Northern ADVice needed

[snodpete]

Adventuring to the top - suggestions please

I'm planning to ride the Strom to Cape Reinga early next year. We'll be travelling 2-up and aim to be self-contained, so we're talking heavy... Regardless I'd like to explore as many backroads as possible and would love suggestions and advice.

So far I've pencilled in the Whanganui River Rd, the Forgotten Highway back down to Whangamomona, then some dirt back road to the coast north of New Plymouth.

North of there I've spotted some gravel routes linked by eddieb covering Kawhia to Port Waikato.

90 Mile Beach..?

Other than these first thoughts I'm keen to hear any suggestions to fill the gaps, and of course we have to come back as well..!

Thanks in advance!

[marks]

Adventuring to the top - suggestions please

I'm planning to ride the Strom to Cape Reinga early next year. We'll be travelling 2-up and aim to be self-contained, so we're talking heavy... Regardless I'd like to explore as many backroads as possible and would love suggestions and advice.

So far I've pencilled in the Whanganui River Rd, the Forgotten Highway back down to Whangamomona, then some dirt back road to the coast north of New Plymouth.

North of there I've spotted some gravel routes linked by eddieb covering Kawhia to Port Waikato.

90 Mile Beach..?

Other than these first thoughts I'm keen to hear any suggestions to fill the gaps, and of course we have to come back as well..!

Thanks in advance!

If time permits on the way back - head to Opotiki and down Motu Rd and Whakarau Rd - work your way south towards Gisbourne and then get on to SH38 around Lake Waikaremoana around to Murupara. Go to Taupo and down to Turangi and then Taihape and then via the Napier Taihape Rd (Gentle Annie) to Napier Hastings. Then follow the coast as much as possible all the way down to Martinborough and onto Wellington via the Rimutukas. I would take 2-3 days to do what I've just described.

[clint640]

If time permits on the way back - head to Opotiki and down Motu Rd and Whakarau Rd - work your way south towards Gisbourne and then get on to SH38 around Lake Waikaremoana around to Murupara. Go to Taupo and down to Turangi and then Taihape and then via the Napier Taihape Rd (Gentle Annie) to Napier Hastings. Then follow the coast as much as possible all the way down to Martinborough and onto Wellington via the Rimutukas. I would take 2-3 days to do what I've just described.

Yep, good call. In Northland just sticking to the roads as close to the coast as possible up one side & back down the other will yield a good route.

Cheers
Clint

[Underground]

Yes , stay off the main routes if you have the time (they really are crap)
Hang a left to get out Auckland round Hellensville way its a much more pleasant ride .
I know someone who was on 90 mile on the weekend so I'll let you know how he did after I hear from him .
Oh and thanks for the hospitality Pete

[jafar]

I've heard that the road between Kawhia & Raglan is now closed due to a major slip, it would pay to get one of the Waikato guys to confirm this.
This area is also where they will be putting in the windfarms & may be limited access

[george formby]

From Whangarei you can head out to Maungatapere & onto Murrays Road which brings you out at Kaikohe, a lovely road through rural valleys & over the twin bridges. Generally very quiet. If you travel north up highway 1 from Whangas turn off for Oakura / Russell. 100k's of corners & beautiful coastal views. The road surface can be dodgy though. This will bring you out in The Bay of Islands, the car ferry just takes few minutes to bring you over to Opua / Paihia. 90 mile beach is doable if your careful & capable. Make sure the tide is on it's way out & be comfortable riding the few metres of soft sand until you reach the tide line. Look for standing water on the beach, vehicles charging up behind you & undulations or gullys. Take it easy & if in doubt stop & have a good look, check how firm the sand is ahead of you. Take something to stick under your sidestand on soft surfaces.
On the west coast you must go through the Waipoua forest & see the Kauris, Omapere & Opononi. The forest road is very windy & is getting busier with Camper snails. Further north, either to or from Kaitaia, the Mangamuka gorge is a real rollercoaster but can have logging trucks to startle you on a hairpin.
Up the eastcoast is a pleasant ride, more open, flowing tarmac & lovely views & villages to loiter in. You can't lose really, choose the route that suits your pace & time.

[snodpete]

Thanks for the great suggestions so far - I'm getting impatient now!

Underground - you're welcome, and I intend to 'pay you back' one day - might even be en route up north!

[Oscar]

I've heard that the road between Kawhia & Raglan is now closed due to a major slip, it would pay to get one of the Waikato guys to confirm this.
This area is also where they will be putting in the windfarms & may be limited access

There are two roads.
Te Papatapu Road is still open and the Kawhia Road has a cool deviation through some paddocks and two streams...

[jafar]

There are two roads.
Te Papatapu Road is still open and the Kawhia Road has a cool deviation through some paddocks and two streams...

Is the road open or is it 4wd/adv only ??

[Oscar]

Is the road open or is it 4wd/adv only ??

Te Papatapu Road is gravel and open for all traffic.