Advice please: Auckland North-South bypass?

[glitch_oz]

Planning a Northland loop starting in the Hamilton area, the Auckland "roadblock" will have to be navigated.
Doing that on fully loaded postie-bikes, the thought of crawling along the SH1 gives me the prickles.

Being out-of-towners, there IS however a certain curiosity to see something of the place...in passing only though...so I'm looking for some way/ route to get us through or around Auckland...TWICE.
If at all possible, bypassing all and any main roads, but happy to spend some extra time to get through the green fringes/ lookouts/ scenic parts etc.

Happy to consider any alternatives, from ferries/ water-transport across the Manukau Harbour Mouth (if something like that exists)....same for the eastern side from Beachlands or Bucklands to the CBD, then with another "ferry" to Gulf Harbour or such...again, IF that option actually exists.
Any particular areas near Auckland one shouldn't miss? (scenic/ lookouts/ National Parks/ coastal strips or harbours type)

Thanks for any help and ideas.

PS. Dirt roads/ half-decent tracks/ beach etc. are fine

[Laava]

Ah! So you have discovered the worst aspect of living in northland! Having to navigate the horrendous auckland traffic to get to the rest of the country! My only suggestion is get it over and done with! Take the north western motorway north to kumeu and then you can go backroads to SH16 to wellsford. Similar when going south i guess. I am in whangarei and ride a lot around northland. Am happy to give you my faves if you want but there is a lot of good road and I include ninety mile beach in that too!

[glitch_oz]

Ah! So you have discovered the worst aspect of living in northland! Having to navigate the horrendous auckland traffic to get to the rest of the country! My only suggestion is get it over and done with! Take the north western motorway north to kumeu and then you can go backroads to SH16 to wellsford. Similar when going south i guess. I am in whangarei and ride a lot around northland. Am happy to give you my faves if you want but there is a lot of good road and I include ninety mile beach in that too!


Thanks for the reply.
Being on posties "getting it over and done with" is a bit of a long-winded affair :laugh:
Been fiddling with this route
http://goo.gl/maps/tqPM9
for one of the "crossings".
At 70kmh top-whack we're not really in a rush and that route is between 250-300k's (Hamilton - Helensville/ South Head, that is).

Then north from Helensville between SH16 + 1 via the gravel roads to Workworth, maybe? Perhaps looping north via the coastal tracks + roads from there?? No idea yet...
Got 2 weeks to play with :niceone:

90mile beach, slobber...sounds good.
Isn't there also a beach-run near Dargaville (Bayleys Beach? (sp) northwards, can't remember the details)

[kevfromcoro]

Are you from ozzy touring site??
Think we have spoken before...
Kev

[glitch_oz]

We might've...howyadoin, mate?:apint:
Quit BrisVegas in the end?

[kevfromcoro]

We might've...howyadoin, mate?:apint:
Quit BrisVegas in the end?

Hmmm postie bikes, Melbourne, your name..
Its pete init.
Yeah mate leaving bris..
Was down at urangatang..
Work is a bit short here,, so coming back.
When do arrive in NZ?
As for crossing the manukau bar on a ferry.. forget it.
Lots of good rides to be had the way you are going,,
Hope you aren't bring those bikes from cape York
Have a good one.
Kev

[glitch_oz]

Hmmm postie bikes, Melbourne, your name..
Its pete init.
Yeah mate leaving bris..
Was down at urangatang..
Work is a bit short here,, so coming back.
When do arrive in NZ?
As for crossing the manukau bar on a ferry.. forget it.
Lots of good rides to be had the way you are going,,
Hope you aren't bring those bikes from cape York
Have a good one.
Kev


That's me.
Naw, it won't be the Cape York bikes, but 2 local NZ posties from a mate who's done 17.000+k's around Southern AUS on a CT, incl.
6 weeks in Tassie.
The ferries were just an idea...we don't know the place and there is a ferry further north, in Rawene, making for a nice "shortcut" through the backblocks.
Aiming for some time early-ish November, then hopefully South Island again in Mach or so.
Got a bit of riding in in SEQ? Some awesome spots in the hinterlands and the Border Ranges areas...

[kevfromcoro]

Just having a gork at your map..
Prity much on to it,,
There are a few tracks from huntly through to clevdon
You are missing out some of the best bits..
The ride from the seabird coast to kawakawa bay is good,, even on a postie.
As for ferries, Iam sure they run from Half Moon bay, to the city, not sure about Gulf Harbour, Think 1 even goes up to Coromandel,
Will be back in NZ then,,
If I can steal a scoot,, like to catch up.
Have a goodie...
Kev

[tri boy]

CT110's and Ald,
Yeah, thatll work:clap:
Try the 42traverse, and tracks sth of Waikato. MHO

[glitch_oz]

CT110's and Ald,
Yeah, thatll work:clap:
Try the 42traverse, and tracks sth of Waikato. MHO

Sure had a lot of fun on the 2 trips through the southern half of NI...this time it's everything north of Auckland, only.
Been there before but it's a long time ago. If we're running out of interesting bits midway, we'll give the 42nd, Fishers and a few other bits another try...but somehow we always run short on time where ever we go.:yes::brick:

[glitch_oz]

The ride from the seabird coast to kawakawa bay is good,, even on a postie.
As for ferries, Iam sure they run from Half Moon bay, to the city, not sure about Gulf Harbour, Think 1 even goes up to Coromandel,
Will be back in NZ then,,
If I can steal a scoot,, like to catch up.
Have a goodie...
Kev


Done that stretch Miranda- Kawakawa last time. Back and forth...nice!
Seems to be a ferry from Pier1- Waiheke but not Coromandel.
It'd be great to catch up.:2thumbsup

[Blackbird]

Done that stretch Miranda- Kawakawa last time. Back and forth...nice!
Seems to be a ferry from Pier1- Waiheke but not Coromandel.
It'd be great to catch up.:2thumbsup

The ferry from Downtown Auckland to Coromandel is passenger only. A push bike is the biggest form of transport you can get on it. It actually comes in at Te Kouma on the southern side of Coro Harbour and passengers are transported by bus into town. The Coro Peninsula is a great place for riding a CT110.

[BAD DAD]

just a note about the West Auckland section, you'll find that Exhibition Drive is closed to traffic so you will end up back in Titirangi in a bit of a loop but it is a fun road

[kevfromcoro]

Thanks for the info bb.
I have been out of NZ for about 5 years
not up with the pace.
I would ride a postie up there.
would be fun.
haha pete
when you get here we are going to take your passport of you..
Well not me..
Just a couple of pig hunters wives..
Enjoy when you are here
Kev

[glitch_oz]

The ferry from Downtown Auckland to Coromandel is passenger only. A push bike is the biggest form of transport you can get on it. It actually comes in at Te Kouma on the southern side of Coro Harbour and passengers are transported by bus into town. The Coro Peninsula is a great place for riding a CT110.

Tks for the info...figured as much as that (pushbikes only on the "ferry") but thought to better ask, still.
That puts paid to that idea then. Depending on how much time there's left, if any, we'll give the Coro another shot. That coastal stretch to Fletcher Bay was one of the highlights last time.
Awesome road and place with some dramatic thunderheads above to make it all feel and look unreal.:eek5:


just a note about the West Auckland section, you'll find that Exhibition Drive is closed to traffic so you will end up back in Titirangi in a bit of a loop but it is a fun road

Thanks for that...closed only temporary or for good?



haha pete
when you get here we are going to take your passport of you..
Well not me..
Just a couple of pig hunters wives..
Enjoy when you are here
Kev


Don't mind, mate. ;)
Love the place (as you well know)
Certainly planning on seeing LOTS more of it...again.

[Laava]

You got dates planned for your tour yet?

[BAD DAD]

closed permanently to traffic.

[Moi]

A couple of thoughts:

1. Instead of using Coalfield Rd as an access to SH2, use Ferndale Rd and come out in Maramarua and then turn right and go left at the Red Fox Tavern onto Monument Rd and then at the end of Monument go left onto Mangatangi Rd towards Lyons Rd and then into the Hunua area - avoids all but about 500m of SH2 and that part is 70km/h speed limit - plus a nice cafe in the area.

2. You suggest using the roads through the Hunua Ranges forest area and the water reservoirs - are those roads open for public use or are they only used as access roads to the dams? I don't know the answer to that - perhaps a more local KBer might be able to answer?

Cheers

[Madness]

perhaps a more local KBer might be able to answer?

I'm thinking of taking a detour up there on the way home later. I'm expecting to find a rather large gate.

[kevfromcoro]

I have been up to the dams,, at the time you could ride around them..

The map shows a road through to the coast,

Have tried from Kaiua side,

Get a few ks into the bush, and there is a gate,,
Big basturd,,

I was on my own at the time, and couldn't round it

2 or 3 may be able to do it

This was a few years ago,, and it may of changed by now

[glitch_oz]

You got dates planned for your tour yet?


Not yet, but ready to pounce on any flight-special rearing its head.
Bikes are available anytime.


closed permanently to traffic.

Thanks! Doesn't matter... the name just grabbed me. a slightly longer loop might throw in some other surprises, who knows?


A couple of thoughts:

1. Instead of using Coalfield Rd as an access to SH2, use Ferndale Rd and come out in Maramarua and then turn right and go left at the Red Fox Tavern onto Monument Rd and then at the end of Monument go left onto Mangatangi Rd towards Lyons Rd and then into the Hunua area - avoids all but about 500m of SH2 and that part is 70km/h speed limit - plus a nice cafe in the area.

2. You suggest using the roads through the Hunua Ranges forest area and the water reservoirs - are those roads open for public use or are they only used as access roads to the dams? I don't know the answer to that - perhaps a more local KBer might be able to answer?

Cheers

1) noted and changed, thanks :2thumbsup
2) No idea really...there should ber access to the lakes, beyond that? Hm.mmm...if not, we'll go Hanua Rd -> Sky High -> Monument...not a bad, little scoot either. :clap:
Thanks for the ideas!

