North Island: Your Favourite Road (North Island) [Archive]

Cajun

2nd June 2009, 14:24

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STRETCH OF ROAD?

What the aim of this thread is for people to let others know there favourite bit of road thru out the country.

So if people are planning a trip, can check out some other bikers favourite routes

There is one thread for North Island Roads, and another for South Island Roads

Rules

Only 1 route per person per thread.
Check that someone else hasn't already used your route, if so choose another your favourite, place another favourite of yours, or do not reply.
Your Route has no more than 100kms long. (can only be 50km etc, but no more than 100kms, aka no saying coro loop, which part is your favourite)
Add a map of some kind. (google, wises or simlar showning where its located for ease of use of others)
Add a brief description, of road type, and if there are and interesting sites along route for people to look at.
This thread is not for listing the merits, or do's and don't's of peoples favourite roads.

Example post layout

Starting Point:
Finshing Point:
Distance:
Type of road:
Hazards:
Time of year to avoid this road:
Points of Interest:

Cajun

2nd June 2009, 14:31

Starting Point: Murupara
Finshing Point: rotoehu via Te Teko
Distance: 85
Type of road: Fairly tight back road
Hazards: Can be alot of backwards locals, and trucks on this route
Time of year to avoid this road: can be riden all year around but winter should be a bit more careful
Points of Interest: Some good photos can be taken at some of the lakes

<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=murupara&daddr=rotoehu&h l=en&mra=ls&sll=-38.05458,176.683502&sspn=0.352524,0.617981&ie=UTF8 &ll=-38.242495,176.831818&spn=1.035432,1.757812&z=9&out put=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=murupara&daddr=rotoehu &hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-38.05458,176.683502&sspn=0.352524,0.617981&ie=UTF8 &ll=-38.242495,176.831818&spn=1.035432,1.757812&z=9" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

greminn

2nd June 2009, 14:42

Had the best day on this on my 250... first time knee down. Want to re-ride on the 910R now!!

Starting Point: Opotiki
Finshing Point: Waihau Bay
Distance: 102kms (sorry, so close to 100 anyway?)
Type of road: sealed, good surface
Hazards: Really skinny bit half way, falling rocks, horses
Time of year to avoid this road:
Points of Interest: good pub at the end! Classic old car/house wrecks, wicked 25/30km corners, sweet bridges to take photos from

Google Map Link (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=opotiki&daddr=Waihau+Bay&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-37.78705,177.789595&sspn=0.469936,1.057434&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.868349,177.978516&spn=1.877642,4.229736&z=9)

<img src="http://www.nzlocal.com/simon/CoolTrip.JPG"> (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=opotiki&daddr=Waihau+Bay&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-37.78705,177.789595&sspn=0.469936,1.057434&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.868349,177.978516&spn=1.877642,4.229736&z=9)

Laxi

2nd June 2009, 15:06

Starting Point: upper hutt
Finshing Point: waikanae
Distance: 32.4
Type of road: sealed, narrow windy backroad
Hazards: narrow, rockfalls & ice in winter
Time of year to avoid this road: can ride all year, winter may be rocks on the road, road dosn't dry to well and can occasionaly snow
Points of Interest:usually dont see another car 1ce you get past staglands, 80 & 50 kph areas through native bush, most peaceful ride I know & the first road I scraped my pegs on

<iframe width="640" height="460" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=birchville+to +waikanae&sll=-40.879516,175.065422&sspn=0.067621,0.15089&ie=UTF8 &ll=-40.978861,175.241547&spn=0.476913,0.878906&z=10&ou tput=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=birchville+ to+waikanae&sll=-40.879516,175.065422&sspn=0.067621,0.15089&ie=UTF8 &ll=-40.978861,175.241547&spn=0.476913,0.878906&z=10" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

xwhatsit

2nd June 2009, 15:59

Absolute heaven if you have a 250 single.

This is the good bit through Waipoua Forest, it peters out around where you get to Tane Mahuta.

Starting Point: Kaitui
Finshing Point: Waimamaku
Distance: 25km
Type of road: Sealed, lots of tight >90 degree cambered corners, uphill
Hazards: Through the middle of a dense forest, so not a lot of light gets in there. Moss, water falling down the hills crossing the road (beautiful waterfalls though!)
Time of year to avoid this road: What's the time of year ever got to do with riding?
Points of Interest: Stop at the top of the hill and check out Tane Mahuta if you're in the tourist mood.

<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=kaitui&daddr=waimamaku&h l=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-35.590458,173.51326&sspn=0.074962,0.11055&ie=UTF8& ll=-35.626326,173.528023&spn=0.133951,0.219727&z=12&ou tput=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=kaitui&daddr=waimamaku &hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-35.590458,173.51326&sspn=0.074962,0.11055&ie=UTF8& ll=-35.626326,173.528023&spn=0.133951,0.219727&z=12" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

lankyman

2nd June 2009, 16:17

Starting Point- Stratford
Finishing Point- Whangamomona
Distance- 63km
Road Type- Sweeping 2 lane country road into windy single lane back-road
Hazards- Poor condition of seal in some places (tar patches), and the only 15k corner I know of in the North Island :laugh:
Points of interest- Several very tight saddles along the way, with awsome views of eastern Taranaki Hill country at summits
-The famous Whangamomona Pub at the end, steeped in heritage, with cold beer flowing from the taps :drinkup:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=stratford&daddr=Whangamomona,+New+Zealand&hl=en&geocode=%3BFW23qv0doEZqCimp6Vkw-NcUbTGarw2mEffNog&mra=pe&mrcr=0&sll=-39.237572,174.377747&sspn=0.744557,1.235962&ie=UTF8&ll=-39.142842,174.737549&spn=1.491111,2.471924&z=9

BarBender

2nd June 2009, 16:41

There are a few but one this one sticks out is around 8 mile.
Tikitiki Road off SH4 - onto Kahuwera through to Piopio and onto Mairoa.

1billyboy

2nd June 2009, 17:18

Bucklands Road. Between Karapiro Highway 1 and Hinuera Highway 29 :sunny:

Maha

2nd June 2009, 18:30

Hitcher

2nd June 2009, 21:17

SH 4. All of it. In either direction. In any weather.

Stop at the Out Of The Fog Cafe at Owhango for the best coffee and food for frikken miles.

