The Maungatapu Diaries

[NordieBoy]

It's as good a name as any I suppose.
A place for Maungatapu related trivia, ride reports and info.

The track in it's present layout dates to 1860 and was used as a stagecoach and gold route between Nelson and Pelorus.
In 1866 the Burgess/Kelly gang murdered 5 people on June 12 and 13.
"Murderers Rock" is still there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maungatapu_murders

202329 202328


Maungatapu Track closed to assess damage

Posted by Nelson City Council on 27 October 2009

Following the weekend tragedy along the Maungatapu Track, Council is temporarily closing the through road (Nelson-Pelorous) to all traffic to assess damage caused to the road in the rescue and recent wet weather.

Large rescue vehicles were involved in a fatal 4WD accident on the track on Saturday night and heavy rain fell both before and after the incident.

Senior Executive Technical Services, Alec Louverdis, says it's unclear how long the temporary closure will be for, but with the current wet conditions, it could be some time.

Council is erecting temporary closure signage at the entrance to the road and will advise the public when it is reopened. The Marlborough District Council has also been contacted to introduce a closure to the road from its end.

The public is asked to be patient during this temporary closure

It's a special place.
These are just views from the summit at different times.
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20081031%20Maungatapu%20testing/slides/20081031-195652-000015.jpg
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20080705%20Maungatapu%20snow%20hunting/slides/20080705-105514-000015.jpg
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20090426%20Maungatapu%20fork%20test/slides/20090426-150421.jpg
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20080601%20Out%20to%20Mill%20Flat/slides/20080601-153618-000117.jpg

It's still closed...

[cooneyr]

Some topics to start it off
The original route Dusty Butt 1000km in 24 hour adventure ride goes over it
To the best of my knowedge it is the one of the key routes, if not the original route for Maori and settlers into Nelson.
My inlaws have been going over it in cars, 4x4, riding motorbikes and walking over it for almost 40 years.

[Squiggles]

First piece of trivia:
Where is it?

[Willdat?]

First piece of trivia:
Where is it?

http://www.zoomin.co.nz/map/nz/nelson/maitai/-maungatapu+track/

Nordie will have Google Earth bits I'm sure but this will give you an idea.

edit: but on closer inspection, maybe not - from Nelson City go to the Maitai Valley, goes over to Pelorous.

[Skinny_Birdman]

Next piece of trivia: There is a point near the Maungatapu Saddle called Surveyor's Flat. It's less skody than most surveyor's flats, I'll wager! Pity the surveyor in question didn't create a legal road while he was up there... selah.


It's still closed...Boo!

[NordieBoy]

Surveyor's Flat has just enough room to swing a possum.

There's also a house on the other side up in the bush. Wired for power, 2 fireplaces, outhouse, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and sunroom.

Abandoned...

[NordieBoy]

Got a lead today.
Need to go trawling through some 35 year old court records...

Watch this space...

[JATZ]

Got a lead today.
Need to go trawling through some 35 year old court records...

Watch this space...

:wait: :wait: :corn:

[dino3310]

Surveyor's Flat has just enough room to swing a possum.

There's also a house on the other side up in the bush. Wired for power, 2 fireplaces, outhouse, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and sunroom.

Abandoned...

:woohoo: just waiting for me to shift

[NordieBoy]

:woohoo: just waiting for me to shift

Not since the idiot trying to clean the area up felled a tree on it...

[JATZ]

Not since the idiot trying to clean the area up felled a tree on it...

Handymans dream then or if you prefer..... a renovators delight :D

[dino3310]

Handymans dream then or if you prefer..... a renovators delight :D

and free firewood all ready felled waiting to be ringed

[warewolf]

Today I had a meeting with a Nelson City Council staffer. Very positive. At present road reconstruction and repairs are still in progress, and they would prefer not to have anyone on it as it is not stable; they have not stopped the water damage in a couple of key places so will need to do further work and/or re-route the road.

In the past, none of the four corporates with assets in there nor the council have done any preventive maintenance, playing a game of musical chairs: if the road is fcuked when you need to get in there, then you'll have to cough up for the repairs! Going forward they are building a maintenance programme, because if they can keep the water draining properly, the road surface won't get rooted!

It is likely to be stable by summer, at which time access on a notified basis would be allowed; that is, contact them to arrange a key or for the gate/s to be unlocked. They do not see motorcycles as a threat to the road, once it is fixed.

And further, he suggested a couple of other areas within NCC control that we could use, and will set up meetings with the caretakers in those areas. :Punk:

One of the areas is Linton Hill: it's an NCC reserve, not part of the forest. They deliberately built the gate at the bottom with a motorcycle-sized gap on one side, quote, "in order not to piss everybody off", unquote. Apparently the road across the top is in the reserve, and then some. I shall try to get the boundary defined. Sometimes there is stock in that paddock which need the usual care, otherwise it's pretty much open to use.

So, in return for having to ask to get access, we may end up with some more riding areas!

[XF650]

Good work Colin.
This is a great example of how to liase with authorities on access issues.

[rogerh]

Good work Colin.
This is a great example of how to liase with authorities on access issues.

Agreed. Thanks.

[warewolf]

Righto, just got off the phone with the Maitai Caretaker, Trevor. He's the one doing the repairs on the Track, and also fencing Linton Hill.

The track is closed for 12 months while they fix & stabilize the road, he reiterated they don't want anyone in there. However, he does not have a problem with motorcycles as they don't damage the road! There is a makeshift bypass around the western gate near his cottage; he said it is steep on the bank but if we have difficulty with it, pop up to the house and see him, he will unlock the gate. We should be able to drag bikes under the cable at the eastern end (the summit).

