The first leg begins under the Start/Finish arch at the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Once exiting the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, you will head toward lake Road and a short hill – the only rise in the entire first leg – takes you past Rotorua Hospital and on to the main section of Lake Road. Follow Lake Road down the hill and at the intersection of Railway Road you will be diverted onto the new rail side utility trail.
The next 4km are flat, straight, scenic and almost entirely traffic free, with just the road crossings at Russell Road and Kawaha Point Road to watch out for vehicles. The track ends at Parawai Road which leads you straight on for another kilometer until you cross Beaumont Road and into Ngongataha Domain and Changeover Point #1.
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR CHANGEOVER POINTS
It is your responsibility to take the upmost care of yourself and those around you. While the changeover points are a lot of fun, you must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Team drivers MUST enter, park and exit the changeover vicinity slowly and safely. Concentrate on the road and those around you, not the event.
- Team members, watch out for other cars when you exit or enter your vehicle – you are not bulletproof!
| Leg | Distance | Locations | Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leg 1 | 7.50 | Novotel Rotorua Lakeside to Ngongotaha Domain | Flat |
| Leg 2 | 7.88 | Ngongotaha Domain to Hamurana | Rolling hills |
| Leg 3 | 8.43 | Hamurana to Marama Resort | Long flats, some steep hills |
| Leg 4 | 9.27 | Marama Resort to Airport | Long flats, some hills |
| Leg 5 | 3.24 | Airport to Puketawhero Park | Flat |
| Leg 6 | 5.88 | Puketawhero Park to Rotorua Village Green | Flat |
