PDA

View Full Version : Whangamomona & lost highway?



Padmei
16th September 2012, 20:03
I've found the pub on google maps but what or where is the forgotten highway thing. How long would I expect to take to see it? Thinking of an overnight from wellywood.

Eddieb
16th September 2012, 20:13
It's the state highway from Taumaranui to whatever it's called where it comes out near New Plymouth. The best bit I reckon is Taumaranui to Whangamomona.

At the pub, SH58 or whatever it is takes a right at a T junction (if coming from Taumaranui) though it may not be obvious unless you zoom right in. If you turn left at the pub thats the old Whanga road that goes to the bridge to nowhere.

Howie
16th September 2012, 20:18
SH43 From Taurmanunui to Stratford is the Forgotten world Highway. If your looking for something more challenging you want to include the Old Whangamomona rd from Whangamomona. Showen as Whangamomona road on Google maps. Couple of reasonably long days for a round trip from Wellington if you fit in some of the other back roads on the way.

nerdneh
16th September 2012, 20:35
I've found the pub on google maps but what or where is the forgotten highway thing. How long would I expect to take to see it? Thinking of an overnight from wellywood.

If you are in that area you should try and do the forgotten tunnels ride 320kms of twisty sometimes single lane gravel roads , from memory 10 historic holes thru hills dug by hand when men were men & no girls amongst them . A ride not to be missed.!

nooles
16th September 2012, 20:35
SH43 From Taurmanunui to Stratford is the Forgotten world Highway. If your looking for something more challenging you want to include the Old Whangamomona rd from Whangamomona. Showen as Whangamomona road on Google maps. Couple of reasonably long days for a round trip from Wellington if you fit in some of the other back roads on the way.

The gate at the Aotuhia may be closed for lambing , im heading out in the next few days so I'll let you know. We have had alot of rain the past week or 2 and she is pretty shitty out there:2thumbsup

sootie
16th September 2012, 20:41
SH43 From Taurmanunui to Stratford is the Forgotten world Highway. If your looking for something more challenging you want to include the Old Whangamomona rd from Whangamomona. Showen as Whangamomona road on Google maps. Couple of reasonably long days for a round trip from Wellington if you fit in some of the other back roads on the way.
Stay a night at the Whangamomona Hotel or you will miss half the fun.
They will provide dinner bed & breakfast which is just as well - there is nothing else available food wise in town.
Go for a wander through town about dusk & have a look around a genuine old NZ Ghost town!

The local garage/machine shop opposite the hotel had a TV going & was wide open all night. There was enough gear available to build yourself a chopper from scratch but I never saw a soul around it late evening or early the next morning - don't ask me how that works! They closed the Post office in the 1950s, and I don't think it has been touched since. The whole town actually declared itself an Independent Republic some years ago!

As if that is not enough, enjoy the ride too!! :weird:

That looks like fun
16th September 2012, 21:17
Whanga Road at this time of year :lol::killingme:nya:
Most of the sheep stations in the Naki are under lock and key until the end of October. Even if you got through the road you would find the gate locked and then you would have to backtrack :buggerd:
Sounds like Nooles will check the gate thing fer ya but, I still wouldnt press my luck with the Whanga, unless you were in a group :hug:
No fuel from Tamaranui to Stratford, and suprisingly enough there is none going the other way either :oi-grr:
If your keen on a ride in the Naki I am sure we could shackle together an escort for ya :cool: (not that sort you filthy perverts :tugger:)
Just got back from a day tyre testing in the Waitaanga's, what do ya reckon Nooles, shall we lead him astray? :whistle:

nooles
16th September 2012, 21:20
Whanga Road at this time of year :lol::killingme:nya:
Most of the sheep stations in the Naki are under lock and key until the end of October. Even if you got through the road you would find the gate locked and then you would have to backtrack :buggerd:
Sounds like Nooles will check the gate thing fer ya but, I still wouldnt press my luck with the Whanga, unless you were in a group :hug:
No fuel from Tamaranui to Stratford, and suprisingly enough there is none going the other way either :oi-grr:
If your keen on a ride in the Naki I am sure we could shackle together an escort for ya :cool: (not that sort you filthy perverts :tugger:)
Just got back from a day tyre testing in the Waitaanga's, what do ya reckon Nooles, shall we lead him astray? :whistle:

YES:banana::banana::lol::nya:

Eddieb
16th September 2012, 21:45
Make sure you put the 42nd traverse in your schedule too Padders

dino3310
16th September 2012, 21:51
jeesh... nooles and colin leading a ride, this could be interesting:thud::dodge::nya:

Gremlin
16th September 2012, 22:25
In answer to your original question: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=stratford+to+taumarunui&saddr=stratford&daddr=taumarunui&hl=en&ll=-39.113014,174.773254&spn=1.127353,2.469177&sll=-36.863023,174.865469&sspn=0.581231,1.234589&geocode=FYrDp_0dMFxjCinBXpYntwcVbTEgBqNDYe8ABQ%3BF VKwrv0dKERyCikLJKe13UZrbTHACaNDYe8ABQ&t=m&z=9

150km, if they lead you astray, you'll need x amount of range for that...

Padmei
17th September 2012, 07:54
Thanks for your replies.
Cheers gremlin seeing it on the map helps a lot.

I'm not going for a month or so but thought I'd start planning.

Now where is that lost tunnel road & the 42nd traverse? I'm taking Schmidt & only plan on doing gravel roads not full on adv stuff.

Blackbird
17th September 2012, 09:04
If you're coming up to the Forgotten Highway, you might as well take the opportunity to do the Gentle Annie road too to make a really fantastic ride. You can see a map, photos and story of our ride last year here:

http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/bay-and-banjos-tour-day-1.html

There are 3 parts to the ride report.

Hope it's of interest.

Cheers,

Geoff

Eddieb
17th September 2012, 09:34
Thanks for your replies.
Cheers gremlin seeing it on the map helps a lot.

I'm not going for a month or so but thought I'd start planning.

Now where is that lost tunnel road & the 42nd traverse? I'm taking Schmidt & only plan on doing gravel roads not full on adv stuff.

Well you may as well scratch Old Whangamomona road then unless it's mid summer dry. While overall it's flat it's also all papa clay which is slipperyer(sp) than a slippery thing when damp. Even the slightest incline becomes a serious obstacle.

42nd traverse is well do-able on a big bike.

dino3310
17th September 2012, 10:02
how far north ya heading padmei, if dates line up some of us northern blokes might be able to head south for a meet and greet:hug:

Gremlin
17th September 2012, 12:54
Now where is that lost tunnel road & the 42nd traverse? I'm taking Schmidt & only plan on doing gravel roads not full on adv stuff.
Not sure which is the lost tunnel road, there are quite a few tunnels in the Taranaki on various roads...

42nd Traverse I can't really show you on Google Maps, but here's the start and end points basically: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=Kapoors+Rd&daddr=State+Highway+4&hl=en&ll=-39.085304,175.490112&spn=0.247037,0.528374&sll=-39.044653,175.460072&sspn=0.123589,0.264187&geocode=FWCTq_0dMMR1Cg%3BFfTtrP0dtgx0Cg&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=13&t=m&z=12

If you have NZOGPS maps, it's in there...

Eddieb
17th September 2012, 13:07
There are 2 tunnels on the old Whangamomona road, otherwise you might be thinking of Kiwi road?

I have GPS tracklogs of Whangamomona Road and the 42nd I can send you if you remind me when I'm at home.

Hitcher
17th September 2012, 14:55
The Forgotten World Highway is an easy day ride from Wellington. Daylight saving will soon be here.

sootie
17th September 2012, 15:47
Around the side of the Whangamomona Hotel there are a few abandoned houses which look fairly livable from the road. I asked the hotel owner about them, and he said that young guys from out of town had come & stripped all the copper out of them for sale as scrap metal. The houses were no longer going concerns it seems.
- Probably some more of you Wellingtonians on a day trip ...... <_<

Maha
17th September 2012, 15:51
Around the side of the Whangamomona Hotel there are a few abandoned houses which look fairly livable from the road. I asked the hotel owner about them, and he said that young guys from out of town had come & stripped all the copper out of them for sale as scrap metal. The houses were no longer going concerns it seems.
- Probably some more of you Wellingtonians on a day trip ...... <_<