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=wanganui,+nz&daddr=SH+4& hl=en&geocode=%3BFTbYtf0dUvJvCg&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrs p=1&sz=9&sll=-38.835429,175.723572&sspn=1.544667,3.570557&ie=UTF 8&ll=-38.835429,175.723572&spn=1.544667,3.570557&output= embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=wanganui,+nz&daddr=SH+ 4&hl=en&geocode=%3BFTbYtf0dUvJvCg&mra=dme&mrcr=0&m rsp=1&sz=9&sll=-38.835429,175.723572&sspn=1.544667,3.570557&ie=UTF 8&ll=-38.835429,175.723572&spn=1.544667,3.570557" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

sharper_XB

2nd June 2009, 21:23

Starting Point: Hetherington Road, Huntly (behind the power station)
Via: Naike - Pukekawa
Finshing Point: Mercer
Distance: 70kms
Type of road: sealed, good surface
Hazards: Dried Cow Poop
Points of Interest: Ride it Hard, you wont have time for points of interest..

joshy28

3rd June 2009, 16:17

Starting Point: Murupara
Finshing Point: rotoehu via Te Teko
Distance: 85
Type of road: Fairly tight back road
Hazards: Can be alot of backwards locals, and trucks on this route
Time of year to avoid this road: can be riden all year around but winter should be a bit more careful
Points of Interest: Some good photos can be taken at some of the lakes

Backwards Locals? lol im from those neck of the woods

xwhatsit

5th June 2009, 16:38

Backwards Locals? lol im from those neck of the woods
Well turn around and face the front.

meowmix

8th June 2009, 22:48

Starting Point: Riverside Drive, Whangarei
Finshing Point: Riverside Drive, Whangarei (Its just a nice little loop road for a spare sunny hour)
Distance: 40 km
Type of road: Repeated brilliant slow corners, the surface is a little worn in places, and has recently been 'repaired' for about 1 km in the middle with loose surface.
Hazards: Loose surface occasionally, locals in utes.
Time of year to avoid this road: Winter, just due to the road never being dry in the shade.
Points of Interest: Instead of going back to Riverside, you can head left at the Whangarei Heads Road to Pataua South, then across a pedestrian only bridge to Pataua North, and extend the trip nicely. Roads are slightly better cond. then the mount, but theres always cow pats somewhere.

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Riverside+Dr&daddr=Old+P arua+Bay+Rd+to:Whareora+Rd+to:Mount+Tiger+Rd+to:-35.731603,174.343929&geocode=FZjI3v0dgkdkCg%3BFTTv 3v0dRlpkCg%3BFR9C3_0d_IlkCg%3BFQ8N3_0dgAVlCg%3B&hl =en&gl=nz&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=4&sz=13&via=1,2,3&sl l=-35.738431,174.367962&sspn=0.063955,0.11055&ie=UTF8 &ll=-35.738431,174.367962&spn=0.063955,0.11055&output=e mbed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Riverside+Dr&daddr=Old +Parua+Bay+Rd+to:Whareora+Rd+to:Mount+Tiger+Rd+to:-35.731603,174.343929&geocode=FZjI3v0dgkdkCg%3BFTTv 3v0dRlpkCg%3BFR9C3_0d_IlkCg%3BFQ8N3_0dgAVlCg%3B&hl =en&gl=nz&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=4&sz=13&via=1,2,3&sl l=-35.738431,174.367962&sspn=0.063955,0.11055&ie=UTF8 &ll=-35.738431,174.367962&spn=0.063955,0.11055" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

Hiflyer

8th June 2009, 23:11

Starting Point: Riverside Drive, Whangarei
Finshing Point: Riverside Drive, Whangarei (Its just a nice little loop road for a spare sunny hour)
Distance: 40 km

SLOW!!! :girlfight: :lol:

Gremlin

9th June 2009, 01:43

woohoo, this one ain't taken... Good ol Waihi to Whangamata (or in reverse). No road should be treated as a race track, but this is one tight road, corner after corner. 30km in 20min easy.

Starting Point: Whangamata
Finshing Point: Waihi (or vice versa)
Distance: 30km
Type of road: Sealed, good quality in most areas
Hazards: Some is in shade during winter, so watch out for it, more slippery
Time of year to avoid this road: Just after light rain, making it slippery
Points of Interest: The bloody road!

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=whangamata&daddr=waihi&h l=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-40.780541,172.617188&sspn=47.47407,114.257813&ie=U TF8&ll=-37.30333,175.870685&spn=0.17878,0.06067&output=emb ed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=whangamata&daddr=waihi &hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-40.780541,172.617188&sspn=47.47407,114.257813&ie=U TF8&ll=-37.30333,175.870685&spn=0.17878,0.06067" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

lsherwen

23rd July 2009, 16:47

Starting Point: Warkworth
Finshing Point: North Western Motorway Auckland
Distance:85km
Type of road:sealed,good variety
Hazards: Other Sunday bikers
Time of year to avoid this road: Sunset (and any fine sunday)
Points of Interest: Heaps of alternative routes

GSXR Trace

25th July 2009, 10:15

my favourite road between wanganui and raetihi (the paraparas), sorry not sure of what SH it is, and don't know how to put a map in the post (im useless i know!)
And I also really enjoy the forgotten highway!

Movistar

6th August 2009, 22:19

my favourite road between wanganui and raetihi (the paraparas), sorry not sure of what SH it is, and don't know how to put a map in the post (im useless i know!)
And I also really enjoy the forgotten highway!

Have to agree with you there...although a little icey this time of year - still, adds to the adventure!

1wheel riot

7th August 2009, 19:09

start ngaruawahia just past the winagro hot springs on SH22 tern lift going out to raglan at the end of that road turn right and finsh with lunch at raglan its about 50 to 80km max. there might be dirt or cow crap on the road and ice in winter the tarmak is a bit glassy from glen massy to winagro. there are alot of sharp corners.

Boob Johnson

11th August 2009, 14:09

So hard to choose, there is just so many :sunny:

But if I had to choose just one it would be the Forgotten World Highway (SH43).

152km's of twisties from Stratford to Taumaranui :woohoo:

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

stig

1st September 2009, 21:19

So hard to choose, there is just so many :sunny:

But if I had to choose just one it would be the Forgotten World Highway (SH43).

152km's of twisties from Stratford to Taumaranui :woohoo:

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

+1 for this road, just discovered it this weekend
hardly a straight part on it, just gorges, sadles, twisty valleys, ridges, and the odd tunnel.
gotta keep your eyes peeled for the odd wild goat and stray stock.

chic 'n' charge

6th September 2009, 20:00

+1 for this road, just discovered it this weekend
hardly a straight part on it, just gorges, sadles, twisty valleys, ridges, and the odd tunnel.
gotta keep your eyes peeled for the odd wild goat and stray stock.

I have to totally agree with this ride - what awesome views, had first ride on this highway yesterday and stopped at the top of first saddle with best view ever of Mount Taranaki and Mount Ruapehu, absolutely fantastic ride too.

wildfire1

20th September 2009, 08:41

Start point: Ormiston road
Finshing Point: Miranda hot springs
Distance:- guess only approx 80km
Type of road:sealed,good variety
Hazards: Other Sunday bikers
Time of year to avoid this road: Sunset (and any fine sunday)
Points of Interest: Heaps of alternative routes, Kawakawa bay, Clevedon town ship.:done:

Matt Bleck

20th September 2009, 08:58

Starting Point: Opotiki
Finshing Point: Matawai
Distance: 72.5k's
Type of road: Sealed, twisty!
Hazards: Shingle from slip's, pea metal in winter, tourist's, truck's.
Time of year to avoid this road: A lot of the road doesn't see the sun in winter.
Points of Interest: There are a few rest area's that have historic significance. There is also a DOC camping ground for a over night stop. This road also has awesome native bush to look at.

