| Stage 1: | Waitara |
| Distance: | 31.00kms |
| Starting: | Saturday @ 07:00 |
| Description: | This is last years Pohokura stage run in reverse. Starting from the Taupo road end, Waitara Road is fast! Wide open flowing gravel highway, changing to the tight and narrow Pohokura Road down thru Kiwi Country towards Tutira. |