdfPreview 1/4 9/30/2021 Gentle Annie (Taihape to Napier) — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa The Gentle Annie is a remote, multi-day ride that traverses picturesque high country sheep stations, untouched rugged river valleys and vineyards between the Central North Island and the East Coast.
These two regions are worlds apart in their natural heritage and landscapes, offering a challenging but exhilarating ride that is not for the faint hearted.
The route also follows the Inland Patea Heritage Trail, one of the North Island’s best kept secrets, retracing an ancient Māori route between Hawke’s Bay and the Inland Patea district, around the headwaters of the Rangitikei River and its main tributaries the Moawhango and Hautapu Rivers.
Conditions:
The Gentle Annie cycle route is graded Advanced due to a number of steep gradients. A reasonable level of tness is required.
There is minimal traf c along this route at any time of the day, but cyclists should be prepared to meet stock and logging trucks.
This route is exposed and travels through remote high country with limited places to shelter. So go well prepared for all weather conditions, no matter what time of the year you ride. Take clothing suf cient to cope with a range of temperatures. Food and camping equipment will also be required.
During winter there is a strong possibility of snow and ice on the road. However the scenic rewards for the more adventurous cyclist on a clear winter’s day are truly magni cent.
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/gentle-annie-taihape-to-napier/pdfPreview 2/4 9/30/2021 Gentle Annie (Taihape to Napier) — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa How to get here
The Gentle Annie is a lot gentler on cyclists that it used to be. Until recently, the road included a lot of rough gravel, but with the exception of a couple of short sections just out of Taihape, the surface is now sealed all the way to the Bay. This 136km ride takes cyclists from Taihape, the northern gateway to the Rangitikei District, across the Gentle Annie to Fernhill in the Hawke’s Bay.
Starting from Taihape head north on Hautapu Street, which morphs into Spooners Hill Road. At the Kaiewe Junction, turn right onto Pangatawa Road, left at Waikakahi Road (gravel surface) and left again on to Moawhango Valley Road (mostly gravel surface). Turn right at the school in Moawhango and you’re on the Taihape Napier Road, which is fully sealed.
Be aware that there is still a short section of unsealed road out of Taihape where knobbly tyres are recommended. If you’re a dedicated roadie and want to avoid the gravel, go straight through the Kaiewe Junction, which connects directly to the Taihape Napier Road via Spooners Hill Road (this route is 1-2km longer and hillier than the gravel option).
You will start climbing as soon as you leave Taihape, to the high point on the Central Plateau and past Erewhon Station, before diving down into the spectacular Rangitikei River gorge. At the bottom of the descent is the historic Springvale Suspension Bridge, where you can stop for a rest or overnight at the nearby campground.
After resting up you will climb your way out of the gorge, where on a clear day you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the Central Plateau volcanoes as you continue riding through exposed tussock lands.
The ‘Gentle Annie’ road takes its name from the steep descent into the Tarauarau Valley and the Kaweka Forest. Soon after crossing the Ngaruroro River (76km from Taihape) you will reach the Department of Conservation Kuripapango Campground. This is a scenic area with toilets, but no other facilities.
From the Fernbird bush reserve at Willowford (35km before Fernhill), you will enjoy a long ridge- line descent towards the coast, where the distinctive landmarks of Cape Kidnappers and Te Mata peak will come into view.
At Fernhill, the Taihape Napier Road ends at State Highway 50. Take care turning right here and ride 1km to cross the Ngaruroro River bridge and connect directly with Hawke’s Bay Trails . From here you can follow the trail riding along stop banks to either Hastings or Napier.
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/gentle-annie-taihape-to-napier/pdfPreview 3/4 9/30/2021 Gentle Annie (Taihape to Napier) — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa Track Elevation and Map
Page last updated: Sep 8, 2020, 3:41 PM
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