Pongaroa - Alfredton

[denill]

Planning a backroad cruise over Easter and would like to know if the direct route from Pongaroa to Alfredton is still unsealed (via Tiraumea)- as indicated by the AA District Map??

Many thanks in advance
Bill

[MSTRS:Me]

Have a search in the Trip Report section. Someone was in that area very recently & mentioned gravel

[ducatijim]

Hi ya...yes there is a short section, 'bout 4(?)Km of gravel between Tiraumea and Pongaroa, it is usually in good order and no problem to M/C across.Do take care on all that section;Alfredton-Pongaroa, and beyond, the locals use all the road, which is often narrow and one lane in places, stock wander,....but, hey its a great ride!!

[denill]

Hey, thanks guys. Give you an update when we get back.

Cheers
Bill

[Pickle]

Pongaroa to Alfredton is all sealed, has been for a couple of years. There is a section between Porangahau & Wimbledon that is unsealed but that is it.
As has been said be careful with local traffic they OWN the road, there has been a lot of road works in the region due to the flooding/storm damage from last year.
A good bit of road if on your KTM is Ti Tree Point to Akitio then on to Pongaroa - mostly unsealed or if on the ST try the Mangatainoka to Pongaroa Rd. There are quite a few good back roads in this area both unsealed & sealed - just need a bit of local advice.
Which bike you taking?? I might be able to suggest a couple for you.

[denill]

Travelled the back roads from Napier to Martinborough - Carterton on the ST on Easter Saturday and thanks to those guys who gave us road information.

Here is the update on that route as promised. Left SH2 at Waipukurau and out to Porangahou. Between Porangahou and Wimbledon - less than 4 Ks unsealed (the only un-sealed we encountered) and with the work in progress, soon there will be none. Detoured to the coastal village of Herbertville from Wimbledon (18 Ks) and arrived at 9.45am. The Herbertville Tavern had a sign out that said - food served @ 11.30am When we enquired if we would encounter any food on our route the proprietor said probably not but she would do some Fish 'n' Chips if we wanted. We wanted. We were dished up with humungous, delicious fresh fish pieces!!! Worth the trip just for that.

The Wimbledon Pub proprietor is a good guy too. They provide accommodation within the 100 year plus pub and not a bad looking menu either, so it may be worthwhile keeping that in mind if you want to get off the beaten track.

Just before Weber we hung it left towards Pongaroa, but before Pongaroa we took the 30 k detour from Waione to Akitio. Although the current AA District map says it is not sealed - it is. A great road too, but then they were all great. No HP Revenue Collectors the big plus..........
Akitio is a fishing beach that is well populated with beach houses, considering the isolation. Back the same way as the alternative is un-sealed. So it was Pongaroa - Alfredton - just before Masterton, hang it left towards Castlepoint for a short way and then right to Gladstone - Longbush - Martinborough - Ponatahi - Carterton. 430 Ks.

Stayed at the Club Hotel, bike friendly hosts - not 5 star but hey, 50 bucks was good value. Beats tenting - specially as it was pissing down when we woke in the morn.

Back to Napier the direct route on Sunday - 230Ks.

Reckon Saturday's ride ranks up there with the best days riding. Bikes are great to ride anywhere - but nothing beats bikes for just exploring quiet country roads and towns. Change up - change down, throttle on - throttle off. Motorcycling as it used to be. Just be aware, no (mindless) road signs telling you how fast 'they' think you should take the next corner and don't rely on the quiet roads being clear of other traffic and stock and there may very well loose surface just around the corner. And there often was...........

Thanks guys for your help and advice.

Cheers
Bill

[merv]

Yeah they are all great roads around those parts. Glad you enjoyed the trip.

[Hitcher]

Watch out for "Mrs H's corner".

[Skunk]

The Wimbledon Pub proprietor is a good guy too. They provide accommodation within the 100 year plus pub and not a bad looking menu either, so it may be worthwhile keeping that in mind if you want to get off the beaten track.

They have/had a house across road that sleeps a few too. Good rate. Spend a long weekend with trail bikes as there are plenty of dirt roads in the area...