My trip plan: Auckland to Cape Palliser 17-26 March (including the RRRR)

[.chris]

Hey guys, this is my rough plan for my trip.
Pretty low km days by design, will be looking for plenty of good rivers for swimming along the way as I expect the weather to be nice and hot.

What I am after is a bit of community input into my plans, I do not know this area of NZ very well and these locations/routes are just from what I have done/remember others talking about.
Any suggestions for better spots/routes/POI's would be much appreciated.
Also if anyone is keen to join me for any portion/destination/guided tour of your local spots that would also be appreciated.
My preference is for backwoods camping, the more remote the better. I love camping beside rivers. 22nd/23rd are still entirely open, not sure what to do, but figure there i something to do around that region.

Oh that reminds me, there have been a few photos of people getting down onto the beach at the bottom of the north island somewhere, some tight rock V formation access (for some reason hells gate rings a bell?), always wanted to check that out. Any idea where that is/what I am talking about?


day1 18th
Auckland to Minginui (Whiniraki riverside camp site).
POI/Detours: Leslie Road

day2 19th
Minginui to Mangatutu Hot Springs, Kaweka Forest via Waikeremoana
POI/Detours:Aniwaniwa Road/Stream, Waihi Rd

day 3 20th
Kaweka Forest to Kiriwhakapapa Camp site, Masterton (Tararua Forest Park)

day 4 21st
Masterton to Sutherlands Hut then Cape Paliser/Putangirua Pinnacles campsite
Or stay at Sutherlands hut? Is that even an option?

day 5 22nd
????????

day 6 23rd
???????? - Piripiri campsite (near Woodville for start of RRRR).

day 6 24th
RRRR day 1

day 7 25th
RRRR day 2 - back to Kaweka Forest or wherever group ends up?

day 8/9 26/27th
back to Auckland, probably an overnight camp somewhere on the way home (Minginui/Pueroa Forest maybe?)

[Eddieb]

Sutherlands Hut is possible, it's very basic and runs on the DOC ticketing system for a bed

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/backcountry-huts-by-region/wairarapa/wairarapa/sutherlands-hut/

Interestingly, according to this site: http://www.tramper.co.nz/?5531 access is also possible from the pinnacles carpark with permission. I wonder where that goes.

[bart]

Never heard of Piripiri campsite, however there is an area (and road) called Piripiri just north of Dannevirke.

I could offer you a bed and a beer on the Friday if you want anyway. The beer fridge is always full....

[.chris]

Never heard of Piripiri campsite, however there is an area (and road) called Piripiri just north of Dannevirke.

I could offer you a bed and a beer on the Friday if you want anyway. The beer fridge is always full....

Apparnetly it is just past Takapari Road.
But your place with beer sounds pretty good to me. Offer appreciated and accepted :)

[GSers]

Sutherlands Hut is possible, it's very basic and runs on the DOC ticketing system for a bed

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/backcountry-huts-by-region/wairarapa/wairarapa/sutherlands-hut/

Interestingly, according to this site: http://www.tramper.co.nz/?5531 access is also possible from the pinnacles carpark with permission. I wonder where that goes.

C-Nut hill of course. I think it could take a while to get from the pinnacles through to Sutherlands by foot.
GSers

[.chris]

C-Nut hill of course. I think it could take a while to get from the pinnacles through to Sutherlands by foot.
GSers

Not sure if I like the idea of going down or even up Cnut hill with full luggage. Might be more a in-out trip to Sutherlands hut, but interesting to know you can get in from the other side (thanks Eddie), might be worth a ride up just to see how it pans out.

[bart]

Apparnetly it is just past Takapari Road.
But your place with beer sounds pretty good to me. Offer appreciated and accepted :)

I didn't say it was good beer...

I just thought by then you might need to run a spanner over that high maintenance hussy of yours :shutup:

[Eddieb]

C-Nut hill of course. I think it could take a while to get from the pinnacles through to Sutherlands by foot.
GSers

I thought CNUT was on the opposite side of the valley

[Box'a'bits]

I thought CNUT was on the opposite side of the valley
Nope, Cnut links Sutherlands to the Pinnacles. Chris, think of the Kudos if you could make it with luggage where all the Wellington guys have (mostly) failed. :Punk:

Hells Gate is at Red Rocks, on the South Coast of Wellington. Can't ride it on a Sunday. Its a shortish there & back ride, a bit similar to Ocean Beach.

If you've time, you should get MarkS or Andy Mac to give you a guided tour of the Maungatooks. 'O' for awesome in there.

[.chris]

I didn't say it was good beer...

I just thought by then you might need to run a spanner over that high maintenance hussy of yours :shutup:

Nah I am leaving her at home, just me and the 690 this time :P

[.chris]

Nope, Cnut links Sutherlands to the Pinnacles. Chris, think of the Kudos if you could make it with luggage where all the Wellington guys have (mostly) failed. :Punk:

Hells Gate is at Red Rocks, on the South Coast of Wellington. Can't ride it on a Sunday. Its a shortish there & back ride, a bit similar to Ocean Beach.

