Ride the Chateau to Plateau

Some of the riders involved in the 2016 ride.

Next year is the 10th year of the legendary Chateau to Plateau event.

The event offers a unique variety of roads, from the Chateau on Mt Ruapehu to Taumarunui and the Forgotten World Highway.

Riders have the chance to enjoy 150km of hills and tight corners with a lunch stop at the historic Republic of Whangamomona.

The ride, to be held on January 29, 2017, will pass through Stratford to the Plateau on Mt Egmont/Taranaki, and finish back in Stratford at the War Memorial Centre with drinks, food and prizegiving.

The annual ride is a fundraiser for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter, and last year 150 riders take on the twists and turns. Mark Masters, one of organisers of the ride says, "what could be better".

The trip includes riding to the central North Island on the Saturday, then travelling 260km through beautiful countryside on the Sunday and followed by a relaxed ride home on Monday. Mark says that the 2017 ride will revert to the original route, turning left onto River Road across the bridge at Taumarunui.

"Having gone through Ohura for the last two runs we thought we should revert back to the original for those riders for whom it may be their first time. After all variety is the spice of life!"

"Departing from the Chateau Tongariro we travel through Taumarunui and onto SH 43 the Forgotten World Highway to Mt Egmont/Taranaki via Whangamomona and Stratford. Following the ride's terminal point at the Stratford Plateau half way up the mountain, the day ends at the War Memorial Centre at Stratford for prize giving and refreshments.

"The Forgotten World Highway SH 43 is a rider's dream road with hills and valleys in abundance and corners that you dream of in one of NZ's most magnificent back country scenic environments."

For more information check out www.chateautoplateau.co.nz or email ccass@xtra.co.nz