State Highway 43

[Tracken]

I am riding to New Plymouth with my son over the long weekend and would appreciate some advice on State Highway 43 as an alternative route back to Auckland, is it sealed, if it is raining is it worth the effort.

[dogsnbikes]

We went thru there a week ago,the road condition was good there is approx 13k of gravel,if its raining I wouldn't bother if its your first time as the saddles can be very greasy,just watch out for the normal outback hazards stock on the road,people on horse's,cow shit,tractor's and mud etc

if its dry its well worth the trip and one you would want to do again

[Gone Burger]

I am riding to New Plymouth with my son over the long weekend and would appreciate some advice on State Highway 43 as an alternative route back to Auckland, is it sealed, if it is raining is it worth the effort.

Hi there - FANTASTIC road this, the favorite one for me that I have some across. But I have only done it once, so hopefully some others who know it far better give you their opinions.

There is a section of gravel road through there. The sign says 13km but it was only 11km once I had gotten through it. Some spectacular scenery and I'm desperate to get back that way. It might be a concern in the wet however, many tight corners on slopes. But if that doesn't concern you I would say its well worth the trip.

150km between gas stations. Some good spots to stop and take a break. And of course there is the whangamomona pub.

Hopefully some others give you further opinions on this, but I would not hesitate in heading through there again (unless I still had my 250 with the tiny fuel tank! ;))

[slofox]

From the look of google maps, there may be some unsealed sections...

[banditrider]

From the look of google maps, there may be some unsealed sections...

Just the one section but it is generally in very good condition. This is a great piece of road that every bike rider should experience. Agree with Dogs about the saddles being greasy when wet - the road is well worn in places. And do watch out for the usual back country hazards.

[banditrider]

From the look of google maps, there may be some unsealed sections...

Just the one section but it is generally in very good condition. This is a great piece of road that every bike rider should experience. Agree with Dogs about the saddles being greasy when wet - the road is well worn in places. And do watch out for the usual back country hazards.

http://www.metzelermaps.com/mtrail/TripDescription.do?idTrip=110

[duckonin]

rode 43 last Saturday arvo or part of it heading from Taumaranui to Ohura this part had a lot of diesel on corners and heaps of the green stuff in the shade take care on this part if it is wet...

[cowboyz]

i used to like it! ................

[shafty]

i used to like it! ................

There there Cowboyz.....lick those wounds lol

[cowboyz]

it really is a fantastic road!

[Movistar]

I am riding to New Plymouth with my son over the long weekend and would appreciate some advice on State Highway 43 as an alternative route back to Auckland, is it sealed, if it is raining is it worth the effort.

What day are you heading back?

Been a while since I was out there last, well a few weeks anyway - might be able to tag along for part of it with you...

With all the rain that's been around it could be interesting...but always fun and challenging!

[Tracken]

What day are you heading back?

Been a while since I was out there last, well a few weeks anyway - might be able to tag along for part of it with you...

With all the rain that's been around it could be interesting...but always fun and challenging!

Hi mate, sorry, didnot getg b ack to you. As iut was, the e\weather was appauling and even Statehighway 3 was covered in fallen trees and slips when we rode back on Monday morning. Thought it wise to avoid 43 but really enjoyed the road from Waitomo to New Plymouth on Saturday morning.

[Tracken]

Thanks for all the replies. The weather was appauling on Monday morning when we left so I decided to give 43 a miss. Next time probably. Even State Highway 3 was littered with fallen trees, slips and heaps of diesel on the road but got through safely. Loved the ride from Waitomo to New Plymouth, what a fantasic bit of road.