So... the Maungatapu is open for bikes :clap:

He puts the bulk of the trouble-makers in the "young guys with cheap 4wds" category - making new tracks, felling native trees & saplings, ripping up the track.

Linton Hill update; he's been busy there putting in new gates and fences. I did a recce there on the weekend. The single-track going directly up the spur to the power pylon will be cut off by a fence. There is a new gate at the Maitai Rd, and another across the track at the bottom of the climb. Both gates have spring-loaded pedestrian/motorcycle gates on the side of the main locked gates. They don't want to stop motorcycles getting in to Hira Forest, but they know ppl do leave gates open, so have put auto-closers on them. Do these guys rock or what? :Punk: The NCC boundary is the firebreak and the track, so the pines uphill from the track are Hancock forests... I think. Doesn't matter much, I s'pose.

One area suggested by the NCC staffer is a no go, as I thought it would be - tramping access only. But at least he was throwing ideas out there rather than being obstructive. There's another lead I'm following up with him.

[Padmei]

Good stuff Warewolf.
Looks like a celebratory ride would be in order (not this weekend tho wifes away again & can't balance properly with both kids on bike)

Edit: um actually I will have ot wait for it to dry out thru the bog...

[warewolf]

The bogs should be mostly fixed - just not fully, or permanently.

[Underground]

warewolf !:clap:

[Skinny_Birdman]

warewolf !:clap:

What he said. Nice work!

[NordieBoy]

How do you go about looking up an old court case?
Need to find what the verdict was.

[cooneyr]

Try this Nordie.

http://brookersonline.co.nz/databases/modus/home?si=1610670095

Good luck

[NordieBoy]

Just applied for a 14 day trial of Brookers.
We'll see how it goes.

[warewolf]

From Mrs Warewolf, who has spent years working as an administrator for lawyers... :)

LawCite (http://www.nzlii.org/LawCite/)

or google "nz case law". There's a link off the national library web site, too.

[NordieBoy]

Just had a chat to another of my clients who remembers the case and he says he approached Alec Louverdis and told him he thought the current gates were illegal and that there was a court case which established this.
He was told they'd look into it.

Still digging...

This is fun.

:yes:

[warewolf]

Are you thinking of the one somewhere Wellington/Hutt way, IIRC due to regular use by motor vehicles the council couldn't simply shut it down?

[Woodman]

Good work WW.

[NordieBoy]

Was chatting to a client and about 35 years ago he found a locked gate at the summit. He went back later and cut the lock off. The gate was put there by the mayor of the time (privately - not officially) and he took the cutter to court for destruction of private property. The mayor lost. I need to find the ruling and see what the wording was...

[cooneyr]

Are you thinking of the one somewhere Wellington/Hutt way, IIRC due to regular use by motor vehicles the council couldn't simply shut it down?

I suspect the Well/Hutt one you refer to was the paper road through transmission gully that Transit at the time wanted to stop for the new highway. Was argued that nobody could drive the route and the 4wd guys said like hell let us at it.

Slightly different in that there was a legal road reserve. Not sure what the final outcome is but I think the highway route has been altered for this and other reasons.

Cheers R

[warewolf]

I suspect the Well/Hutt one you refer to was the paper road through transmission gullyThat's not what I remember, but I could be mis-remembering.

There was a paper road used as a 4wd recreation area, then the subdivision plan included the council selling the land the road was on to the developer. The courts ruled that an unimproved road in use couldn't be removed any more than a motorway. The critical point in the ruling was that the road was in regular use.

[cooneyr]

That's not what I remember, but I could be mis-remembering.

There was a paper road used as a 4wd recreation area, then the subdivision plan included the council selling the land the road was on to the developer. The courts ruled that an unimproved road in use couldn't be removed any more than a motorway. The critical point in the ruling was that the road was in regular use.

Still a paper road through. IIRC the Mangatapu is not a paper road but rather a customary track/route across land that is now council reserve. Quite probably the original route is now under the lake.

[NordieBoy]

No references online :(

As far as I know, most of the track from near the dam head to the other end is still pretty much as it was laid out in 1860.

[Howie]

Are you thinking of the one somewhere Wellington/Hutt way, IIRC due to regular use by motor vehicles the council couldn't simply shut it down?

The road you are thinking of in the Hutt valley is Johnsons road, which is a paper road, there used to be a write up about it on the paper road societys web site, but I can't seem to find it now. the only link I could find was this one on Andy cockroft's site (north island 4wd book fame), Here ( http://www.andic.co.nz/decision.htm ) and Here ( http://andic.co.nz/id21.htm )

[Eddieb]

The road you are thinking of in the Hutt valley is Johnsons road, which is a paper road, there used to be a write up about it on the paper road societys web site, but I can't seem to find it now. the only link I could find was this one on Andy cockroft's site (north island 4wd book fame), Here ( http://www.andic.co.nz/decision.htm ) and Here ( http://andic.co.nz/id21.htm )


Hmm, ever ridden it Howie?

Any interest in having a look?

[Howie]

Hmm, ever ridden it Howie?

Any interest in having a look?

Nope Eddie can't say that I have, I'm not sure what the access arrangements are, I seem to remember it being under attack for closure again recently. It's the road that has the Short Straw cafe on it in Whitemans valley.

[NordieBoy]

Got a couple of Nelson Evening Mail articles from Feb 1970 about the closing of the track to the motorised public.

Narrows the search down a bit...

[CrazyFrog]

Righto, just got off the phone with the Maitai Caretaker, Trevor. He's the one doing the repairs on the Track, and also fencing Linton Hill.

