REPORT – 2019 KTM NZ Adventure Rallye
Photos: KTM New Zealand
KTM’s New Zealand Adventure Rallye returned to familiar territory in 2019 - the upper part of the South Island, specifically the area covering Nelson, Picton, Murchison and Hanmer Springs.
Taking in some of the most beautiful country you’re likely to encounter anywhere in the world, the fourth NZ Adventure Rallye attracted 137 orange adventure riders – a record number - backed by a 30-strong KTM support contingent, including sweepers, medical, luggage, media, mechanics and more.
Nelson, situated on the eastern shore of Tasman Bay and the geographical mid-point of New Zealand, would be the hub for 2019, with the Rallye starting and finishing in this coastal town. ‘Sunny Nelson’ failed to live up to its nickname, though, as the fleet of orange riders got underway on 10 November in torrential rain that persisted through much of the 2019 Rallye.
The opening day was spent exploring forestry trails south west of Nelson, which Rallye participants had special access to thanks to the assistance of Nelson Pine, Tasman Pine and Nelson City Councils.
Due to the heavy rains causing a landslide on the highway to Murchison, day two’s route had to be changed, but the private access tracks through Higgins Farm and the iconic Porika Track was a more than acceptable substitute and provided exceptional highlights for everybody taking part.
On the morning of day three the sun finally came out, so, with special access pre-arranged, the Rallye contingent successfully tackled the famous Rainbow Road - one of the best adventure trails in NZ. Normally, riders would only have trickling streams to cross as they made their way south from St. Arnaud, but the heavy rain meant the orange contingent had to tackle deep and fast whitewater crossings before spending the evening in the charismatic town of Hanmer Springs.
Day four saw the group head into the Awatere Valley and complete the must-do journey through Molesworth Station. For more experienced KTM pilots, a special access breakout route was added to this day’s itinerary that saw riders climb over 2000 feet of elevation in just 11 kilometres, complete with incredible views from a ridgeline track. For many, this was the highlight of the entire event.
Weather conditions on day five necessitated further itinerary changes, as 50-knot winds in the Marlborough Sounds (the extreme north of the South Island) caused boat and barge plans to be scrapped. Nevertheless, riders still made their way through scenic twisties to Manaroa, where the Rallye crowd enjoyed witnessing a '690 Race' as a prelude to KTM Ultimate Race qualifying action.
The final leg for the 2019 KTM NZ Adventure Rallye took in the brilliant Maungatapu Track back to Nelson on 15 November, where riders were treated to a wrap-up dinner and awards, concluding an epic week of adventure riding.
KTM New Zealand extended their thanks to all riders that attended, as well as the local Nelson crew, whose assistance made the event possible. Thanks also went to Racesafe Australia medical support, lead and sweep riders from across NZ and Australia, the photography and videography crew, plus all the technical and logistical support staff.
Morocco bound
While most riders were on the 2019 KTM NZ Adventure Rallye for the fun of it, some were taking it more seriously, as the Rallye also hosted qualification for the ‘KTM Ultimate Race’, a global initiative that would see the winners from six countries that host KTM Adventure Rallye events secure an all-expenses paid entry, on a factory-prepared KTM 790 Adventure R Rally, to the Merzouga Rally in Morocco this coming 23-29 May.
Challenges included a bike lift and wheel change on day two in Murchison, plus navigation and waypoint challenges on days three, four and five that tested riders' GPS and social media skills. There were also timed special test challenges on day three at Lake Station and again on day five at Manaroa.
In what was a tough contest, the two kiwi riders who secured qualifying positions for the KTM Ultimate Race were Mark Dando and Matt Kneesch.