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107978493896601015047. 00047072a99879f0d61ee&ll=-38.184735,177.41015&spn=0.34501,0.25128&output=emb ed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107978493896601015047. 00047072a99879f0d61ee&ll=-38.184735,177.41015&spn=0.34501,0.25128&source=emb ed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Waioeka Gorge Ride</a> in a larger map</small>

modboy

12th October 2009, 09:23

Starting Point: Rotorua
Finshing Point: Whakatane (via the back of Lake Rotorua)
Distance: 101k's
Type of road: Sealed, twisty!

Hazards: Road can be narrow in places. Amazing scenery can be distracting.

Points of Interest: Unbelievably picturesque, beautiful native bush and gorgeous lakes - great road to cruise and enjoy. Whakatane Hotel for a beer at the end.

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Rotorua&daddr=Waiteti+to :Whakatane&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-38.049173,176.616211&sspn=0.71375,1.115112&ie=UTF8 &ll=-38.049173,176.613464&spn=0.19143,0.78196&output=em bed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Rotorua&daddr=Waiteti+ to:Whakatane&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-38.049173,176.616211&sspn=0.71375,1.115112&ie=UTF8 &ll=-38.049173,176.613464&spn=0.19143,0.78196" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

spookytooth

12th October 2009, 09:29

The Waioeka Gorge, so good ya just have turn round and do it again

Morcs

12th October 2009, 10:05

Scenic Drive - Auckland

Starting Point: Swanson
Finshing Point: Little huia (then go back the same way, and off to piha :) )
Distance: One way, 27km (30 mins)
Type of road: Nice bitumen

Hazards: Cars in the way if you go on the wrong day. Slippery in the wet.

Points of Interest: Nice and twisty and never ending for the 30 mins. Never seen a cop down there, plenty of other side roads to explore, and great viewpoints.

Hispid

15th October 2009, 13:37

Starting Point: Redoubt Rd
Finshing Point: Redoubt Rd, Manukau or Botany
Distance: One way, 52km (50 mins)
Type of road: good quality in most areas.

Hazards: Cars in the way. Slippery in the wet.

Points of Interest: Nice and twisty .

<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Redoubt+Rd&daddr=Twiligh t+Rd+to:North+Rd+to:-36.988431,174.914532&hl=en&geocode=FRGZy_0dGu1sCg% 3BFae9y_0deXpuCg%3BFd_Ky_0dxftuCg%3B&mra=dme&mrcr= 0&mrsp=3&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=-36.983358,174.929466&sspn=0.065409,0.109692&ie=UTF 8&ll=-36.942209,175.017357&spn=0.131711,0.219727&z=12&ou tput=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Redoubt+Rd&daddr=Twili ght+Rd+to:North+Rd+to:-36.988431,174.914532&hl=en&geocode=FRGZy_0dGu1sCg% 3BFae9y_0deXpuCg%3BFd_Ky_0dxftuCg%3B&mra=dme&mrcr= 0&mrsp=3&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=-36.983358,174.929466&sspn=0.065409,0.109692&ie=UTF 8&ll=-36.942209,175.017357&spn=0.131711,0.219727&z=12" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

BoristheBiter

23rd November 2009, 06:50

Had the best day on this on my 250... first time knee down. Want to re-ride on the 910R now!!

Starting Point: Opotiki
Finshing Point: Waihau Bay
Distance: 102kms (sorry, so close to 100 anyway?)
Type of road: sealed, good surface
Hazards: Really skinny bit half way, falling rocks, horses
Time of year to avoid this road:
Points of Interest: good pub at the end! Classic old car/house wrecks, wicked 25/30km corners, sweet bridges to take photos from

Google Map Link (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=opotiki&daddr=Waihau+Bay&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-37.78705,177.789595&sspn=0.469936,1.057434&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.868349,177.978516&spn=1.877642,4.229736&z=9)

<img src="http://www.nzlocal.com/simon/CoolTrip.JPG"> (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=opotiki&daddr=Waihau+Bay&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-37.78705,177.789595&sspn=0.469936,1.057434&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.868349,177.978516&spn=1.877642,4.229736&z=9)

would have to agree on this road, but if you keep going right round till Gis'y it is the best 387km that you will ever ride.
This ride has it all, tight corners, fast corners, straights and some of the best views you will find.
Can be a bit tricky when wet but that is half the fun, and the gas station at east cape only had 91 when i was there in feb.

bkker

12th December 2009, 12:07

Starting Point: Redoubt Rd
Finshing Point: Redoubt Rd, Manukau or Botany
Distance: One way, 52km (50 mins)
Type of road: good quality in most areas.

Hazards: Cars in the way. Slippery in the wet.

Points of Interest: Nice and twisty .

Here's a slightly modified version of that map, recommended on ducati.ms/forums.
<iframe width="800" height="600" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=100282719868235457151.000478c18c58614baf1eb"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=100282719868235457151.000478c18c58614baf1eb" style="color:#00FFFF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

PS- For those wondering how to insert the page like that (as I was), just copy this into your message:

<iframe width="800" height="600" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/"></iframe><br />
To add the "View Larger Map" bit in small aqua text add this to the end:

<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/" style="color:#00FFFF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

Make sure you change the src="http://maps.google.com/maps/" and the href= in both of those to the web address of your map.
You may want a gap between the map and the text, in which case add another <br />.

Gone Burger

4th February 2010, 10:13

Hi. I have just been up country on my wee Keeway Super Shadow. Was an absolute blast. But the bike did struggle in a few places. Can't wait to get my full, and a bigger bike!

But I discovered an amazing road to ride. I'm sure many of you have already done this road, but I didn't know anything about it. We were heading from Taupo to Taranaki. Took SH43 - the Forgotten World Highway. Wowie - what a road. It was simply stunning, and a very exciting ride. Beautiful corners, nice decends. Absoltely awesome. Pretty funny going past the sign say "no gas for 150K" as the previous day my bike had run dry ar 120k. But I took it easy and made it to the next station. As for the gravel road part, didn't expect that but quickly learnt how to handle it. I have also discovered how hopeless my light is after heading through the long tunnel with a tinted visor and sunglasses. I couldn't help but laugh.

An absolute dream run for me, and I think I have gained some good skills as a beginner rider. Can't wait to go through there again, just with my bigger bike that can keep up a bit of speed. I'm still buzzing. Pretty magic place.

Hawkeye

18th February 2010, 04:54

Hi. I have just been up country on my wee Keeway Super Shadow. Was an absolute blast. But the bike did struggle in a few places. Can't wait to get my full, and a bigger bike!

But I discovered an amazing road to ride. I'm sure many of you have already done this road, but I didn't know anything about it. We were heading from Taupo to Taranaki. Took SH43 - the Forgotten World Highway. Wowie - what a road. It was simply stunning, and a very exciting ride. Beautiful corners, nice decends. Absoltely awesome. Pretty funny going past the sign say "no gas for 150K" as the previous day my bike had run dry ar 120k. But I took it easy and made it to the next station. As for the gravel road part, didn't expect that but quickly learnt how to handle it. I have also discovered how hopeless my light is after heading through the long tunnel with a tinted visor and sunglasses. I couldn't help but laugh.

An absolute dream run for me, and I think I have gained some good skills as a beginner rider. Can't wait to go through there again, just with my bigger bike that can keep up a bit of speed. I'm still buzzing. Pretty magic place.