The track is closed for 12 months while they fix & stabilize the road, he reiterated they don't want anyone in there. However, he does not have a problem with motorcycles as they don't damage the road! There is a makeshift bypass around the western gate near his cottage; he said it is steep on the bank but if we have difficulty with it, pop up to the house and see him, he will unlock the gate. We should be able to drag bikes under the cable at the eastern end (the summit).

So... the Maungatapu is open for bikes :clap:

He puts the bulk of the trouble-makers in the "young guys with cheap 4wds" category - making new tracks, felling native trees & saplings, ripping up the track.

Linton Hill update; he's been busy there putting in new gates and fences. I did a recce there on the weekend. The single-track going directly up the spur to the power pylon will be cut off by a fence. There is a new gate at the Maitai Rd, and another across the track at the bottom of the climb. Both gates have spring-loaded pedestrian/motorcycle gates on the side of the main locked gates. They don't want to stop motorcycles getting in to Hira Forest, but they know ppl do leave gates open, so have put auto-closers on them. Do these guys rock or what? :Punk: The NCC boundary is the firebreak and the track, so the pines uphill from the track are Hancock forests... I think. Doesn't matter much, I s'pose.


I took your words of advice WW, and went up for a look yesterday.
Spoke to the bloke doing the fencing and he was really helpful about the swing gate for motorbike access and said if it needed any modificatiuons, to let him know. The spring seems a little light, but seems to work okay. They're mainly fencing Linton hill for stock grazing now, so if anyone is heading up there of next month or two, please treat sheep/new lambs with a little decency, and take it quietly. There was some new lambs in there so I turned and headed straight back out. Plenty of time for riding up there later.
Beware, the old "single track" at the entry to Linton Hill has now been fenced over at the lower pylon near the crest of the hill, and could be easy to run into if light isn't right...ie sunstrike etc. Use the 4wd track on the right, where there is a second bike-only swing-gate.

Also spoke to Maitai caretaker and went for a quiet look up the Mangatapu. The diversion around the locked gate is easy enough to get down, and with a little throttle, I got back up it again okay, but heavier bikes with low tyre tread may struggle as it is a short greasy bank to get up.
The Manga track is a bit like a highway now, the track has been well graded smooth, all the water ruts are gone, but they've added some nice waterbar channels to aid runoff, which hit at speed will launch the bike quite nicely:Punk: There is still some mud in the usual places and a couple of big beech trees down over the track halfway up, so still some work to do in there yet. Can't say what the Pelorus end is like, can't imagine it will have changed much.

[CrazyFrog]

Righto, just got off the phone with the Maitai Caretaker, Trevor. He's the one doing the repairs on the Track, and also fencing Linton Hill.

The track is closed for 12 months while they fix & stabilize the road, he reiterated they don't want anyone in there. However, he does not have a problem with motorcycles as they don't damage the road! There is a makeshift bypass around the western gate near his cottage; he said it is steep on the bank but if we have difficulty with it, pop up to the house and see him, he will unlock the gate. We should be able to drag bikes under the cable at the eastern end (the summit).

So... the Maungatapu is open for bikes :clap:

He puts the bulk of the trouble-makers in the "young guys with cheap 4wds" category - making new tracks, felling native trees & saplings, ripping up the track.

Linton Hill update; he's been busy there putting in new gates and fences. I did a recce there on the weekend. The single-track going directly up the spur to the power pylon will be cut off by a fence. There is a new gate at the Maitai Rd, and another across the track at the bottom of the climb. Both gates have spring-loaded pedestrian/motorcycle gates on the side of the main locked gates. They don't want to stop motorcycles getting in to Hira Forest, but they know ppl do leave gates open, so have put auto-closers on them. Do these guys rock or what? :Punk: The NCC boundary is the firebreak and the track, so the pines uphill from the track are Hancock forests... I think. Doesn't matter much, I s'pose.


I took your words of advice WW, and went up for a look yesterday.
Spoke to the bloke doing the fencing and he was really helpful about the swing gate for motorbike access and said if it needed any modificatiuons, to let him know. The spring seems a little light, but seems to work okay. They're mainly fencing Linton hill for stock grazing now, so if anyone is heading up there of next month or two, please treat sheep/new lambs with a little decency, and take it quietly. There was some new lambs in there so I turned and headed straight back out. Plenty of time for riding up there later.

Also spoke to Maitai caretaker and went for a quiet look up the Mangatapu. The diversion around the locked gate is easy enough to get down, and with a little throttle, I got back up it again okay, but heavier bikes with low tyre tread may struggle as it is a short greasy bank to get up.
The Manga track is a bit like a highway now, the track has been well graded smooth, all the water ruts are gone, but they've added some nice waterbar channels to aid runoff, which hit at speed will launch the bike quite nicely:Punk: There is still some mud in the usual places and a couple of big beech trees down over the track halfway up, so still some work to do in there yet. Can't say what the Pelorus end is like, can't imagine it will have changed much.

[NordieBoy]

Someone has been busy with a bullbar or winch :angry:
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20101024%20Maungatapu/slides/20101024-150322.jpg

The end that was in the rock face.
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20101024%20Maungatapu/slides/20101024-150331.jpg

Where it was ripped from the rock...
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20101024%20Maungatapu/slides/20101024-150348.jpg

And of course...
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20101024%20Maungatapu/slides/20101024-150436.jpg

Bloody idiots. They could stuff it up for everyone.

[NordieBoy]

I have to say that whilst the Nelson side is in pretty good condition, but from the summit to Murdererers Rock is a real workout. Some deep shale, rocks, very rough :rockon::woohoo:


As I was going through a pair of Port Nelson vans passed me heading toward Nelson...

