Riding New Zealand's North Island: Lake Taupo & The Desert Road

After an early start from Whangārei, I picked up the cameras in Cambridge and continued the ride south towards Waiouru. This wasn't a ride filled with perfect mountain views or dramatic weather. Low cloud kept the central plateau hidden for much of the day, but there was still plenty to enjoy along the way. The route follows the quieter western side of Lake Taupō, includes an unexpected encounter with a convoy of vintage cars near Tūrangi, and finishes with a long run into Waiouru after more than 500km in the saddle. Sometimes a ride doesn't need a major destination or a big story. Sometimes it's just about the road, the bike, and getting there. Bike: Kawasaki KLR650 Gen 3 Camera: DJI Action 5 Pro / Osmo 360 GPS: Garmin Zumo XT2 If you enjoy real-world motorcycle rides around New Zealand, subscribe and come along for the next one. Gravel Sarge NZ documents real adventure and back-road riding across New Zealand — from forgotten gravel roads and rural lanes to scenic sealed routes off the tourist trail. No studio, no script, no influencer nonsense. Just honest rides, road conditions, landscapes, and the odd yarn along the way. If you’re into adventure bikes, New Zealand scenery, and roads that don’t always go where you expect — you’re in the right place. New rides uploaded regularly.   / beersarge     / gravelsarge