Hi Katiepie,

Yes I have to agree with you there. I completed the 1000k challenge a couple of years ago that took us through there. It's an amazing piece of road and a must do if you want a awesome ride and experience. I was hoping last years challenge (Nov) was going to follow the same route but unfortunately it didn't. I may just have to organise to do it with a couple of friends instead.

That road has mixed emotions as well. A friend died doing the 1000k challenge that day so it also has some sad memories. (R.I.P Grub).

sinfull

18th February 2010, 06:13

Hi Katiepie,

Yes I have to agree with you there. I completed the 1000k challenge a couple of years ago that took us through there. It's an amazing piece of road and a must do if you want a awesome ride and experience. I was hoping last years challenge (Nov) was going to follow the same route but unfortunately it didn't. I may just have to organise to do it with a couple of friends instead.

That road has mixed emotions as well. A friend died doing the 1000k challenge that day so it also has some sad memories. (R.I.P Grub).
Anzac weekend Hawk ! Tahora (10km north of wangamomona pub) bike rally for a night or two, Well worth it !
And for gods sake will ya put a map of the Paekok hill on here for me (can't believe it aint been done)

centaurus

27th February 2010, 19:50

I've just finished a two week tour of the north island. Over 7800kms on 12 days :D. I've found some awesome roads (will make a post with some info sometime this week, once I get my stuff sorted). This was the first time I've done the sh43 too It's a pretty nice road.

2wheeldrifter

15th January 2011, 08:36

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Waitomo+Caves+Rd&daddr=-38.1322363,174.8668222+to:Otorohanga,+Waikato&geocode=FXJTuP0dOP9wCg%3BFfQluv0dhkFsCimrtPDgGjQTb TGQxA4HYe8AEw%3BFfhIuf0doX1xCinnaTJOYMBsbTFA8qJDYe 8ABQ&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=11&via=1&sll=-38.204195,175.054092&sspn=0.273565,0.44014&ie=UTF8&ll=-38.192323,175.13855&spn=0.27361,0.44014&t=h&z=11

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Waitomo+Caves+Rd&daddr=-38.1322363,174.8668222+to:Otorohanga,+Waikato&geoc ode=FXJTuP0dOP9wCg%3BFfQluv0dhkFsCimrtPDgGjQTbTGQx A4HYe8AEw%3BFfhIuf0doX1xCinnaTJOYMBsbTFA8qJDYe8ABQ &hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=11&via=1&sll=-38.204195,175.054092&sspn=0.273565,0.44014&ie=UTF8 &ll=-38.204195,175.054092&spn=0.273565,0.44014&t=h&outp ut=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Waitomo+Caves+Rd&daddr =-38.1322363,174.8668222+to:Otorohanga,+Waikato&geoc ode=FXJTuP0dOP9wCg%3BFfQluv0dhkFsCimrtPDgGjQTbTGQx A4HYe8AEw%3BFfhIuf0doX1xCinnaTJOYMBsbTFA8qJDYe8ABQ &hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=11&via=1&sll=-38.204195,175.054092&sspn=0.273565,0.44014&ie=UTF8 &ll=-38.204195,175.054092&spn=0.273565,0.44014&t=h" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

Great road, no speed markings so caution needed. Very very very very twisty... once passed all the cave attractions road was quiet, only did it last week and only a hand full of cars we saw both ways.

More for the experienced/confident rider I would say.

Crap on road....... RI parts otherwise pretty damn good!

b1g-fuLLa

22nd January 2011, 12:41

woohoo, this one ain't taken... Good ol Waihi to Whangamata (or in reverse). No road should be treated as a race track, but this is one tight road, corner after corner. 30km in 20min easy.

Starting Point: Whangamata
Finshing Point: Waihi (or vice versa)
Distance: 30km
Type of road: Sealed, good quality in most areas
Hazards: Some is in shade during winter, so watch out for it, more slippery
Time of year to avoid this road: Just after light rain, making it slippery
Points of Interest: The bloody road!

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=whangamata&daddr=waihi&h l=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-40.780541,172.617188&sspn=47.47407,114.257813&ie=U TF8&ll=-37.30333,175.870685&spn=0.17878,0.06067&output=emb ed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=whangamata&daddr=waihi &hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-40.780541,172.617188&sspn=47.47407,114.257813&ie=U TF8&ll=-37.30333,175.870685&spn=0.17878,0.06067" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

Got to love that road, uphill, downhill, and plenty of tight corners. Better from wanga to waihi IMO.

Other hazards include blind corners (of which most are) and the bloody cagers that cut them.

Rode down there a couple weekends ago, with plenty of holiday traffic. Stuck behind a long line of cars doing 40kph the whole way down the hill with no room to pass. Bike was getting pretty warm by the bottom without the airflow!

TIBLE_90

16th May 2011, 11:20

favorite rd atm is from wellsford to hellensville on 16. Great twisties and very little traffic for about 50 km's. Not bad for being close to auckland :)

jaffaonajappa

16th May 2011, 22:29

favorite rd atm is from wellsford to hellensville on 16. Great twisties and very little traffic for about 50 km's. Not bad for being close to auckland :)

Yeah, but sadly the blue fairies also know this ride. Take care.

unstuck

16th May 2011, 23:33

Or through pukekawa to glen murry, naike,pepepe,waingaro and down to ngaruawhaia. was always a blast when i was a young fella.:yes:

Westy_mate

16th August 2011, 12:35

Definitely the new Albany express highway from Westgate. 6.8KM of downhill straight on BRAND-SPANKING new Seal... mmmmmm

its only been open for about a week and there are shit-loads of cops... nothing a radar cant fix though! :laugh:

TIBLE_90

16th August 2011, 14:31

Definitely the new Albany express highway from Westgate. 6.8KM of downhill straight on BRAND-SPANKING new Seal... mmmmmm

its only been open for about a week and there are shit-loads of cops... nothing a radar cant fix though! :laugh:

haha, I'll need to go have a look at that. Hope there wo't be any :Police: around when I go :laugh:

Scoobydoo

16th August 2011, 16:05

Kaikohe to Maungatapere or in reverse, either way is doesn't matter.

Finshing Point:....Kaikohe
Distance:.....70kms
Type of road:..amazing
Hazards:.....Cows
Time of year to avoid this road: ....Milking time
Points of Interest: ...Subway in Kaikohe

+1 :Punk:

The council have just fixed up the roads too so make the most of before the logging trucks destroy it all again.

Road kill

28th August 2011, 08:52

#1
Mangamuka gorge rd through to Kaitia.

From Mangamuka bridge via Broadwood,Herekino,Victoria,Wainui junction just south west of Kaitaia.
From Mangamuka bridge through to Herekino is pure scratching,average corner speeds around 20km-50km.
Herekino to Wainui more open and faster but still twisty and up an down ect ect.
Most road surface "perfect".
One smooth,fast,cambered corner after another.
Best ridden in company and with a 1st aid kit.
Hazards,the usual locals and also includes logging trucks,but you can find out about their activity at the Mangamuka bridge store.