If you've time, you should get MarkS or Andy Mac to give you a guided tour of the Maungatooks. 'O' for awesome in there.

I have already seen Cnut hill from the bottom, it seemed quite scary, I would hate to imagine an attempt with luggage. I do think I would prefer to go up it than down.

I guess the problem is I am tripping around the place mid-week, getting pepole to join me might be tough.
On that note I do enjoy riding solo. But with things like Cnut hill, I would be unlikely to have a crack at her if I was there solo.

[.chris]

My plan remains pretty much unchanged (other than the 23rd evening at Bart's luxury accommodation with free beer).

Now all I need to do is work every waking moment untill I go. :crybaby:
And find all the gear I need to take, then workout exactly which parts of that gear I need to take/can fit in.

[pomgolian]

Hey Chris still planning on catching up somewhere along the route, Bart you got room for one more ?

Paul

[pomgolian]

Anyone know if the road joining the Taupo road to Minganui has had the wash out repaired yet or is it down the river bed still ?:banana:

[bart]

Hey Chris still planning on catching up somewhere along the route, Bart you got room for one more ?

Paul

Nope, unless you want to top and tail with Chris....or take the couch.


Anyone know if the road joining the Taupo road to Minganui has had the wash out repaired yet or is it down the river bed still ?:banana:

River bed is pretty easy on a DR.

[pomgolian]

Top & tail errrrr NO couch or will pitch tent somewhere, i did the river bed route last time just wondered if it was repaired as the river can change quickly.

[clint640]

Hi Mate, if you want to use the bed in the shed at my place on the way back you are welcome, just prepare for us being a bit disorganised as we will have just got back from a few weeks away. See you at the RRRR.

Cheers
Clint

[.chris]

Hi Mate, if you want to use the bed in the shed at my place on the way back you are welcome, just prepare for us being a bit disorganised as we will have just got back from a few weeks away. See you at the RRRR.

Cheers
Clint

Hey Clint, that would be great if I could stay on the sun evening.

[.chris]

Anyone know if you can get from Ocean Beach around the point to Wainuiamata?

Looks like some fun braided river beds running down there, might be worth a look at the river levels to see if any are worth heading up. The big one Orongorongo river looks like it goes quite deep into the valley.

[Box'a'bits]

Anyone know if you can get from Ocean Beach around the point to Wainuiamata?

Looks like some fun braided river beds running down there, might be worth a look at the river levels to see if any are worth heading up. The big one Orongorongo river looks like it goes quite deep into the valley.
My understanding is that you used to be able to, with permission from the owners of the three stations that front that. But they aren't keen on that now (because of @#?!s that caused damage).

[.chris]

My understanding is that you used to be able to, with permission from the owners of the three stations that front that. But they aren't keen on that now (because of @#?!s that caused damage).

Bugger, might have to go the long-way-round to get there, it does look like a interesting valley (Orongorongo River one), has anyone been up it? Looks from google maps you could probably get about 20km up the valley.

[Box'a'bits]

Bugger, might have to go the long-way-round to get there, it does look like a interesting valley (Orongorongo River one), has anyone been up it? Looks from google maps you could probably get about 20km up the valley.
Sorry to disappoint again, but that's DoC land. We took a ride up there in error (we were supposed to be following a different track over the river) when Paladin broke his back - and had a run in with the Ranger, who was not best pleased to see us on bikes. Good walking / tramping up there though.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-va46NvbbCG4/T12diNpaa4I/AAAAAAAAK2Y/0lf1x5HDngw/s800/DSC00634.JPG https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HiwkSQW-bPI/T12fYSJhBII/AAAAAAAAK5Y/5ujClxCTcTs/s800/Orongorongo.jpg

Photo is Pampera heading back out to the coast, & the track log of where we went with the Orongorongo Station consent (Joe arranged this)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dvzQ2M0Fccc/T12efXl6zTI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/GtpGwB4E4c4/s800/DSC00638.JPG

And someone else, just for amusement value...

[.chris]

Sorry to disappoint again, but that's DoC land. We took a ride up there in error (we were supposed to be following a different track over the river) when Paladin broke his back - and had a run in with the Ranger, who was not best pleased to see us on bikes. Good walking / tramping up there though.

And someone else, just for amusement value...

That is a shame, looks like it would be some fun up there. What goes the law around using the riverbed for access rather than the tracks? I guess its all DOC land, so a no-go. Real shame.

But almost seems worth it to see a pic of Eddie falling off.

Thanks for the info Box'a

[andy mac]

I can guide you thru the Maungatuks on Thursday 22nd, if that fits your schedule.