Then a couple of km later a DOC ute passed me and asked if I'd seen 2 vans :yes:

On the way back I passed one van near the end of the gravel and cruising to Pelorus.

The other van was just getting back to the house on the Maungatapu Track proper and following Mr DOC man :facepalm:
As he passed me in the rain ruts one back wheel was about 40cm in the air :corn:

They must have got up quite a way before they could even turn around.
There's no way in hell they could have got to the summit. It's proper 4WD territory at the moment.

[Kenb]

Hi Fran,

Any update on access / gates please. I'm going to be in the area before New Year and keen to ride the track.

Thanks

Ken

[NordieBoy]

Ride around the gate at the dam end no problem.
Squiggle under the wire at the summit unless you're on a bike you can't lean over 45deg. Thumpers and smaller twins no problem.

I'm tempted to take a grubber up there and put a 10cm trench in for bike wheels to make it easier.

A 690 with good DP tyres would be able to do all the side tracks unless it rained within the last 2 days and then its only the first one on the left down toward Nelson from the summit that would be unadvisable.

[barrie]

We went over the track on the GS anniversary ride in November. It was a bit sketchy on the Pelorus side but everyone got over eventually. Bit more difficult if your bike has loads of luggage on board. Half of us had Scorpion type tyres on, so grip is'nt a big problem, just keeping your momentum near the top where it gets loose and steep is the only issue.Cheers.

[NordieBoy]

We went over the track on the GS anniversary ride in November.

Was the summit wire rope up?

[barrie]

Not that I remember, We regathered at the top then just carried on through when everyone was happy. There was a gate to open at the far (nelson end), one of the organisers had the key for that and I think you could have rode around it anyway. Not sure if there is a gate at the pelorus end, there were 35 of us in a group so I am unaware if the lead guy had to open a gate to get us all through.
http://gsridersnz.blogspot.com/ There are a few photos on this site,could take a while to find the ones your after as there are 700+. Cheers

[Kenb]

Hey Guys,

I was tagging along with the GS boys as well. The wire was up at the summit but they had gotten the key from the Council to unlock it.

Cheers

Ken

[NordieBoy]

Phew wee Rangi!

The track is easier from Pelorus to Nelson but took 1 1/2 hrs at a decent adv cruise speed instead of the usual 45 mins.
I could quite easily see it taking over 2 hrs if you're a bit more cautious.

There's a slip just before murderers rock thats no problem with knobs on but on a big bike you'd need friends to push at the start and half way.
The big ditch with lots of fibre cable and tape showing should be ridden in and not around. The Marlborough side from the summit to just past murderers rock is the worst I've ever seen it.

I wouldn't go through there solo unless you're comfortable with dropping your bike on rocks.

I love it, it's a proper adventure now :D

[Woodman]

Phew wee Rangi!

The track is easier from Pelorus to Nelson but took 1 1/2 hrs at a decent adv cruise speed instead of the usual 45 mins.
I could quite easily see it taking over 2 hrs if you're a bit more cautious.

There's a slip just before murderers rock thats no problem with knobs on but on a big bike you'd need friends to push at the start and half way.
The big ditch with lots of fibre cable and tape showing should be ridden in and not around. The Marlborough side from the summit to just past murderers rock is the worst I've ever seen it.

I wouldn't go through there solo unless you're comfortable with dropping your bike on rocks.

I love it, it's a proper adventure now :D

evening cruise time me thinks??

[JATZ]

Got your txt a bit late Nordie :blink: you have to be more on the ball than that :yes:

[NordieBoy]

evening cruise time me thinks??

:yes:
Would not want to do it in the dark though.

[NordieBoy]

Got your txt a bit late Nordie :blink: you have to be more on the ball than that :yes:

So that's who txt'd :facepalm:

Meh. Forgot my licence, money, food, gorse-proof pants...

Took 10 mins at Pelorus to de-gorse the left sock and bootie.

Copped a bees arse on the lip on the way back too.

No photo though :sweatdrop

[NordieBoy]

All the fords/creek crossings are changed too.
They've all been scoured out and left with big rocks apart from the murderers rock one that is quite gravelly but wider upstream now.

[Padmei]

Aw poo I was wanting to take Schmidtty over when I got some good tyres.

I got a text from Jenny yesterday - apparently she was getting a bit sick of hearing the Dakar commentary & wanted a certain someone out of the house so she could get a bit of reading done or whatever girls do on Sunday afternoons :shutup:

Woman huh they don't understand about theimportant things in life...

[NordieBoy]

Just a bit of before and after, rain damage footage...

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MU28aA-CipE?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MU28aA-CipE?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

[Padmei]

If you had put a tarp over your bike when it rained it wouldn't have shrunk:msn-wink:

[NordieBoy]

It got a WoF today :D

Without cheating (much) either!

[NordieBoy]

The wire is back up at the summit.
The fibre optic trench is partially filled but easily rideable through.
The slip is slippery when wet.
The river over on the Pelorus side below the bridge is cutting a deeper channel right on the southern bank. The digger parked up there will probably do something about this sometime.

[NordieBoy]

Still temporarily closed...

Maungatapu Track closed to assess damage

Posted by Nelson City Council on 27 October 2009

Following the weekend tragedy along the Maungatapu Track, Council is temporarily closing the through road (Nelson-Pelorous) to all traffic to assess damage caused to the road in the rescue and recent wet weather.

Large rescue vehicles were involved in a fatal 4WD accident on the track on Saturday night and heavy rain fell both before and after the incident.

Senior Executive Technical Services, Alec Louverdis, says it's unclear how long the temporary closure will be for, but with the current wet conditions, it could be some time.