XP@

11th October 2011, 21:58

This road is lots of fun but really dangerous! The 4wds have a nasty habit of being on the wrong side of the road. As with any other good one there is often crap on the road.

Aside from the moments of near death there are some wicked combos of bends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9wEy28nqQo

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Pauathanui&daddr=-41.04687,174.93352+to:Paekakariki,+Wellington,+New +Zealand&hl=en&geocode=FebPjP0dqwdtCilbITsvqKZAbTH Q9qJDYe8ABQ%3BFaqsjf0dEEZtCil_uIBCLFY_bTFgzaoGYe8A Ew%3BFWiSjv0dTYptCilbITsvqKZAbTEA86JDYe8ABQ&aq=&sl l=-41.045725,174.910525&sspn=0.132054,0.220757&vpsrc= 0&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=-41.045725,174.910525&spn=0.132054,0.220757&output= embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Pauathanui&daddr=-41.04687,174.93352+to:Paekakariki,+Wellington,+New +Zealand&hl=en&geocode=FebPjP0dqwdtCilbITsvqKZAbTH Q9qJDYe8ABQ%3BFaqsjf0dEEZtCil_uIBCLFY_bTFgzaoGYe8A Ew%3BFWiSjv0dTYptCilbITsvqKZAbTEA86JDYe8ABQ&aq=&sl l=-41.045725,174.910525&sspn=0.132054,0.220757&vpsrc= 0&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=-41.045725,174.910525&spn=0.132054,0.220757" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

haydes55

27th November 2011, 18:25

Starting Point: Hamilton (Dinsdale)
Finshing Point: Raglan
Distance: 41.4km
Type of road: Moderately busy 2 lane road with plenty of corner sections.
Hazards: Idiots in cages, this road is a main road.
Time of year to avoid this road: Summer, this road gets busier. If you want a clear run with little traffic the road is good through the rest of the year.
Points of Interest: Raglan beach is the destination.
<iframe src="http://www.quikmaps.com/ext2/188677?t=1&ln=0&sn=1&zb=0&d=1&o=0&lat=-37.82605669492651&lng=175.13511657714844&zl=11&mt=2" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="827" height="402" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"></iframe>

Bobbyman

8th February 2012, 21:04

Starting Point: Intersection of Russell road and SH1.
Finshing Point: Russell Pub
Distance: 72km
Type of road: Windy country road. Recently tarsealed.
Hazards: Can get very sharp and narrow corners around Jacks Bay.
Time of year to avoid this road: During rain -_-
Points of Interest: Taupiri Bay. Isolated and right next to the water.

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=Russell+Rd&daddr=-35.272823,174.280818+to:York+St&hl=en&ll=-35.29285,174.302988&spn=0.039722,0.084028&sll=-35.261759,174.122612&sspn=0.001242,0.002626&geocode=Fbah4f0dIkhjCg%3BFYnH5f0dclBjCim94jysGwgLb TFBKIIGYe8AEw%3BFVzz5f0dseRgCg&oq=Russell&mra=dme&mrsp=2&sz=19&via=1&t=h&z=14

G4L4XY

27th February 2012, 09:52

woohoo, this one ain't taken... Good ol Waihi to Whangamata (or in reverse). No road should be treated as a race track, but this is one tight road, corner after corner. 30km in 20min easy.

Starting Point: Whangamata
Finshing Point: Waihi (or vice versa)
Distance: 30km
Type of road: Sealed, good quality in most areas
Hazards: Some is in shade during winter, so watch out for it, more slippery
Time of year to avoid this road: Just after light rain, making it slippery
Points of Interest: The bloody road!

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=whangamata&daddr=waihi&h l=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-40.780541,172.617188&sspn=47.47407,114.257813&ie=U TF8&ll=-37.30333,175.870685&spn=0.17878,0.06067&output=emb ed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=whangamata&daddr=waihi &hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=-40.780541,172.617188&sspn=47.47407,114.257813&ie=U TF8&ll=-37.30333,175.870685&spn=0.17878,0.06067" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

+1 from me, used to live in whangamata when I first got the bike, love that road to waihi and they've made the road all smooth now (well a while ago)
Another hazard is the rutts in the road from the bloody logging trucks, I hate those things, lucky I know that road so well I know how to avoid them (is that where a steering damper comes into play) ?

bc.worldlive

21st March 2012, 21:38

this is my favorite, 1 because i learned to ride on it, 2 because you've gotta have your concentration hat on :eek5:

Starting Point: Maungatapere
Finshing Point: Kaikohe
Distance: approx 80 kilometres
Type of road: rough seal, a nice balance of short straights and nice tight corners!
Hazards: can get slippery near twin bridges as there isnt alot of sun, as you ride through a pine forest.
Time of year to avoid this road: probably sweet any time of year, unless it's pissing down of course
Points of Interest: twin bridges, nice to stop there and stretch the legs, nice and scenic along maungakahea road, beautiful mountain ranges(northland type mountains that is)

if anyones gunna go up, let me know i have family at both ends, and am always keen to make the ride :)

kinger

27th March 2012, 21:22

The Old Ta Aroha Road.

First drove this towing a boat back from the Coromandel, then went back on the bike for Paeroa.
Start point, just north of Te Poi.
End, Te Aroha.
Google says 47km.
A great mix of open straights, crazy humps and some dodgy corners. Fantastic run under the Kaimais.
Hazards. A couple of blind crests have weird lumps in the surface, and are right on the right line! Single lane bridges.
Always quiet, and a beer at the top.

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=te+poi&daddr=te+aroha&geocode=FXAcvv0dGSV7Cil1rsYTsbVtbTEgDKNDYe8ABQ%3BF UElw_0d8yV5CinH5Me5K5ltbTGwCqNDYe8ABQ&aq=&sll=-37.707565,175.796595&sspn=0.381352,0.769043&vpsrc=0&t=h&hl=en&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&z=10

smmudd83_1999

6th September 2012, 12:36

Start: Karori, Wellington
Finish: Martinborough
Distance: approx 350kms
Time: approx 4 hours
Surface: Good sealed tarmacadm

-First 30 mins is the back road from Karori to Johnsonville via the Makara road. This road is almost too bendy for high performance machines - the constant bends never let you get the speed up which after 20 mins starts to get frustrating... best attacked on a 250 or big single. Or 350 gold star?
-The ride up Hwy 1 as you get into Porirua is beautiful. The relatively high speed blows the cobwebs away and wide open views is a great contrast to being in a twisty valley road as per the previous section.
-Up the Paekakariki back Hill road. Like the first section, it's a bit deadly on a powerful bike but golly it's rewarding. And the reward for surviving is a great view that looks down on Kapiti Island with views of the Marlborough sounds (I endeavour to do a sunset ride one day)
-to Waikanae along the 1. Easy going coastal highway. Relax your jangled nerves and enjoy the sea views.
-Waikanae to Upper Hutt - proper biking road, a mix of sweepers and tighter bends. Very rewarding.
-Rimutaka Hill Road. Famous for obvious reasons - though hard to pass traffic and it's a busy road which sometimes means it doesn't live upto it's reputation.
-Lunch in Martinborough. Then back over the Rimutakas
-Hwy 58 from the Hutt Valley to Porirua. Fast road with fastish curves.
-Hwy 1 back into Wellington. The best view of a capital city from a motorway in the world?
-To finish I do a Bays ride as a cool down as by now it's normally late afternoon which is the best time to ride the bays. Especially sunset. Occasional peeks of the south island here from around Island and Owhiro Bays.
-home for a cuppa tea.
It's a full afternoon's ride.
269536

lizardb0y

6th September 2012, 21:46

Starting Point: Intersection of Russell road and SH1.
Finshing Point: Russell Pub
Distance: 72km
Type of road: Windy country road. Recently tarsealed.

