Cape Reinga and back

[BadSarah]

I'm about to take a ride to the top of the North Island- a camping trip I originally intended to take in March, but now starting on this Friday, 7 June. Staying at my Dad's in Wanganui Friday then on Saturday heading to Waitomo via the Paraparas, catching up with a friend in Hamilton until Monday night? not sure... but have no idea after that having never been north of Auckland. Any suggestions on route or spots to park up for the night would be awesome, also anybody that likes to sit by the campfire getting a little smashed would be groovy too... Thinking I'll wander down the east coast back to Welly, not entirely sure yet but I have until 26th to get home before I have to go back to work.

My next trip (hopefully February) will be to the bottom of the south, having only been as far south as Nelson (unless you count flying down to Christchurch)

[insomnia01]

Mangamukas, Twin bridges, Paparoa Rd, Waipoua forest are just a few of the delights the " Norf " has to offer, how much time you got ? Rawene ferry is a cool trip, lunch in Rawene is always a treat..... Top 10 holiday parks are nation wide ( cabins, tent sites etc ) plenty of acc options up there. I'm looking at Heading back down Sth in Feb or March 2014 keep in touch may hook up for the ride ( 5 or 7 days touring staying at Top 10 )

[Road kill]

When I go north from AK I take the northwestern onto HW16 through to Wellsford then up to the Dargaville turn off at the bottem of the Brynderwyns.
Head east from Dargaville and take the twins bridges road through to Kaikohe.
Or you can take the road from Dargaville up through the Waipua forest and opononi ect through to Kaikohe or across on the Rawene ferry,,,,which is "fucking over rated" the ride is better.
From Kaikohe up through the Mungamukas to Kaitia and up to the top.
Coming back down I usually head east from Awanui just north of Kaitia and back down the east side.

If when you get to the cape there is not a few other vehicles or a tour buss at the car park before walking down to the light house "Don't leave your bike unattended"

[NinjaNanna]

Yes take SH16 from AKL through to Wellsford - but be warned its a beautiful section of road and is zealously patrolled by the cops. Don't get excited or you'll be taxed or heaven forbid pushing the bike all the way home.

DAY1
AKL -> WELLSFORD -> OAKLIEGH-PAPAROA RD -> DARGAVILLE-> WAIPUA FOREST (photo op at the top and also TANE MATUA is ya into big trees) -> OPONONI (lunch at the pub)-> RAWENE (alt lunch stop) -> ferry across the harbour -> MANGMUKAS (3 times) ->KIATIA -> TOP TEN @ start of 90 Mile Beach.

DAY2
Return trip to the Cape

DAYS 3,4,5,6
Return trip to Welly via East Coast

[Damantis]

Yes take SH16 from AKL through to Wellsford - but be warned its a beautiful section of road and is zealously patrolled by the cops. Don't get excited or you'll be taxed or heaven forbid pushing the bike all the way home.

DAY1
AKL -> WELLSFORD -> OAKLIEGH-PAPAROA RD -> DARGAVILLE-> WAIPUA FOREST (photo op at the top and also TANE MATUA is ya into big trees) -> OPONONI (lunch at the pub)-> RAWENE (alt lunch stop) -> ferry across the harbour -> MANGMUKAS (3 times) ->KIATIA -> TOP TEN @ start of 90 Mile Beach.

DAY2
Return trip to the Cape

DAYS 3,4,5,6
Return trip to Welly via East Coast

Mungamukas for the win ( the bends and camber makes one wonder if a motorcyclist planned it ). The view as you come over the hill to the coast at Opononi is postcard perfect. Kaitaia to the cape is not only spectacular but the road itself is a sublime ride if the weather cooperates. Waiopua forest is great too though in winter, I suspect large parts of the road will remain wet most of the time.