Council is erecting temporary closure signage at the entrance to the road and will advise the public when it is reopened. The Marlborough District Council has also been contacted to introduce a closure to the road from its end.

The public is asked to be patient during this temporary closure

[NordieBoy]

Still temporarily closed...

When Padmei braved the ridge beside the fibre ditch, from behind I could see crap falling into the ditch and down the bank.

I'm not going near that side again :baby:

[NordieBoy]

And further, he suggested a couple of other areas within NCC control that we could use, and will set up meetings with the caretakers in those areas. :Punk:

One of the areas is Linton Hill: it's an NCC reserve, not part of the forest. They deliberately built the gate at the bottom with a motorcycle-sized gap on one side, quote, "in order not to piss everybody off", unquote. Apparently the road across the top is in the reserve, and then some.

Interesting that this is now inside the "Action Forest Management" areas?

[NordieBoy]

IIRC the Mangatapu is not a paper road but rather a customary track/route across land that is now council reserve. Quite probably the original route is now under the lake.

Just been trolling back through the thread...

Seems that the Maungatapu and dam area were gifted to the people of Nelson and were known as the Cawthron Reserve or Cawthron Park.

[cooneyr]

Just been trolling back through the thread...

Seems that the Maungatapu and dam area were gifted to the people of Nelson and were known as the Cawthron Reserve or Cawthron Park.

So its a reserve administered but the council and hence there should be a reserve management plan? A reserve is pretty much the only way a council can hold public access land such as this.

[NordieBoy]

The track has had pretty much all the water damaged bits filled in and drainage channels (nicely done) cut everywhere.

http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-154418-0025.jpg

The buggers have removed access to the corkscrew though :facepalm:

From the bottom...
http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-135054-0013.jpg

http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-135629-0014.jpg

And the top...
http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-154814-0028.jpg

http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-154724-0026.jpg

Some 4WD's have been through and even though you can see they've been responsible, the clay bits have already suffered.

The rope is back up at the summit, but it's nice and loose.

The river is a bit low but the stream bed is even lower...
http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-152131-0018.jpg


Mmmmmm....
http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-144733-0017.jpg

[NordieBoy]

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[dino3310]

dont now whats weirder the polka brittany or me knowing its a brittany song:facepalm:

[JATZ]

The river is a bit low but the stream bed is even lower...
http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-152131-0018.jpg


Mmmmmm....
http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110731%20Maungatapu/slides/20110731-144733-0017.jpg

I coulda sworn that stream was on the other side of the bed last time I went through it :blink:

MMMMMMmmmmm PIE !!! :drool:
Bet it can't beat a Toady pie though :yes:

We just went for a pootle up the valley to Kohatu, testing out the intercom/phone/coms thingy. Kinda weird having someone yakking at you while riding

[Night Falcon]

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One of the great pastimes in motorcycling is watching other riders attempt river crossings :corn: nice shots Nordie!

[NordieBoy]

One of the great pastimes in motorcycling is watching other riders attempt river crossings :corn: nice shots Nordie!

Also cool (sometimes) seeing yourself run to the rescue...
http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20110604%20QBW%20ride/slides/west-coast-ride-2011-0003.jpg

And that's how my gore-tex boots got wet inside, right at the start of the 3-day weekend...

[NordieBoy]

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[warewolf]

Warning!

The Nelson end of the Maungatapu will be closed:

21 September 2011 to May 2012

The Council is duplicating the Maitai pipeline by laying another along the roadway. The Maitai road will be closed to traffic for the duration of construction.

So there won't be any through trips this summer; us Nelsonians will have to take the tar to Pelorus, have a latte, ride the Maungatapu to the dam reserve entrance and back to Pelorus, have another latte, then ride home again via the tar.

[pete-blen]

Warning!

The Nelson end of the Maungatapu will be closed:

21 September 2011 to May 2012

The Council is duplicating the Maitai pipeline by laying another along the roadway. The Maitai road will be closed to traffic for the duration of construction.

So there won't be any through trips this summer; us Nelsonians will have to take the tar to Pelorus, have a latte, ride the Maungatapu to the dam reserve entrance and back to Pelorus, have another latte, then ride home again via the tar.

Can't yer not go though the Hira any more to the start of the Maungatapu...
I surpose some ass hole in a office has stuffed that up aswell...
" O for the days when yer could ride almost anywhere"

[NordieBoy]

So there won't be any through trips this summer; us Nelsonians will have to take the tar to Pelorus, have a latte, ride the Maungatapu to the dam reserve entrance and back to Pelorus, have another latte, then ride home again via the tar.

Unless we talk to the caretaker and get access from the Teal Lookout above the dam down to the caretakers.
Then it could be Sharlands Rd Public Easement, Teal Lookout, Caretakers, Pelorus...

[warewolf]

Unless we talk to the caretaker and get access from the Teal Lookout above the dam down to the caretakers.
Then it could be Sharlands, Teal Lookout, Caretakers, Pelorus...Shhh! Was going to ring the Council Reserves Manager tomorrow :shutup:

[NordieBoy]

Just re-reading this from October 2009...

Police investigating Saturday's fatal vehicle accident on the Maungatapu Track will be considering factors around why the person who owned the vehicle handed a young driver the keys, Detective Sergeant Kevin Tiernan, of the Nelson police, said.

Todd Woodman, 16, died at the scene on Saturday evening after the four-wheel-drive vehicle he was driving went off the track and rolled before coming to rest in the Maitai River.

He was apparently flung from the vehicle and then pinned beneath it in the river.