[.chris]

I can guide you thru the Maungatuks on Thursday 22nd, if that fits your schedule.

Absolutely, that would be great. Name and the place and time and I can be there.

Should I invest in a new backtire for this (I currently have a 80% worn E07)?
I have seen photos from MarkS ADVr thread.

[.chris]

Since the Orongorongo River is a bust I was looking at other ride options around that region, and I have done the track to Sutherlands Hut, I hear mention of getting to the top of Cnut hill from the South, does anyone have any information about how to link that up? I don't think I shall be going up or down Cnut hill but might be nice to ride in from the South and check out that end of the track.

Have made a few mods to my route.

Day 1 -17th, AK to Minginui
Day 2 - 18th, Minginui to Mangatutu
Day 3 - 19th, probably go to Piripiri Campsite and a quick duck up Takapari Road.
Day 4 - 20th, from Piripiri to Cape Palliser.
Day 5 - 21st, Cape Palliser/Lighthouse - ??? Otaki maybe.
Day 6 - 22nd, Mungatooks with AndyMac - ??
Day 7 - 23rd, ?? to Dannivirke
Day 8 - 24th, RRRR
Day 9 - 25th, RRRR & up to Clints at Rotoiti
Day 10 - 26th, Rotoiti to AK.

[junkmanjoe]

[QUOTE=.chris;1130281401] I hear mention of getting to the top of Cnut hill from the South, does anyone have any information about how to link that up? I don't think I shall be going up or down Cnut hill but might be nice to ride in from the South and check out that end of the track.

hi there Chris.

its on the Palliser road, at the DOC station, but all you find is locked gate. DOC have closed it up because two DOC workers died on Cnut hill while ago, and its a real ass to get a key. ive tried many times.
MX Nut and I found a way around the locked gate through the bush, wasn't pretty but we got in there. unless you know where your going or what to look for you can get lost in there or take a wrong turn...

JMJ

[pomgolian]

Hi Chris plan is to head to Minganui Sunday afternoon so will be there about 5 ish guess you will have the fire going by then ? if it all turns to shit will be there Monday early but most likely Sunday.

Mangatuks now i know where it is

[.chris]

[QUOTE=.chris;1130281401] I hear mention of getting to the top of Cnut hill from the South, does anyone have any information about how to link that up? I don't think I shall be going up or down Cnut hill but might be nice to ride in from the South and check out that end of the track.

hi there Chris.

its on the Palliser road, at the DOC station, but all you find is locked gate. DOC have closed it up because two DOC workers died on Cnut hill while ago, and its a real ass to get a key. ive tried many times.
MX Nut and I found a way around the locked gate through the bush, wasn't pretty but we got in there. unless you know where your going or what to look for you can get lost in there or take a wrong turn...

JMJ
Thanks for the Info Joe, I assume that DOC station is that at the Pinnacles?

[junkmanjoe]

[QUOTE=junkmanjoe;1130281592]
Thanks for the Info Joe, I assume that DOC station is that at the Pinnacles?

as you come down the steep hill on the palliser road over the curved bridge its the first drive way on your left, before the camp ground.

http://maps.google.com/?ll=-41.445079,175.220562&spn=0.005429,0.013078&hnear=New+Zealand&t=f&z=17&ecpose=-41.44544029,175.22052158,760.64,4.826,3.233,-0.003

this is as far as you can go around past the palliser light house gate. it says no entry but its public access as long as you stay on the formed tracks, leave the gates as you find them, you shouldn't get asked to leave. http://maps.google.com/?ll=-41.583526,175.355059&spn=0.001354,0.00327&hnear=New+Zealand&t=f&ecpose=-41.58389056,175.35552572,284.11,-43.781,11.879,-0.014&z=19
this gate is locked, its the boundary between palliser and white rock stations.

[.chris]

Hi Chris plan is to head to Minganui Sunday afternoon so will be there about 5 ish guess you will have the fire going by then ? if it all turns to shit will be there Monday early but most likely Sunday.

Mangatuks now i know where it is

I am only going to be there for Sat night (prob arrive late afternoon), so you will miss me. Was looking forward to some fresh caught trout too. :mellow:



[QUOTE=.chris;1130281642]

as you come down the steep hill on the palliser road over the curved bridge its the first drive way on your left, before the camp ground.

http://maps.google.com/?ll=-41.445079,175.220562&spn=0.005429,0.013078&hnear=New+Zealand&t=f&z=17&ecpose=-41.44544029,175.22052158,760.64,4.826,3.233,-0.003

this is as far as you can go around past the palliser light house gate. it says no entry but its public access as long as you stay on the formed tracks, leave the gates as you find them, you shouldn't get asked to leave. http://maps.google.com/?ll=-41.583526,175.355059&spn=0.001354,0.00327&hnear=New+Zealand&t=f&ecpose=-41.58389056,175.35552572,284.11,-43.781,11.879,-0.014&z=19
this gate is locked, its the boundary between palliser and white rock stations.

