42 Traverse

Welcome to Base 42 Owhango - 42 Traverse Track Base

42 Traverse Track StartSituated in the remote Tongariro Forest Park the 42 Traverse Track follows 46km of old logging tracks beginning at Kapoors Rd on SH47 (18km north of National Park) and ending behind the village of Owhango on SH4. .

Touted as one of the premier rides in the North Island, you will encounter pristine native bush, sensational vistas of the Central Plateau mountains as well as your fair share of exhilarating down hills and grinding uphill sections. 

Predominantly downhill though with an overall descent of 570m you can expect this ride to take anything from 4-7hs depending on your level of fitness and basically whether or not you are in a hurry.

Owhango SignsThe track surface varies from metal road at each end of the ride to lightly gravelled quad tracks and rutted dirt sections (very slippery in the wet), with a few stream crossings thrown in.
 
The track follows a 4 wheel drive track and crosses several streams and one fairly large river which becomes impassable after heavy rain. The track is well known for its steep descents and the track surface varies from gravel to mud and the inevitable uphills.

The scenery is absolutely spectacular - from wide vistas of all three volcanoes to lush unspoiled bush.

The track can be ridden just about the whole way, but it is in a very isolated area and, as the warning signs tell you, there is no easy way out.

Owhango HotelBase 42 runs out of the popular Owhango Hotel and provides excellent services and facilities to mountain bikers embarking on the 42nd Traverse.

Finish your adventure with a well earned ale and Works burger at the local Owhango Hotel! Contact us to book your accommodation and enjoy the 42 Traverse ending at Base 42.