Todd's 14 year-old friend, who was a passenger in the vehicle, suffered minor injuries, and a 24-year-old at the scene was injured trying to rescue Todd.

A Woodman family spokesman told The Nelson Mail on Monday that Todd was a keen driver and had been taking part in what was believed to be a harmless driving exercise on the track when "something went horribly wrong".

The spokesman said Todd had a restricted driver's licence, which the police have confirmed.

Mr Tiernan said that meant he was allowed to drive a vehicle by himself or with a fully licensed driver as a passenger, but he should not have had a young passenger with him.

Mr Tiernan said the Maungatapu Track could be considered a public road under the Land Transport Act.

"We will be speaking to people and working through an examination and considering what action might follow.

"We're well aware of the fact that the registered owner of the vehicle gave the keys willingly to a person on a restricted licence," Mr Tiernan said.

He said there was a possibility that the vehicle owner had committed a number of offences by providing the keys to the 16- year-old, and the police were "not ruling anything in or out".

Nelson 4 Wheel Drive Club president Bob Dickinson described the track as a grade-one or two track out of a maximum of five grades in difficulty.

He said it was a steep gravel track from the Nelson side to the saddle, and mainly a single-lane track.

"It's not regarded as a particularly difficult track, but you couldn't drive the family saloon up there.

"It's a well-used, popular track and is a legal road," Mr Dickinson said.

A mechanical inspection of the vehicle Todd was driving should help give police a clearer picture of what went wrong, Tasman district specialist crash investigator Constable Simon Burbery said yesterday.

The Nelson City Council has temporarily closed the Maungatapu Track from Nelson to Pelorus to all traffic, in order to assess damage caused to the road during Saturday's rescue and by the recent wet weather, council technical services senior executive Alec Louverdis said.

He said it was unclear how long the temporary closure would be in place but with the wet conditions, it "could be some time".

The Marlborough District Council has been asked to close the road from the Pelorus end.

"The public is asked to be patient during this temporary closure," Mr Louverdis said.


Mr Tiernan said the Maungatapu Track could be considered a public road under the Land Transport Act.
Hmmm...
"public road" in so far as the public have access and therefore road rules have to be obeyed.

"It's a well-used, popular track and is a legal road," Mr Dickinson said.
Debatable in the sense of "legal"...

He said it was unclear how long the temporary closure would be in place but with the wet conditions, it "could be some time".
Some time?

The Marlborough District Council has been asked to close the road from the Pelorus end.
And what was their response?
:D

[Woodman]

Its only closed to cars . Motorcycles don't count.

[MXNUT]

Its only closed to cars . Motorcycles don't count.

I like that mans way of thinking :yes:







I mostly have a similar line of thought. eg... the road is only closed if you cant make another track around the barriers :facepalm:

[pete-blen]

Its only closed to cars . Motorcycles don't count.


If ony the cops thought that way...I'm :innocent:

[warewolf]

If ony the cops thought that way...I'm :innocent:Cops not involved. It's a private road, the council is tired of the 4wds ripping it up, and understand bikes don't do the damage. They have gone out of their to enable bikes to continue using it, and other reserves like Linton Hill.

[Kenb]

Hi Fran,

We hope to be passing through Nelson between Christmas and New Year. Can you update the access issues and track conditions please.

Thanks

Ken

[NordieBoy]

From the Nelson end, you've got to go in via Sharlands Creek up to the Teal Lookout over the dam and then down to the caretakers as the Maitai Rd is gated off at Smiths Ford bridge.

[Padmei]

I would suggest if anyone is wanting to ride the Maungatapu but are now unsure of how to get there from Nelson they post up here or in the Nelson rideouts thread & someone could volunteer to guide them thru the forest roads around the closed portion of the Maitai road.

There is always a toll tho.
Mondays to Fridays chocolate fish, Weekends licorice allsorts

[NordieBoy]

And Linton Hill is normally part of the ride : D

[Kenb]

Thanks Guys,

We are a group of four from Christchurch starting our ride on Boxing Day. Our "plan" (subject to all the usual weather, bike issues, ...) is to go through the Maungatapu from the Nelson side on Saturday 31 Dec. It would be great to have some help to at least get us to the Caretakers place.

If there is a volunteer, would they please PM me with a phone contact.

Cheers,

Ken

[NordieBoy]

The track hasn't deteriorated since sunday...

Just been up to check it out tonight...

[nigele]

Awesome track, I wrote my GS1150 off on it last November...some gnarly bits on the skeet but huge amount of fun. My off was lack of experience and not so much the track but still rider beware...or be aware!!

[Kenb]

"I would suggest if anyone is wanting to ride the Maungatapu but are now unsure of how to get there from Nelson they post up here or in the Nelson rideouts thread & someone could volunteer to guide them thru the forest roads around the closed portion of the Maitai road."


Hi Fran,

I missed catching up with you at the DB1K but had a good chat with Craig.

Grant and I are going to try to finish off our Boxing Day ride this weekend, going up the Rainbow, Porika / Braeburn and then pointing ourselves to Mapua via bits and pieces. On Sunday we'd like to get over the Maungatapu and then Taylors Pass / Molesworth for home.

Are you around and available to lead us around the Maitai closure on Sunday? If not, can you maybe suggest someone else to contact?

Thanks

Ken

[Padmei]

"I would suggest if anyone is wanting to ride the Maungatapu but are now unsure of how to get there from Nelson they post up here or in the Nelson rideouts thread & someone could volunteer to guide them thru the forest roads around the closed portion of the Maitai road."


Hi Fran,

I missed catching up with you at the DB1K but had a good chat with Craig.