Ahhh I see where it is now, the gps maps on my phone has the track through to Sutherlands Hut marked, so I should be able to follow that (assuming I can get past the gate).
Thanks again.

[pomgolian]

Hi Chris busy sat but got a few days off, where you staying Sunday night ?

Paul

[.chris]

Hi Chris busy sat but got a few days off, where you staying Sunday night ?

Paul
Hey Paul, now I see why you were confused about me being at Minginui on sunday, I had my dates wrong in my first post. :nya:




Day 1 -17th, AK to Minginui
Day 2 - 18th, Minginui to Mangatutu
Day 3 - 19th, probably go to Piripiri Campsite and a quick duck up Takapari Road.
Day 4 - 20th, from Piripiri to Cape Palliser.
Day 5 - 21st, Cape Palliser/Lighthouse - ??? Otaki maybe.
Day 6 - 22nd, Mungatooks with AndyMac - ??
Day 7 - 23rd, ?? to Dannivirke
Day 8 - 24th, RRRR
Day 9 - 25th, RRRR & up to Clints at Rotoiti
Day 10 - 26th, Rotoiti to AK.



So Sunday 18th I intend on camping at Mangatutu Hot Springs (http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/hawkes-bay/hawkes-bay/kaweka-forest-park/features/mangatutu-hot-springs/)

Will be leaving Minginui in the AM and wokring my way down to Napier via Waikeremoana, I figure probably Napier for a late lunch.

[pomgolian]

Cool text me when you are in Napier but may meet you at the hot springs Sunday late afternoon

Paul

[andy mac]

When you guys return from Cape Palliser it is still worthwhile to ride along Ocean Beach as far as the locked gate.

On the Featherston side of the Rimutakas is the Pylon track which might be a bit too gnarly loaded with gear. As you approach the hill it is on the right 100 metres before you go over the side by side bridges and right angle corner. It has great views on a clear day.

When you enter Upper Hutt the Harcourt Park motorcamp is on the right. I can meet you at the Caltex/Subway at 10am Thursday. Loose plan is ride Odlins Rd on the summit of the Akatarawa/Waikanae Rd then backtrack to Karapoti. Ride thru to the Maungatuks exiting at Paraparumu. This will take all day.

There is a motorcamp at Paraparumu or you can stay at my place near Wellington airport.

[.chris]

When you guys return from Cape Palliser it is still worthwhile to ride along Ocean Beach as far as the locked gate.

On the Featherston side of the Rimutakas is the Pylon track which might be a bit too gnarly loaded with gear. As you approach the hill it is on the right 100 metres before you go over the side by side bridges and right angle corner. It has great views on a clear day.

When you enter Upper Hutt the Harcourt Park motorcamp is on the right. I can meet you at the Caltex/Subway at 10am Thursday. Loose plan is ride Odlins Rd on the summit of the Akatarawa/Waikanae Rd then backtrack to Karapoti. Ride thru to the Maungatuks exiting at Paraparumu. This will take all day.

There is a motorcamp at Paraparumu or you can stay at my place near Wellington airport.

Gnarly with loaded gear, sounds like a challenge to me :)

Will do Ocean beach if I manage to get time around that region.

Meeting 10am Thursday at the Caltex near the top of town in Upper Hutt sounds great.

[.chris]

I think I am ready. Did I miss anything?


http://youtu.be/LPU6Kg4YxnA

[Night Falcon]

I think I am ready. Did I miss anything?


I didn't see your tooth brush in there? You should not underestmate the importance of good oral hygeine :yawn:

[.chris]

I had a quick run through my photos this AM. Have a peek!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r4payjGJHDw/T2-Cq0l9xoI/AAAAAAAALT4/f0U9TabWsHo/s640/mt-dick-panorama.jpg (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18302332#post18302332)

Had a pretty excellent trip, was very wet for a fair bit of it so I did not have the camera out as much I would have liked, but still had a great time.

Thanks to those of you I caught up with along the way.

[pomgolian]

Hi Chris cool few days apart from the rain & wind, some great tracks, beach riding, great places, locals we met (yodel what a character, the pig hunter, the grumpy bar lady) next time better weather, not so much gear.
Had an awesome twelve hour ride up to home via some fantastic bay places i had never been to Flat point 100kms mostly gravel to find no beach access on my bike just an exclusive housing complex, the beach ride into riversadale soft deep white sand :facepalm: nearly got stuck, castle point nobody there, no wind, sunny then the long slog home.

Will post some pics

[pomgolian]

Pics from Pukititri to ocean beach to castlepoint

[pomgolian]

And a few more

[.chris]

Nice pics Paul, was good trip all around.
Thanks for the company.