I dunno, some of those Manawatu chaps have alot of time on thier hands in between coffee stops...;)

sootie
17th September 2012, 15:54
I dunno, some of those Manawatu chaps have alot of time on thier hands in between coffee stops...;)

Well, for once the JAFA bikers are in the clear. None of us are going to cart all that loot up to Auckland.

mikemike104
17th September 2012, 18:25
I've been scheming to travel the 43 for some time, so on the Transalp the wife and I are going through from Taumarnui straight to Stratford in the 1st week of November, to stay with my parents in Waverley (Sth Naki) the night, will do the south trip in one day and then back up 3 on the way home the following day.

I'm keen to see the Bridge to Nowhere, can you ride straight up to it?

That looks like fun
17th September 2012, 19:41
I'm keen to see the Bridge to Nowhere, can you ride straight up to it?

No :crybaby:
Tried that but got told off :ar15:











Darn DOC Ranger on a pushbike

Box'a'bits
17th September 2012, 21:14
But you can ride straight up to the Bridge to Somewhere. :yes:. The Bridge to Nowhere is in the bush about 40kms (?) away as the crow flies.

mikemike104
17th September 2012, 21:17
No :crybaby:
Tried that but got told off :ar15:


Darn DOC Ranger on a pushbike

Gutted as, have to take our walking shoes as well.

Padmei
17th September 2012, 21:42
42nd traverse is well do-able on a big bike.

Riiiiggght :whistle:
I just had a looksie at your vid of it - no challenge at all huh???

nerdneh
17th September 2012, 21:43
Thanks for your replies.
Cheers gremlin seeing it on the map helps a lot.

I'm not going for a month or so but thought I'd start planning.

Now where is that lost tunnel road & the 42nd traverse? I'm taking Schmidt & only plan on doing gravel roads not full on adv stuff.

I have a cd & map of all the roads to form a bit of a loop . I rode it last Oct. so I guess if there has been slips or closures the Naki boys will be able to bring you up to speed. Txt 0272 486 511 if you want further info.

Padmei
17th September 2012, 21:55
If you're coming up to the Forgotten Highway, you might as well take the opportunity to do the Gentle Annie road too to make a really fantastic ride. You can see a map, photos and story of our ride last year here:

http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/bay-and-banjos-tour-day-1.html

There are 3 parts to the ride report.

Hope it's of interest.

Cheers,

Geoff

Nice blog Geoff. Thanks for that:yes:

Padmei
17th September 2012, 21:57
I have a cd & map of all the roads to form a bit of a loop . I rode it last Oct. so I guess if there has been slips or closures the Naki boys will be able to bring you up to speed. Txt 0272 486 511 if you want further info.

Thanks murray. The trouble now is that it started with a simple trip to see the Whanga pub & now i'm getting overwhelmed with bloody options. I may have to take a year off...

jellywrestler
17th September 2012, 21:58
Thanks murray. The trouble now is that it started with a simple trip to see the Whanga pub & now i'm getting overwhelmed with bloody options. I may have to take a year off...

nah just plan two days, one to go up via the turakina valley road then on to the forgotten highway, then return the next

Box'a'bits
17th September 2012, 21:59
Riiiiggght :whistle:
I just had a looksie at your vid of it - no challenge at all huh???
Re EddieB's video of the old Whanga Rd - In fairness, they rode thru there when it had been particularly wet, so probably got what they deserved. :killingme Everytime I've been thru there its been a challenge but not impossible. And summer is just cheating.... ;)

Agree with Eddie re the 42nd. Totally do-able on a big bike with reasonable tyres. Probably wouldn't want to take a 1200 thru' there if its been real wet though

The video you may have got confused on is likely the old Fishers Rd - of which I have never been a big fan....

BMWST?
17th September 2012, 22:01
42 traverse starts at Kapoors road and goes through to Owhango.

welly to Kappoors road. http://goo.gl/maps/yS2Pf

That looks like fun
18th September 2012, 06:14
Re EddieB's video of the old Whanga Rd - In fairness, they rode thru there when it had been particularly wet, so probably got what they deserved. :killingme Everytime I've been thru there its been a challenge but not impossible. And summer is just cheating.... ;)

Agree with Eddie re the 42nd. Totally do-able on a big bike with reasonable tyres. Probably wouldn't want to take a 1200 thru' there if its been real wet though

The video you may have got confused on is likely the old Fishers Rd - of which I have never been a big fan....