Grant and I are going to try to finish off our Boxing Day ride this weekend, going up the Rainbow, Porika / Braeburn and then pointing ourselves to Mapua via bits and pieces. On Sunday we'd like to get over the Maungatapu and then Taylors Pass / Molesworth for home.

Are you around and available to lead us around the Maitai closure on Sunday? If not, can you maybe suggest someone else to contact?

Thanks

Ken

Unfortuantely I will be over port Underwood for the weekend so it may be up to Nordie or another NAD.
BTW you realise weekends are licorice allsorts

[NordieBoy]

Are you around and available to lead us around the Maitai closure on Sunday? If not, can you maybe suggest someone else to contact?

Should be no problem.

The cool thing about the ride to the start of the Maungatapu is it can be as easy or gnarly as you want :devil2:

[NordieBoy]

Nearly 2 1/2 years of "temporary closure" now...


Maungatapu Track closed to assess damage

Posted by Nelson City Council on 27 October 2009

Following the weekend tragedy along the Maungatapu Track, Council is temporarily closing the through road (Nelson-Pelorous) to all traffic to assess damage caused to the road in the rescue and recent wet weather.

Large rescue vehicles were involved in a fatal 4WD accident on the track on Saturday night and heavy rain fell both before and after the incident.

Senior Executive Technical Services, Alec Louverdis, says it's unclear how long the temporary closure will be for, but with the current wet conditions, it could be some time.

Council is erecting temporary closure signage at the entrance to the road and will advise the public when it is reopened. The Marlborough District Council has also been contacted to introduce a closure to the road from its end.

The public is asked to be patient during this temporary closure

[Kenb]

Should be no problem.

The cool thing about the ride to the start of the Maungatapu is it can be as easy or gnarly as you want :devil2:


Thanks Fran and I got your PM

[Padmei]

If you're going up Hurricane Hill its pretty slippery up the top by the ruts. I had to have a few attempts to summit it.

[NordieBoy]

If you're going up Hurricane Hill its pretty slippery up the top by the ruts. I had to have a few attempts to summit it.

:shutup:

Oh damn. Hurricane Hill is the only way in too.

Oh well, I'll have the camera going...

:shifty:

[NordieBoy]

Got my forestry permit (for both bikes) today and mentioned I wanted to take a foreigner through and she said she'd note it on the permit and all would be sweet.

[Kenb]

Should be no problem.

The cool thing about the ride to the start of the Maungatapu is it can be as easy or gnarly as you want :devil2:

Big thanks for the hospitality and guide service. The track is in great shape and we really enjoyed the ride.

Ken

[NordieBoy]

If you're going up Hurricane Hill its pretty slippery up the top by the ruts. I had to have a few attempts to summit it.

Have you had a go at the bypass to the left?
Quite cool in its own right.

[NordieBoy]

Big thanks for the hospitality and guide service. The track is in great shape and we really enjoyed the ride.

Ken

Was good fun. Getting a bit travel sick trying to edit the footage from the back facing camera though.
It normally takes about 30min from home to the summit just cruising. It took us 55mins, so I would say the Hira section adds about 20min.

I went back via the Rai and turned back into the forest at the Wangamoa Saddle. Rode forever in the rain. Was cool doing the whole track I took you through, reversed in the rain.

I've got to remember to put my phone in a plastic bag no matter what the weather looks like.

Found one stopped up creek that's going to burst like a lahar across the track in the next good rain. The silt and logging crap build up is right on the side of the road.

[Willdat?]

Seems as good a place as any to ask...Can you get through to Pelorus over the Maungatapu yet? Riding the RMX to Kaikoura in a few weeks so figure it might be good to do some off road stuff seeing as I can't go through the Rainbow :(

[CrazyFrog]

Seems as good a place as any to ask...Can you get through to Pelorus over the Maungatapu yet? Riding the RMX to Kaikoura in a few weeks so figure it might be good to do some off road stuff seeing as I can't go through the Rainbow :(

Technically, YES, you can. It is officially closed to traffic, but the caretaker is bike friendly, so has no issues with bikes going up there. You just have to know the alternative route via Central Rd and Teal Saddle, rather than the usual Maitai Rd which is closed due pipeline works.
The wire rope is still in place at the summit, easy enough to lift it and wheel your bike under it. No worries on the Pelorus side.

[Willdat?]

Technically, YES, you can. It is officially closed to traffic, but the caretaker is bike friendly, so has no issues with bikes going up there. You just have to know the alternative route via Central Rd and Teal Saddle, rather than the usual Maitai Rd which is closed due pipeline works.
The wire rope is still in place at the summit, easy enough to lift it and wheel your bike under it. No worries on the Pelorus side.

Oh yeah, I had forgotten about the Maitai being closed, seeing as I did Coppermine a month or so ago you'd think I would have remembered that :facepalm: Hmmmm so technically I'd need a pass into Hira?

http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/assets/Leisure/Downloads/central-and-teal.pdf

[NordieBoy]

Riding the RMX to Kaikoura in a few weeks.
I know it's only a 50 but it shouldn't take that long. A couple of days at most...


:shifty:

[CrazyFrog]

Oh yeah, I had forgotten about the Maitai being closed, seeing as I did Coppermine a month or so ago you'd think I would have remembered that :facepalm: Hmmmm so technically I'd need a pass into Hira?

http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/assets/Leisure/Downloads/central-and-teal.pdf

Hmmmm, maybe, but I think Central Rd is part of the public easement access to top to Whangamoas. Nordie will know.
I've always ridden without hassle but it might pay to keep an eye out for security vehicles and have an escape route planned...... :devil2:

[Willdat?]

