Kawhia - Raglan Back Road Trip?

[denill]

Any one know what this road's like?

Looks bloody great for an Adventure bike, but how about an ST1100 two up with luggage? :cool:

[tri boy]

Gravel of varying sorts 90% of the way.
Doable on the big road bike, but not really it's favoured/comfortable terrain.

[Gremlin]

Depends on its current condition. I went through there beginning of November, and it was freshly graded. Freaken nightmare on 17 inch road tyres, both wheels deciding to do their own thing reasonably often.

Possible to go through before hand, and see what you think of it?

Its not a crazy adventure bike only type of road, but the gravel can be thick in places.

[cave weta]

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very scenic- road is usually quiet, the only users are surfies and farmers. you wont find campervans or logging trucks. just after you leave Raglan and pass whale bay- keep an eye on your right for the Te Toto Gorge scenic lookout -spectacular. You will find seals on Ruapuke beach sometimes

[Motu]

It's in much better condition than it used to be,specially the southern end which was straightened and widened several years ago.Still prone to huge slips,and the Bridal Vail Falls side has been closed because of a slip.

[tri boy]

Those pics are of the coastal rd(Whaanga Rd?).
That is a good scenic ride, and takes you past Ruapuke beach, and can get you to Te Mata/Bridal Veil Falls if you follow Ruapuke rd away from the coast.

Te Papatapu-Old Raglan Rd-to Kawhia is a bit longer, generally with heavier gravel, but the road is wider with more "run wide" room.
Both roads will have their fair share of holiday makers on them.
If you have nice fairings that hate stone chips, then I wouldn't bother. MHO