I did this run in reverse, starting in Paihia, a few years ago with a friend. We took the ferry from Opua and rode down to SH1. It was a great ride, very twisty, but not too much for the big gixxer (I was on my GSXR1100). I totally recommend it.

JafaSaffer

3rd November 2012, 22:22

Starting Point: Hetherington Road, Huntly (behind the power station)
Via: Naike - Pukekawa
Finshing Point: Mercer
Distance: 70kms
Type of road: sealed, good surface
Hazards: Dried Cow Poop
Points of Interest: Ride it Hard, you wont have time for points of interest..

Will ride this tomorrow and have a look

haydes55

5th April 2013, 11:01

On my phone, so fairly brief. Yesterday I was in the work van down Te Kuiti, had to go down a road I really enjoyed, in the van even. Do a loop from SH3 turn onto Mangarino Rd. That's the warm up for when you get onto rangitoto rd. The road's in mint condition and nothing but twisties.

Maha

5th April 2013, 11:19

On my phone, so fairly brief. Yesterday I was in the work van down Te Kuiti, had to go down a road I really enjoyed, in the van even. Do a loop from SH3 turn onto Mangarino Rd. That's the warm up for when you get onto rangitoto rd. The road's in mint condition and nothing but twisties.

I see what you mean Hayden..http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=Otorohanga,+Waikato&daddr=Mangarino+Road,+Te+Kuiti+to:Rangitoto+Road,+ Te+Kuiti+to:Barber+Road,+Otewa+to:Otorohanga,+Waik ato&hl=en&ll=-38.265141,175.262661&spn=0.106207,0.264187&sll=-38.274066,175.250802&sspn=0.212388,0.528374&geocode=FfhIuf0doX1xCinnaTJOYMBsbTFA8qJDYe8ABQ%3BF UN-t_0d0hxxCinXz7jlT7lsbTH3EsoMausg6A%3BFdrMtv0dpnJxC inVfqznur1sbTE92rbNJZTWRQ%3BFbn-t_0d_lhzCikP68GhUZRsbTFbDQt28ibsUg%3BFfhIuf0doX1xC innaTJOYMBsbTFA8qJDYe8ABQ&oq=Oto&mra=ls&t=m&z=13

timalex

17th May 2013, 21:16

Starting Point: Mangamuka, Northland
Finshing Point: Victoria Valley, Kaitaia
Distance: 18.2 km, 12 mins
Type of road: Chip seal, Some Bitumen
Hazards: Loose rocks and very tight bends
Time of year to avoid this road: All year round is ok.
Points of Interest: The road.

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Mangamuka,+Northland&dad dr=Victoria+Valley,+Kaitaia&geocode=FRW95v0dmANYCi lFNcfiJn0JbTEA3qJDYe8ABQ%3BFTqZ5_0dBR9WCikJ9c-Hm3AJbTEwaDzP_P4R_g&aq=0&oq=victoria+valley&sll=-35.182508,173.477983&sspn=0.059979,0.132093&hl=en& mra=ls&ie=UTF8&ll=-35.182532,173.477993&spn=0.054862,0.124508&t=m&out put=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Mangamuka,+Northland&d addr=Victoria+Valley,+Kaitaia&geocode=FRW95v0dmANY CilFNcfiJn0JbTEA3qJDYe8ABQ%3BFTqZ5_0dBR9WCikJ9c-Hm3AJbTEwaDzP_P4R_g&aq=0&oq=victoria+valley&sll=-35.182508,173.477983&sspn=0.059979,0.132093&hl=en& mra=ls&ie=UTF8&ll=-35.182532,173.477993&spn=0.054862,0.124508&t=m" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

timalex

19th May 2013, 12:59

this is my favorite, 1 because i learned to ride on it, 2 because you've gotta have your concentration hat on :eek5:

Starting Point: Maungatapere
Finshing Point: Kaikohe
Distance: approx 80 kilometres
Type of road: rough seal, a nice balance of short straights and nice tight corners!
Hazards: can get slippery near twin bridges as there isnt alot of sun, as you ride through a pine forest.
Time of year to avoid this road: probably sweet any time of year, unless it's pissing down of course
Points of Interest: twin bridges, nice to stop there and stretch the legs, nice and scenic along maungakahea road, beautiful mountain ranges(northland type mountains that is)

if anyones gunna go up, let me know i have family at both ends, and am always keen to make the ride :)

Yeah one of my favorite roads, Considering my family is from there and i grew up in that area, Whatitiri. Be very careful around twin bridges, Log trucks, Loos gravel around Pakatai.
I would be keen, I am only packing 27 horses on a CBR250R

BadSarah

16th June 2013, 18:51

Starting Point: Mangamuka, Northland
Finshing Point: Victoria Valley, Kaitaia
Distance: 18.2 km, 12 mins
Type of road: Chip seal, Some Bitumen
Hazards: Loose rocks and very tight bends
Time of year to avoid this road: All year round is ok.
Points of Interest: The road.

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Mangamuka,+Northland&dad dr=Victoria+Valley,+Kaitaia&geocode=FRW95v0dmANYCi lFNcfiJn0JbTEA3qJDYe8ABQ%3BFTqZ5_0dBR9WCikJ9c-Hm3AJbTEwaDzP_P4R_g&aq=0&oq=victoria+valley&sll=-35.182508,173.477983&sspn=0.059979,0.132093&hl=en& mra=ls&ie=UTF8&ll=-35.182532,173.477993&spn=0.054862,0.124508&t=m&out put=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Mangamuka,+Northland&d addr=Victoria+Valley,+Kaitaia&geocode=FRW95v0dmANY CilFNcfiJn0JbTEA3qJDYe8ABQ%3BFTqZ5_0dBR9WCikJ9c-Hm3AJbTEwaDzP_P4R_g&aq=0&oq=victoria+valley&sll=-35.182508,173.477983&sspn=0.059979,0.132093&hl=en& mra=ls&ie=UTF8&ll=-35.182532,173.477993&spn=0.054862,0.124508&t=m" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

Went through Kaitaia recently, LOVED the hills between Mungamuka and Kaitaia, the only exception was the logging trucks...
The road banks exactly the right way, so smooth, so quick, totally fun

MotorcycleAlley

22nd July 2013, 15:28

Some great stretches of road on here, Feel free to list your local knowledge on the 'Great Rides' section on Motorcycle Alley. Its all free and all about sharing those great roads.

Ribit

25th March 2014, 20:00

Going over the Kaimai's (SH29) into or out of Tauranga is Awesome! Well sealed, Long, open corners of two lane highway made for caning and erasing chicken strips.