I know it's only a 50 but it shouldn't take that long. A couple of days at most...


:shifty:

Smart ass! My main concern is the registered as a moped thing cruising at 85km/h...



I've always ridden without hassle but it might pay to keep an eye out for security vehicles and have an escape route planned...... :devil2:

Downhill, always downhill! :innocent:

[NordieBoy]

Yep. Public Easement all the way from the carpark to the lookout above the dam.

[Kenb]

Hi Fran

With many of us now getting our summer riding plans sorted would you please update on track access, condition, availability of friendly local guides, etc

Thanks

Ken

[NordieBoy]

At the moment, the access is through Sharlands Creek at the Nelson end which is closed from 6pm-6pm weekdays...
The track is in good condition that a BMW, 2up with road tyres would be able to cope with.


They've added another gate 200 odd metres from the start of the Central Rd Public Easement.
274423

This is going to be interesting as the permits run out this month and last daylight saving period, we could get in there 6pm to 9pm weekdays too.
That cost $120 pa and if we can't get in there week days... That's... carry the 4, divide by 7, multiply by 1.15, subtract the bikes cc rating...

2,444 hrs per year, not counting public holidays...

Reduces to...

1,664 hrs for probably the same price...

I've got a copy of the Crown Forestry Licence coming just to be nosey :D

[JATZ]

When does the Maitai rd re-open ? Any idea :scratch:

[NordieBoy]

When does the Maitai rd re-open ? Any idea :scratch:

July/August methinks?

[Kenb]

Thanks Fran

Grant and I are planning to go deep south this year with our post-Christmas ride, but if we get chased back north by the weather we'll get in contact.

Otherwise, see you at the Dusty Butt

Ken

[NordieBoy]

Thanks Fran

Grant and I are planning to go deep south this year with our post-Christmas ride, but if we get chased back north by the weather we'll get in contact.

Otherwise, see you at the Dusty Butt

Ken

No DB for me, still recovering from falling off so many times on the last one.

[NordieBoy]

The Maitai Rd is now open!
You can head over to Pelorus for a coffee any day of the week again!

[Underground]

awesome, I might start using that route again.
Is there still a wire across the road at the top?

[Padmei]

I'd say so, the road closure was just for the water pipeline work. The maungatapu is still 'officially closed' as far as I know.

Might have to have a looksie sometime tho.

[NordieBoy]

Still got the wire but it seems slacker. May have stretched...

[Padmei]

Just got back from a quick trip over the Maunga. Still rocky, a few thin head high branches coming across and as before an excellent ride. As nordie says the wire is still there & bit of a trick getting the bike under but certainly doable.:sunny:

[Kenb]

Went over from the Nelson side with Phil on our 690s last week.

Big thanks to the NADS for keeping the track in such good shape, and the new drainage jumps are a nice feature.

I know that for you locals its "just the Maungatapu" but it really is a great bit of twin track and a must for visitors to the area.


we also came up the Porika Track from the lake side and that too is in better shape than I've ever seen it.

[NordieBoy]

I know that for you locals its "just the Maungatapu" but it really is a great bit of twin track and a must for visitors to the area.

Never "Just"...

6:24am at the summit on the first Dusty Butt 1000.
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20070310%20Dusty%20Butt%201000%20Part%201/slides/20070310-062456.jpg>

<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20090828%20Maungatapu/slides/20090828-155331.jpg>

ZeRax
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20100103%20Maungatapu/slides/20100103-124002-0022.jpg>

ZeRax again...
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20080809%20Maungatapu/slides/20080809-113550-000021.jpg>
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20080809%20Maungatapu/slides/20080809-121942-000032.jpg>

FluffyCat
<img width=640 src=http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/Trips/20100109%20Maungatapu-Hori%20Bay-Central%20Rd/slides/20100109-130748.jpg>

[Underground]

After my dentist appointments yesterday I was in need of some 'Maungatapu therapy' so I took that route home late in the evening, and that track is in awesome condition :yes:

[Padmei]

Went & checked out the Maungatapu yesterday. The bank bypassing the gate at the Maitai end has been undercut. it has been semi filled back in & would be ok for smaller bikes climbing out of it but wouldn't advise bigger bikes riding solo to try as it is a lil vertical in the middle.
I prob could get Schmidt up there but wasn't going to risk it solo.

[NordieBoy]

Went & checked out the Maungatapu yesterday. The bank bypassing the gate at the Maitai end has been undercut. it has been semi filled back in & would be ok for smaller bikes climbing out of it but wouldn't advise bigger bikes riding solo to try as it is a lil vertical in the middle.
I prob could get Schmidt up there but wasn't going to risk it solo.

I think you can get around the end of the gate too.

[NordieBoy]

Nearly 2 1/2 years of "temporary closure" now...8 years of "Temporary closure" now...

[pete-blen]

8 years of "Temporary closure" now...

Look..... a newby......:lol:





..

[NordieBoy]

Look..... a newby......[emoji38]





..Still looking for that tyre changing thingy you were bringing over...

[pete-blen]

Still looking for that tyre changing thingy you were bringing over...


Hira.. in the Hira... well if you had waited 10 mins longer....:baby:

anyways I can't see yer need it now... tyres have prob rooted off the rims by now..





..

[NordieBoy]

Hira.. in the Hira... well if you had waited 10 mins longer....:baby:

anyways I can't see yer need it now... tyres have prob rooted off the rims by now..





..The front tyre is almost ready to hand to Padmei for another 10,000km.

[NordieBoy]

Word is the gate that NT put in at the top of the road from the caretakers to the Teal Lookout is actually on Council land and Trev didn't know it was going in and isn't happy about it.