Forest Loop, Rotorua

This is our favorite short ride - 33km starting from the Waipa State Mill Mountain Bike Base, winding through the redwoods behind Rotorua then up and over the saddle to the Blue Lake. From there it runs alongside the Blue Lake before coming to a fork where you can either come down the forestry road and come out at the Green Lake or take the new trail that winds alongside the length of that Lake. Both trails come together at the south end of the Green Lake on a shortish trail that leads down through the forestry to the 7km or so concrete track alongside the highway that brings you back to the start.
The highlight this time - we stopped to put our jackets on in a light shower down by the Green Lake. As we stopped I saw a grey animal move into the undergrowth. I pointed it out to Karin, then just as we were getting ready to go this fairly big wallaby bounced along the track and back into the forest!Read more