Te Tawhio o Whanganui 2024 - A bikepacking adventure

I decided it was time to give back to the bikepacking community by reviving a classic event, the Te Tawhio o Whanganui, which last ran in 2021. This choose-your-own-adventure bikepacking event had run sporadically over the years and provided a great opportunity to share route knowledge, meet other riders and catch up with old friends.
Starting and finishing in Whanganui, the route circumnavigated the Whanganui River catchment, with most riders collaborating during the planning, and following for a similar route.
Taking place at the end of April, the weather is always a roll of the dice, especially when heading towards the Central Plateau, and this year was no different.
There was adventure aplenty, as too was comradery, for an unforgettable few days pedalling around some stunning scenery of the North Island hill country.
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[@thejollypoacher1074]

Great video!!

[@smiles_per_hr6408]

@@thejollypoacher1074 thanks. It was a lot of fun to make.

[@kevincrowley9873]

Nice video Paul! Where was that cabin near Hawera? Not much accom in that area!

[@smiles_per_hr6408]

@@kevincrowley9873 that was at Hawera Holiday park. Yes. Not much accommodation in Hawera, especially if you’re planning to camp, then you need to be further around the coast in either direction.

[@steveknight4090]

Could you make more videos about the Land Rover and camping with it. That's what bought me to your channel and why I subscribed.
I have little interest in cycling videos.

[@smiles_per_hr6408]

@@steveknight4090 there will definitely be more landrover videos in the future, just depends on what opportunities arise as to where I go and what I film. Thanks.

[@jonmarshall1502]

Was this a one-off ride?

[@smiles_per_hr6408]

@@jonmarshall1502 it’s run about 4-5 times over the years (since circa 2013).
I’m currently undecided if I will organise it again, though if I do it probably go back to its roots as a more challenging ride, purely because the Hawera to Whanganui leg is an anticlimax.
Have some ideas for some other events in Whanganui area if I can find/make the time.