Uhmmmmmm, its particularly wet at present :whistle:
Im just saying :blip:

Phil and I went through there just before he went AWOL :weep: The four wheel boys have dug some pretty deep holes :eek5: On the plus side it was the first ride I have been on where I have seen Phils bike on its side :gob:
I could be talked into giving it a crack Nigel :2thumbsup

yod
18th September 2012, 08:46
I dunno, some of those Manawatu chaps have alot of time on thier hands in between coffee stops...;)

If we manage to leave 86 behind it's not so slow...

Rosie
18th September 2012, 09:27
Thanks murray. The trouble now is that it started with a simple trip to see the Whanga pub & now i'm getting overwhelmed with bloody options. I may have to take a year off...

A year? Sweet. Let us know when you get to Rotorua, plenty of exploring to do around here :yes:

young1
18th September 2012, 22:21
Uhmmmmmm, its particularly wet at present :whistle:
Im just saying :blip:

Phil and I went through there just before he went AWOL :weep: The four wheel boys have dug some pretty deep holes :eek5: On the plus side it was the first ride I have been on where I have seen Phils bike on its side :gob:
I could be talked into giving it a crack Nigel :2thumbsup

My son went through the Whanga Road a couple of weeks ago, but on a YZF250.

nooles
20th September 2012, 16:46
My son went through the Whanga Road a couple of weeks ago, but on a YZF250.

The gates are open at both ends of the Whanga RD but its shittier than hell in there.

Padmei
20th September 2012, 20:08
Thanks for tht. I know now what I would be getting into.

Box'a'bits
20th September 2012, 21:59
Thanks for tht. I know now what I would be getting into.
Fun though :clap: That wee concrete pipe is a shit to ride over when there's mud all around it..

mikemike104
12th March 2013, 17:13
Couple questions regarding this road.

From Eddies link; http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=508583

Can two guys with little experience make it there and back?

I've seen photos of tunnels and such on that road, are they on the lead up to the bridge?

A mate and I are planning to stay at the pub a night in May and explore around abit but I'd prefer to have done some research first.

Cheers

Mike

Phreaky Phil
12th March 2013, 17:17
Couple questions regarding this road.

From Eddies link; http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=508583

Can two guys with little experience make it there and back?

I've seen photos of tunnels and such on that road, are they on the lead up to the bridge?

A mate and I are planning to stay at the pub a night in May and explore around abit but I'd prefer to have done some research first.

Cheers

MikeI havent been down it lately but I believe a digger has done some tidying up in there. Depends how much it rains between now and then but with a helper you should be right.

mikemike104
12th March 2013, 17:20
I havent been down it lately but I believe a digger has done some tidying up in there. Depends how much it rains between now and then but with a helper you should be right.

great, thanks for the tip

Eddieb
12th March 2013, 17:25
Couple questions regarding this road.

From Eddies link; http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=508583

Can two guys with little experience make it there and back?

I've seen photos of tunnels and such on that road, are they on the lead up to the bridge?

A mate and I are planning to stay at the pub a night in May and explore around abit but I'd prefer to have done some research first.

Cheers

Mike

After this dry spell it will be a dust bowl, but after rain it turns into a ice skating rink. It can be quite lumpy and bumpy in places but apart from a getting across a short slip that is usually ok but has no room for error and a huge drop off beside it there's nothing hugely technical in there.

If Phil is correct it could be quite easy.

Racing Dave
15th March 2013, 12:29
As part of the Southern Cross Rally, I passed through this road on Tuesday of this week, in 30-deg temps. There is considerable bleed of tar up through what would be coarse chip if there was any, so in the wet it would be diabolical. The 12km unsealed section is also in relatively poor condition, with quite a few sections of 100m or so covered in very loose chunky gravel, biffed on rather than spread properly.

In other words, all good fun!