A fun little backroad is the tahuna-Ohinewai road.

But for favourites its gotta be highway 22 Tuakau to Raglan or (as mentioned earlier) warkworth to SH16 woodcocks road onto west coast road.

rustyblade

15th April 2014, 13:04

Scenic Drive.

Short, fast, GNARLY + at some points 100k.

want to get my nurburgring style sticker made, already done the art.

Ribit

15th April 2014, 13:34

Scenic drive is great going from Titirangi through to swanson and back again... just gotta watch out for people coming out of driveways.

You can peel the nurburgring sticker off my car if you want.

Banditbandit

15th April 2014, 16:02

Any of them ..

rustyblade

16th April 2014, 12:36

Scenic drive is great going from Titirangi through to swanson and back again... just gotta watch out for people coming out of driveways.

You can peel the nurburgring sticker off my car if you want.

can make some of these? It's literally the scenic drive road, going through swanson as the pit :D

might make the road trace slightly thinner.

Ribit

16th April 2014, 14:28

Thats gonna be an obscure joke to anyone looking at the bumper sticker which might be just as well... :Police:

rustyblade

16th April 2014, 15:05

Thats gonna be an obscure joke to anyone looking at the bumper sticker which might be just as well... :Police:

joke? rep to ya local track! :headbang:

george formby

16th April 2014, 15:40

joke? rep to ya local track! :headbang:

I would need a bloody bigger sticker. My 3 fav local loops are all 300k+

Ribit

16th April 2014, 16:51

I would need a bloody bigger sticker. My 3 fav local loops are all 300k+ .

Well this is the thread to say where they are.....

Coming from pahia i'd assume old russell road is one of them. Where else?

george formby

16th April 2014, 17:08

Well this is the thread to say where they are.....

Coming from pahia i'd assume old russell road is one of them. Where else?

Yup, all mentioned on here previously. Twin Bridges, Mangamukas, Matauri loop, takes the numbness out of SH10, Kohoukohou to Mangamuka bridge or via Broadwood & Herekino, Waipoua forest and lots of gravelly bits to join the dots if I'm that way inclined.
An interesting aside from the Old Russell road is a quick but exhilarating fang to Bland Bay. Dead end obviously but a fantastic bit of road. Flows along a ridge line before it knots it's way down to the Bay.

veldthui

20th September 2014, 11:25

Paekakariki hill road

This road is lots of fun but really dangerous! The 4wds have a nasty habit of being on the wrong side of the road. As with any other good one there is often crap on the road.

Aside from the moments of near death there are some wicked combos of bends.

Seems the guy in front must think he is a 4WD as well judging by the time spent on the wrong side of the white line

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Bruce Lee

6th April 2015, 10:46

Definitely the new Albany express highway from Westgate. 6.8KM of downhill straight on BRAND-SPANKING new Seal... mmmmmm

its only been open for about a week and there are shit-loads of cops... nothing a radar cant fix though! :laugh:

Yes lovely stretch of highway to open her up. I passed a couple of cops sitting on the side without their KA radars on. Wonder if they had they lazer guns out instead. :eek5:

jonnyk5614

2nd June 2015, 00:13

Yeah, but sadly the blue fairies also know this ride. Take care.

Was on that today having waaaaay too much fun. Awesome surface though with no surprising "repairs" unlike so many other SHs these days....

fxxk

2nd March 2016, 19:17

Not entirely sure how to explain this but, on the way to Turangi from the turn off from Whakamaru is a great road, theres one bit in particular that has nice sweeping corkscrew corners one after the other up the hill, its a few k's past the turn off to go to Taumarunui, Someone may know where i mean :sweatdrop

WNJ

2nd March 2016, 19:43

, Mangamukas.
Fantastic also kaimais, arapuni rd, old Taupo, ohinewai - tahuna just out my back fence always good for a quick blast then to 22, heatherington rd, also local for me, :Punk:

awa355

2nd March 2016, 20:01

Actually, I can't think of a bad road I have ridden. Well not once I've gotten home :yes:

WristTwister

2nd March 2016, 21:09

Coast via Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt.

Wainui Road, Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt to Main Road to Coast Road and back.

Distance is about 50ks there and back, road is sealed, reasonably wide, gentle bends but the Wainui hill road might prove a challenge for smaller engined bikes (uphill 80km speed limit with a lot of bends).

This is not my favourite road, but most of the roads I like are short, like the short 70kph stretch of Middleton Road between Churton Park and Tawa, or Whitemans Valley Road Upper Hutt, or Alexandra Road Wellington.

release_the_bees

4th March 2016, 05:11

Not entirely sure how to explain this but, on the way to Turangi from the turn off from Whakamaru is a great road, theres one bit in particular that has nice sweeping corkscrew corners one after the other up the hill, its a few k's past the turn off to go to Taumarunui, Someone may know where i mean :sweatdrop
Agreed. Great road. No traffic. No slower than taking the main state Highway. Great corners. Pretty much ticks all the boxes.

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Bruce Lee

8th March 2016, 20:58

One from The Tron http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11601956&ref=NZH_FBpage

Banditbandit

9th March 2016, 08:50

Vinegar Hil to Ashurst ... twisty tight in places, straights in others .. only ever seen a cop on it once ..

Bassai

29th July 2016, 08:05

Starting Point: Redoubt Rd
Finshing Point: Redoubt Rd, Manukau or Botany
Distance: One way, 52km (50 mins)
Type of road: good quality in most areas.

Hazards: Cars in the way. Slippery in the wet.

Points of Interest: Nice and twisty .

<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Redoubt+Rd&daddr=Twiligh t+Rd+to:North+Rd+to:-36.988431,174.914532&hl=en&geocode=FRGZy_0dGu1sCg% 3BFae9y_0deXpuCg%3BFd_Ky_0dxftuCg%3B&mra=dme&mrcr= 0&mrsp=3&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=-36.983358,174.929466&sspn=0.065409,0.109692&ie=UTF 8&ll=-36.942209,175.017357&spn=0.131711,0.219727&z=12&ou tput=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Redoubt+Rd&daddr=Twili ght+Rd+to:North+Rd+to:-36.988431,174.914532&hl=en&geocode=FRGZy_0dGu1sCg% 3BFae9y_0deXpuCg%3BFd_Ky_0dxftuCg%3B&mra=dme&mrcr= 0&mrsp=3&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=-36.983358,174.929466&sspn=0.065409,0.109692&ie=UTF 8&ll=-36.942209,175.017357&spn=0.131711,0.219727&z=12" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

How do you get 52ks on Redoubt Road. I live just off the road so I am confused about where your starting and finishing.

boganvillein

15th July 2017, 11:49

Starting Point- Stratford
Finishing Point- Whangamomona
Distance- 63km
Road Type- Sweeping 2 lane country road into windy single lane back-road
Hazards- Poor condition of seal in some places (tar patches), and the only 15k corner I know of in the North Island :laugh:
Points of interest- Several very tight saddles along the way, with awsome views of eastern Taranaki Hill country at summits
-The famous Whangamomona Pub at the end, steeped in heritage, with cold beer flowing from the taps :drinkup:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=stratford&daddr=Whangamomona,+New+Zealand&hl=en&geocode=%3BFW23qv0doEZqCimp6Vkw-NcUbTGarw2mEffNog&mra=pe&mrcr=0&sll=-39.237572,174.377747&sspn=0.744557,1.235962&ie=UTF8&ll=-39.142842,174.737549&spn=1.491111,2.471924&z=9

Hazards: Wild goats

Are you still at the pub? :killingme

BMWST?

