Image: Supplied.

The third-annual 2018 KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye will return to the North Island between 30 November-6 December, as Northland takes the concept to a whole new level.

With six action-packed days of adventure riding scheduled, the KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye: Northland 2018 boasts exclusive private land access that will give riders some of the most incredible terrain experienced.

The adventure starts in the iconic Bay of Islands, which features the historic Waitangi Treaty Signing grounds and the first governor’s residence, Maori Waka. White sand beaches, gum fields, Kauri Kingdom forests, pine forests and the famed hard black sand Ninety Mile Beach all feature in the first few days.

After two nights in Taipa Beach, the route then sees riders heading back through Whangarei to Chris Birch’s backyard, where the final two days will be held on the Coromandel Peninsula with overnights in Thames, Coromandel Town and the final stop in Whangamata.

Open to orange adventure riders with eligible KTM bikes including 640, 690, 950, 990, 1050, 1090, 1090R, 1190, 1190R, 1290 and 1290R models, this adventure has been designed with the v-twin KTM range in mind. The aim of the KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye is to be suitable for all KTM adventure riders.

The main route will be shorter and less technically-challenging than previous years’ routes, made up of winding back country roads, gravel roads and some easy, well-formed off road tracks. Breakout route options will have some more serious riding and riders can expect sand, mud, hills, mountains, farm land and some real challenges.

A new initiative has also been introduced to bring together the global KTM Adventure Rallye communities. With six KTM Adventure Rallye events now taking place all over the world, in 2018 two lucky rallye riders from each country will qualify to take part in the KTM Ultimate Race.

Those riders will win the opportunity to race each other in a Dakar series event at the Merzouga Rally 2019 in Morocco! The fully-supported ride for each person includes flights, accommodation, entry fees, as well as a KTM 790 Adventure R to race on, with full race service. The winner of the KTM Ultimate Race will receive an incredible prize of a 790 Adventure R and two VIP packages for the Dakar Rally.

Registrations for the 2018 KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye: Northland open on Friday, 10 August at 9:00am (NZST). For full details on the event visit www.ridektm.com.au.