Blackbird
15th March 2013, 12:51
As part of the Southern Cross Rally, I passed through this road on Tuesday of this week, in 30-deg temps. There is considerable bleed of tar up through what would be coarse chip if there was any, so in the wet it would be diabolical. The 12km unsealed section is also in relatively poor condition, with quite a few sections of 100m or so covered in very loose chunky gravel, biffed on rather than spread properly.

In other words, all good fun!

6 of us went through the eastern end from Ohura last Saturday and the bleed was equally bad then and our bikes picked up a fair bit of tar and chip. Took it relatively conservatively and got overtaken by what looked like a silver 955i going at real pace. Didn't see him down a ditch though so I guess he read the conditions ok or was lucky :rolleyes:

Night Falcon
15th March 2013, 16:05
.... Didn't see him down a ditch though so I guess he read the conditions ok or was lucky :rolleyes:

or you simply didn't spot him splated against a rock down an embankment as you rode by anxiously trying to avoid tar spots in the road:corn:

Blackbird
15th March 2013, 16:10
or you simply didn't spot him splated against a rock down an embankment as you rode by anxiously trying to avoid tar spots in the road:corn:

Hahaha :niceone: Yep, we were concentrating fairly hard - there was more tar bleed than chip in an awful of of places. Same for the back road between Murapara and Whakatane the following day.

That looks like fun
15th March 2013, 17:11
As part of the Southern Cross Rally, I passed through this road on Tuesday of this week, in 30-deg temps. There is considerable bleed of tar up through what would be coarse chip if there was any, so in the wet it would be diabolical. The 12km unsealed section is also in relatively poor condition, with quite a few sections of 100m or so covered in very loose chunky gravel, biffed on rather than spread properly.

In other words, all good fun!

The metal being used comes from an Awakino quarry. By its nature is quick to settle and packs down very hard. It has been spread (and still is) by a local contractor using an underbody unit. It recieves and requires no compaction.
I would not recomend going through there until after it has rained unless you are a competent rider on a duel sport type motorcycle. It can be done on any sort of bike but it will test the attitude of the rider. Once its been wet it will settle down.

red mermaid
15th March 2013, 17:20
Be careful of strange men at the hotel.

mikemike104
25th March 2013, 13:15
Do I have to ask anyone's permission to get to the bridge to somewhere up old Whangamomona road, or is it a public "road"?

Mike

Kokopelli
25th March 2013, 18:09
Do I have to ask anyone's permission to get to the bridge to somewhere up old Whangamomona road, or is it a public "road"?

Mike

As far as I know you don't need permission, if you do, we didn't ask.

http://phreakyphil.smugmug.com/Other/Ride-Photos/IMGP1426/1146336833_FS96s-L.jpg

That looks like fun
25th March 2013, 18:46
Do I have to ask anyone's permission to get to the bridge to somewhere up old Whangamomona road, or is it a public "road"?

Mike

At this time off year Mike its not a problem. I wouldnt suggest you ride the road alone, although with the current dry weather that statement is probably a bit redundant. It can be wet as in there :gob:
It may be a public road but courtesy and good sense should be employed around spring lambing as a large portion of the road passes through Aotuhia Station. You can argue your god given rights all you like with the locked gates at this time. Be aware that the gate nor the lock will not give a fawk no matter what you say to them :facepalm:

Kokopelli
25th March 2013, 19:05
It can be wet as in there :gob:


We went through after it had been dry for a while, but still found stretches like this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v727/Berwyn/Old%20Whangamomona%20Road/DSC09411.jpg

mikemike104
25th March 2013, 21:11
Thanks for the info guys, a mate and I are planning going in early May at some point. So alot could happen weather wise between now and then.

Cheers

That looks like fun
26th March 2013, 05:05
May :nya: Hmmmm, small bike with big tyres would be my thoughts :innocent:

Laava
18th January 2014, 20:23
Went through early December and took a coupla pics I thought I'd share.

awa355
18th January 2014, 20:44
Just as well, you hadn't got as far as that " high crash rate " section. Another few metres and you might've come unstuck:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Night Falcon
19th January 2014, 07:53
arrh so it is true your allowed to knock off motorcyclists in the country as long as you leave their fleece on the fence :innocent:.