Cyclists share road to Pipiriki

The annual Raetihi Gutbuster is open to runners and walkers on Easter Sunday this year. Photo/Supplied

A run and walk option has been added to the annual Raetihi Gutbuster on the historic road to Pipiriki.

Launched by Raetihi Promotions in 2010 to celebrate the sealing of the Raetihi-Pipiriki road, the event was originally for cyclists only who rode the 25km down to Pipiriki and then enjoyed the return trip by bus. The more ambitious tackled the 50km round trip on cycles. The fastest time is around 1h 45m.

Those options can still be enjoyed, but this year the run or walk options have been added.

The family-friendly event is always held on Easter Sunday, so this year it's April 20 when logging trucks take a break.

Lucy Conway, who founded the event with husband Mike, said kids, families and older people can enjoy the beautiful scenery and challenging hills of the new 18km version, which has a turnaround point at the top of a steep 2km hill.

The reward is a stunning view of the three mountains - Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.

Raetihi is at 525m above sea level, while Pipiriki is 89m above.

"The 25km riders still have to navigate the infamous Waipuna hill, and a few more ups and downs, but they can enjoy the scenery knowing the mostly uphill return trip can be enjoyed in style on a bus," Mrs Conway said.

"The 50km riders are the hard core who ride all the way down to Pipiriki, and all the way back up. The road is sealed, but there are still challenges ... one-way bridges, one of which is wooden with bumpy planks, narrow sharp corners and the odd goat."

The start and finish area outside the museum has a market day atmosphere with stalls and barbecue and coffee vendors.

"Come and enjoy the historic Raetihi-Pipiriki road with us. One of the main reasons it's on Easter Sunday, is there are no logging trucks working that day. It's a community, volunteer-run event, but we have amazing spot prizes including Mt Ruapehu season passes, jet boat trips to the Bridge to Nowhere and many more.

"Tongariro water is donating spring water for our drink stations, so no one has to be paranoid about drinking diesel, which is what Raetihi has mainly been in the news for lately," Mrs Conway said.

"We give out certificates, and every rider gets a goody bag of fresh Ohakune vegetables when they register."