Interesting Grade 1&2 rides on North part of South Island?

[GoJohnGo]

Scrambling around some work commitments, I found a way to take off 13-21 Feb and head from Welly to the South Island. Trouble is, I don't know the territory at all, and don't have near the time I'd usually take to plan a trip.

I have a WeeStrom with a fresh set of Michelin Anakee Adventures, and am looking to try out this gravel riding thing. Not looking for anything too likely to get me stuck or airlifted, some some scenic no-traffic easy-to-manage gravel to get me used to it after 30 years of being on tarmac.

I'm generally planning on a loop around Picton-Nelson-Hanmer Springs-Picton, staying at AirBnBs along the way (I don't have any camping gear).

Molesworth Station is on the list. Looks like the Twisting Throttle book names a few other rides in the area:


French Pass
Kenepuru
Tasman
Buller Gorge
Karamea
Maruia Saddle
Rainbow Road
Random Spur



Unfortunately, it seems the book is out of stock currently.

Does anyone know where I might find a copy of the book, or can recommend resources with a similar list and description of the kinds of roads I'm looking for? I'm sure whatever I see on this trip will be amazing, but it would be nice not to pass right by some great diversions just because I don't know about them! I did download the free routes from RemoteMoto, and may try them out.

I'm also keen to ride with other folks who can show me around (I'm riding solo this trip) if we can work out the timing, so PM me if you're on the way and up for some fun.

[pete376403]

If you are on Facebook, join the adventure riding nz group and also the W.A.R group. Might get assistance there

[Kickaha]

Kaiwara road which is near Ramdon Spur and Lee's valley out back of Rangiora/Oxford

[reasonable]

John , I've got a copy of Twisting Throttle NZ .
Will give you a ring later today .

[FJRider]

East of Picton through Waikawa into the Port underwood area. Most of the roads can be seen on google maps streetview.

A good bit of gravel but plenty of seal too.

The views of the east coast bays alone ... makes it well worthwhile.

[JATZ]

French Pass... Cool ride, mostly sealed now though with awsome views.
Kenepuru.... Lots and lots of corners, sealed to about St Omer i think.
Tasman.... Which bit ?
Buller Gorge.... Its okay if you haven't done it before and don't strike traffic.
Karamea.... Past Mokihinui is the better bit. Side trips to Denniston and Oparara arches are worth a look
Maruia Saddle.... Yip, if you want a break from the main drag. Its nice.
Rainbow Road.... Give it a miss if you're not confident with 4wd stuff and river/stream crossings. The Jacks/Jollies pass loop is not to challenging, maybe a side trip to Lake Tennyson?
Random Spur... Can't comment



Kaiwara rd is pretty cool and shouldn't present any problems.
Port Underwood road(Rarangi to Picton) is pretty cool, but corrugated to hell I'm told.

.

10 chars.....

[GoJohnGo]

Port Underwood Road sure looks nice on the map, and will be easy to check out. I’ll report back. Thanks everyone for your tips so far!

[BMWST?]

Rainbow still closed i think? Big slip somewhere.

[Kickaha]

Rainbow still closed i think? Big slip somewhere.

It has reopened

[Oscar]

What are these grades you speak off?

We have two sorts of ride:

We got home, Too easy.
Holy shit, it's getting dark.

[Eddieb]

Have a look here: https://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/south-island-tracks/