[glitch_oz]

I'm thinking of taking a detour up there on the way home later. I'm expecting to find a rather large gate.


I have been up to the dams,, at the time you could ride around them..

The map shows a road through to the coast,

Have tried from Kaiua side,

Get a few ks into the bush, and there is a gate,,
Big basturd,,

I was on my own at the time, and couldn't round it

2 or 3 may be able to do it

This was a few years ago,, and it may of changed by now

Thanks guys. Don't want to push the goal posts too much, but sometimes things are fine (and possible) on a postie. that would be near impossible on a big bike.;);)

[kevfromcoro]

Sounding good Pete.. Just an idea,, why don't you take your bikes over to Waiheke island
Its 40 miles long and lots to see.
You need more time really.
When you book your flight . get a seat next to the emergency door.,, lots more leg room.
Also you will be 1st out if things go wrong..
See yous soon
Kev

[glitch_oz]

Sounding good Pete.. Just an idea,, why don't you take your bikes over to Waiheke island
Its 40 miles long and lots to see.



Yeah...stumbled across that one yesterday and didn't really know what to make of it. Seems to be a popular spot.
Not a cheap affair, either...~90bux return for rider+ bike if I read that right?
http://www.sealink.co.nz/timetables-and-fares/fares/waiheke-island-fares.html

Then again, if it's worth it:niceone:

[Madness]

Went for a look up Otau Mountain Road just now. The gate isn't as formidable as I expected...

[Laava]

Went for a look up Otau Mountain Road just now. The gate isn't as formidable as I expected...

Some sort of ramp might be in order?

[Madness]

Some sort of ramp might be in order?

You might need a landing ramp too, I'd imagine CT110's aren't much fun to land jumps on. Awesome views of the Hauraki Gulf up there though, I must say. I've lived in this area for almost a year and if it weren't for this thread I'd not have gone up there so cheers, OP.

[glitch_oz]

a) I'd imagine CT110's aren't much fun to land jumps on.


Yeah, usually ends in tears :headbang:




b) Awesome views of the Hauraki Gulf up there though, I must say.



THAT'S enough for me! Worth going then! Thanks for checking it out...and cheers indeed :2thumbsup

[Moi]

You might find this useful:

http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz7795/HUNUA-RANGES/Waikato

also

http://regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/hunuaranges

The topographic map might be useful for other areas as well.

You need to be aware that the dams in the Hunua Ranges and what appear to be lakes are water reservoirs - it's a major water catchment area.

[glitch_oz]

You might find this useful:
.......

The topographic map might be useful for other areas as well.

You need to be aware that the dams in the Hunua Ranges and what appear to be lakes are water reservoirs - it's a major water catchment area.

FANTASTIC maps!!
Tks for the links.
Re: catchment...thought as much, looking at their position and proximity to major settlements
Thanks again

[Eddieb]

Thanks for the reply.
Being on posties "getting it over and done with" is a bit of a long-winded affair :laugh:
Been fiddling with this route
http://goo.gl/maps/tqPM9
for one of the "crossings".
At 70kmh top-whack we're not really in a rush and that route is between 250-300k's (Hamilton - Helensville/ South Head, that is).

Then north from Helensville between SH16 + 1 via the gravel roads to Workworth, maybe? Perhaps looping north via the coastal tracks + roads from there?? No idea yet...
Got 2 weeks to play with :niceone:

90mile beach, slobber...sounds good.
Isn't there also a beach-run near Dargaville (Bayleys Beach? (sp) northwards, can't remember the details)

Jeez, we can't get rid of ya can we. you keep turning up.

http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/90-mile-beach/
http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/east-beach/
http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/glinks-gully-to-baylys-beach/

Heading North from Auckland once you get over the Brynderwyn's go past SH12 to Dargaville and take the next left onto Waipu Gorge Road - Golden Stairs road etc and you can follow some nice gravel to within 20km's of Dargaville. Baylys Beach is on the coast there.

[glitch_oz]

Jeez, we can't get rid of ya can we. you keep turning up.

http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/90-mile-beach/
http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/east-beach/
http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/glinks-gully-to-baylys-beach/

Heading North from Auckland once you get over the Brynderwyn's go past SH12 to Dargaville and take the next left onto Waipu Gorge Road - Golden Stairs road etc and you can follow some nice gravel to within 20km's of Dargaville. Baylys Beach is on the coast there.



Yo, keep turning up like an old pair of cheesy socks :2thumbsup
Thanks muchly for the links, didn't know you're behind that site, great stuff!
Funny how things work, though...read your line on Waipu Gorge/ Golden Stairs -> Dargaville -> gravel etc just 2 minutes after marking that route on the maps :eek5:
East beach was a new one to me...we'll certainly give that one a try.
Rode a similarly narrow strip of beach at Hells Gates/Macquarie Harbour/ Strahan/ Tasmania in March....it IS a queasy feeling knowing that you're "up the creek" somewhat if you get stuck, with an incoming tide lapping at your boots. The usable strip of sand was down to 12-14" for about 1km, on a 30deg angle.
Thanks again :yes:

[kevfromcoro]

When you coming? Or are you here all ready