[BadSarah]

Got a little lost on google maps...
SH16 to Welsford
SH1 to Brynderwyn
Left to SH12 through Dargaville & Oponini?
Then where? Ferry from Rawene goes where? which way from there?
lost I tell you

[Gremlin]

Got a little lost on google maps...
SH16 to Welsford
SH1 to Brynderwyn
Left to SH12 through Dargaville & Oponini?
Then where? Ferry from Rawene goes where? which way from there?
lost I tell you
Think he meant something like this: http://goo.gl/maps/t8vMY

[BadSarah]

Think he meant something like this: http://goo.gl/maps/t8vMY

Woohoo, much clearer, thank you

[BadSarah]

I'm looking at Heading back down Sth in Feb or March 2014 keep in touch may hook up for the ride ( 5 or 7 days touring staying at Top 10 )

Sounds good, going to book time off for my southern trip when I get back from this one, will endeavour to keep you informed. No doubt I'll post something like this near the time

[Madness]

The return trip should include the road of many names, Twin Bridges --> https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=Kaikohe,+Northland&daddr=Maungatapere,+Northland&hl=en&sll=-35.748463,174.122658&sspn=0.152136,0.31929&geocode=Faa64_0dlglcCikT7jdutekLbTHg0KJDYe8ABQ%3BF RNs3v0dLzNiCikjmU79soALbTHA4qJDYe8ABQ&oq=maunga&mra=ls&t=m&z=10

[BadSarah]

Just watched a video about twin bridges, will have to include that !!

Anybody know if there's a camp ground with a fire pit? Nothing I love more than a fire for drinking liquor by, speaking of which, it's that time

[Mom]

Just watched a video about twin bridges, will have to include that !!

Anybody know if there's a camp ground with a fire pit? Nothing I love more than a fire for drinking liquor by, speaking of which, it's that time

That really is a must do road up this way.. We have a bed here (no fire pit mind) if you need a crash pad a bit north of Auckland. I doubt you will find a camp up north that would allow an open fire of any kind, it gets too dry.

[george formby]

IIR Kai Iwi lakes has BBQ pits. Nice spot too.

The road through Waipoua forest will be sporting a bit of greenery here & there. Punga fronds having a lie down in a corner or two etc. No real worry but it curbs the enthusiasm.

[BadSarah]

That really is a must do road up this way.. We have a bed here (no fire pit mind) if you need a crash pad a bit north of Auckland. I doubt you will find a camp up north that would allow an open fire of any kind, it gets too dry.

A place for a night would be most welcome, thank you.
I don't have a set plan, so I'm not too sure when I'd be near you...


IIR Kai Iwi lakes has BBQ pits. Nice spot too.

The road through Waipoua forest will be sporting a bit of greenery here & there. Punga fronds having a lie down in a corner or two etc. No real worry but it curbs the enthusiasm.

Don't worry, I'll be on unfamiliar roads, so I'll be taking it easy!

[insomnia01]

hope all is going well for you up there Sarah :sweatdrop

[BadSarah]

Damn interwebs, I should be on the road by now...
About to leave Auckland heading toward Kaitaia in the very round about way suggested, not too sure yet whether to stay at a commercial site, or at a DOC site- depends on how promising the weather looks when I get there. Here's hoping I don't get lost!

[Bald Eagle]

As always pics or it didn't happen

[Grashopper]

Looks like a great ride. Have lots of fun and a safe trip. :)

[BadSarah]

BE, I have pix, but not the facility to upload them from my camera- left the cable at home...
For those that are interested, I've been posting updates on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=790388958

[BadSarah]

Glass of wine in the sun in Whangarei
283948

I used my phone...

[insomnia01]

Nice spot !!!

[Maha]

Oh that is nice, had breakfast around that location a while ago...needed a decent fry up (iykwim) roast chook is in the oven doing its thing...and I think there is some chilled wine in the fridge :yes:

[Mom]

I have just heard a traffic updae :pinch:

I know we said it would not be too bad at the time you are travelling you are currently having a really nasty trip through the city. Bugger!

Hope you have a more enjoyable rest of your day once you are free of the shitty city :scooter:

Was lovely to meet you :yes:

[BadSarah]

Yup, hour and a half to get to the Middlemore Hospital turnoff, needed gas, then found out I had to backtrack to find Eden Park

I used my phone...

[Rhys]

Glass of wine in the sun in Whangarei
283948

I used my phone...

That looks stunning!

[BadSarah]

That looks stunning!

Just about the only sun I've had!
In Rotorua tonight, staying at Base backpackers. Had enough roaming, heading to Wanganui tomorrow for a few lazy days instead of riding in the rain