17th July 2017, 20:35

Not entirely sure how to explain this but, on the way to Turangi from the turn off from Whakamaru is a great road, theres one bit in particular that has nice sweeping corkscrew corners one after the other up the hill, its a few k's past the turn off to go to Taumarunui, Someone may know where i mean :sweatdrop
do you mean sh 32 aka "western side lake taupo" Sh30 through Bennydale also worth a squirt.A completely diffferent type of rideis this one (https://www.google.co.nz/maps/dir/-41.0679939,175.6651658/Riversdale+Beach+Store+2+Blue+Pacific+Parade,+Mast erton+5872/@-41.1355302,175.9835852,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d414fc9e70c7c03:0x1 10fd15c6b7e2d2e!2m2!1d176.0735088!2d-41.0872141!5i1). I call it Homewood Road Used to do it on my UJM but it would probabaly be called adventure bike ride now.I think there is a bit of gravel on it.Used to be much more gravel

WNJ

18th July 2017, 05:04

Mangamukas, Kaimai , Heatherington, Walton,Arapuni , Mango, Raglan ,and will throw 309 in :killingme

MarkW

9th March 2018, 18:44

An update for everyone - having closed SH1 south of Kaitaia off and on for a couple of weeks I can report that the road has had a major refurbish with new hotmix in just about all of the places that it was needed. The single major slips on each side of the hill have been left out but the rest is fantastic. AND the trees and bush on the side of the road have had a huge prune so there are far fewer shady spots and much better sightlines.

pete376403

9th March 2018, 19:31

do you mean sh 32 aka "western side lake taupo" Sh30 through Bennydale also worth a squirt.A completely diffferent type of rideis [UI call it Homewood Road Used to do it on my UJM but it would probabaly be called adventure bike ride now.I think there is a bit of gravel on it.Used to be much more gravel

Did Homewood road last weekend, still plenty of gravel

SaferRides

10th March 2018, 08:41

SH25 from Coromandel Town over the hill towards Whitianga. Difficult to overtake though, especially trailers.

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Temporary-Kiwi

8th July 2019, 10:02

Hi, thought I might add the gentle Annie ride , moewhanga ( just inland from taihape) to Omahu(just b4 napier) is a ride to relish on a good day, hundreds of corners, straights , hill climbs, starts off medium then tight to fairly open at the Napier end just as the bloods getting to the boil- it's one not to miss

wetanz

5th February 2022, 14:14

... bought myself an xmas pressie last year, mid dec, double-duplex drum front wheel, in germany-notified yesterday that it was sitting in kaitaia, got me thinking, since being back i've been once to kaitaia, by box, to shop, and had what i must say was the best meat pie i've eaten in a very long time-in awanui, next to the pub (northside) ... reminded me of those kool backroads between kohukohu and ahipara i'd ridden as a kid, windy macadams ... the ferry trip is always a nice way to start, the roads are still windy but def not macadam anymore ... back through mangamuka gorge (childhood memories of being violently carsick as my parents morris 8 wound its way through here (a known axle breaker) loaded for 3 weeks with 2 kids - literally a loooong 2 day trip to takapuna 1 way, if it didnt rain, sat 3 days once before the slips were cleared, hitting east coast bays rd was like winning the golden kiwi

... like those rides out to bethels, piha, kare kare, anawhata, whatipu we cut our teeth on as teenies, ecstatically macadam ... or racing from the trig at titirangi to swanson motors and back ... an old favourite was, remember the motorway had been extended to otahuhu, to go out through flatbush, whitford, clevedon, kawakawa bay, orere, kaiaua for a feed, kopu, over the hill to hikuwai-stopping at the river for a swim, then scrambling through to whangamata ... we did our vandalistic best to at least slow down the later sealing of these roads ... the 25 out through hikuai, coroglen, coro, colville, stony bay or fletchers bay was way kooler than pussyfooting up the coast road

... always enjoyed blatting out past port waikato and down to raglan around karioi past aotea into kawhia, taharoa, marakopa - coming over the range and getting that first magnificent view of egmont - awakino into taranaki ... gloriously macadam

... havent been to warkworth in a very long time, after mistakingly taking highway 1 past there the other day instead of 16 i'm almost scared to but back in the day when milking in rodney i'd take matakana valley road from whangaripo or as my gf at the time was longlining out of leigh i'd go out for a 'feed of fish' n back through pakiri for early milking

... its enough to make ya a btob

... family came from gt barrier, those roads in the 60s and 70s were legendary, no rego no wof no brakes

SaferRides

7th February 2022, 01:50

Thanks for mentioning the Kohukohu - Ahipara Road, I've ridden it once but must do it again. The first part through Herekino is like being in a time warp, even so more than SH35 around East Cape is now. And the Kohukohu end is epic, some very fast corners best not taken too quickly in case you find the rural delivery van coming towards you on your side of the road!

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MarkW

7th February 2022, 13:07

If you are riding the Kohukohu to Ahipara section then the short sealed bit from the Kohukohu end of the Rawene ferry to Pangaru and back is well worth the effort. All sealed and three small ridges to climb up and over with a small winding valley between each ridge. And the road is sufficiently different that the corners on the way back flow completely differently to the way there. Guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone other than those on full dress tourers.

george formby

7th February 2022, 15:08

If you are riding the Kohukohu to Ahipara section then the short sealed bit from the Kohukohu end of the Rawene ferry to Pangaru and back is well worth the effort. All sealed and three small ridges to climb up and over with a small winding valley between each ridge. And the road is sufficiently different that the corners on the way back flow completely differently to the way there. Guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone other than those on full dress tourers.

Now, now, that's a bit discriminatory. Did you mean cross dress tourers?

SaferRides

8th February 2022, 05:55

If you are riding the Kohukohu to Ahipara section then the short sealed bit from the Kohukohu end of the Rawene ferry to Pangaru and back is well worth the effort. All sealed and three small ridges to climb up and over with a small winding valley between each ridge. And the road is sufficiently different that the corners on the way back flow completely differently to the way there. Guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone other than those on full dress tourers.When I rode from Ahipara 7 or 8 years ago, the road was sealed the whole way, although not in good condition in a couple of places.

You can also get to the Kohukohu end by turning off SH1 at Mangamuka.

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1/32 man

8th February 2022, 06:54

thought I might add the gentle Annie ride most definitely a challenging ride.

Done round the block twice from Napier....Taihape(Gentle Annie)..... Waiouru..... Turangi....Taupo....Napier.
Its a smidge over 400km but a great ride on a good day.

Done it twice from the Napier side but it wasnt until I did it the second time that I realised the Gentle Annie bit....bit of a hill, eh?.

Better get the Napier Taupo ride in soon as the speed limit is dropping to 80km for two thirds of it on the 18th Feb.....you know why.