Forgotten Highway. Which way?

[Highlander]

OK, sounds silly I know, but some roads just lend themselves better to be ridden one way than the other.

I'm planning on doing the Whangamomona thing because I have been slack and yet to get there. Will most likely be doing it two up.

Which way does the general concenus recommend Taumaranui - Stratford or Stratford - Taumaranui?

[Genie]

OK, sounds silly I know, but some roads just lend themselves better to be ridden one way than the other.

I'm planning on doing the Whangamomona thing because I have been slack and yet to get there. Will most likely be doing it two up.

Which way does the general concenus recommend Taumaranui - Stratford or Stratford - Taumaranui?

Both. so I've heard)

[Highlander]

Both. so I've heard)

Had thought about Tauranga - Whangamomona for lunch at the pub, then back the same way (well opposite way but along the same route) but I don't think my pillion would be best pleased with that effort.

[FJRider]

Both. so I've heard)

+ one ... only one way to make sure ...

[cs363]

It's a good ride in either direction. What alternate route are you thinking of to appease your pillion?

[Gremlin]

Both. Stop in Whangamomona for a feed too. Nice fooooood

[Highlander]

It's a good ride in either direction. What alternate route are you thinking of to appease your pillion?

Debating a round trip with a night either at Whangamomona or Stratford or New Plymouth.

Thinking from Tauranga down the Western side of Taupo, Taumaranui, Whangamomona, Stratford, New Plymouth, Awakino, Otorahanga, Te Awamutu Tauranga.

Just asking if anyone has noted it being better clockwise or anticlockwise.

Google maps makes it somewhere in the order of 750 km circuit, I'd be keen on a day trip with lunch at the pub, but probably a bit much for the pillion. Perhaps I should do it solo first for a Recce.....

[Blackbird]

I did it in the car a few months ago, mainly because I was taking the family to Wearable Arts in Wellington. However, it was great in the 4x4 because I could explore some of the muddy side roads too. Geoff and Penny Taylor at the Whangamomona pub are awesome. We stayed the night and it was fantastic. Great food and local beer too.

If you want to see some photos from the trip: http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2010/...ghway-and.html

[tri boy]

Personally I like Tauramanui-Stratford. Saving the saddles till last.Tauranga-Stratford-Awakino-Otro- Home is a good day ride.
Or goTau- Statford-Wanga's-Parapara-..................... over two days.MHO

[That looks like fun]

Tamaranui to Stratford You get the views of Mt Egmont (thats Mt Taranaki to you young fellas). Stop at the Te Hora Saddle and you can look across to Ruapehu. Don't just go to Whanga and back, for roadies one of the best parts of the ride is the road from Whanga to Stratford. Plenty of places to kip for the night, Mokau, Awakino etc.
Unless your on a mission, stop and soak it in

[cs363]

Thinking from Tauranga down the Western side of Taupo, Taumaranui, Whangamomona, Stratford, New Plymouth, Awakino, Otorahanga, Te Awamutu Tauranga.

The order you have them in would make for a good ride, especially on a day trip - but if your pillion's not up to that kind of distance then a stop at Whangamomona or New Plymouth (or in between) would make sense. The choice of place would probably depend on what your expectations are i.e. restaurants/night life etc in NP, or a quieter cosy night somewhere smaller.
If it was me I'd probably opt for the pub at Whanga, especially knowing your bike will have secure parking as well.

[Highlander]

The order you have them in would make for a good ride, especially on a day trip - but if your pillion's not up to that kind of distance then a stop at Whangamomona or New Plymouth (or in between) would make sense. The choice of place would probably depend on what your expectations are i.e. restaurants/night life etc in NP, or a quieter cosy night somewhere smaller.
If it was me I'd probably opt for the pub at Whanga, especially knowing your bike will have secure parking as well.

Thanks all.

A night at the Whanga pub is the preferred option.

Ideally we would be taking too bikes, but some moron (it may have been me ) let slip that there was a couple of km yet to be sealed and that kind put her off riding it.

[ynot slow]

An idea for accomodation is how about stopping in Stratford at the Mountain House on Mt Egmont,sure Whanga is a great overnighter,but the views on Egmont are awesome on a fine day.Off hand about $120ish dinner,bed,brekky at Whanga p/p.

Went from Putararu to Stratford on 30th Dec,did western access etc,was hot as hell,and the pub was a welcome rest stop,although this time they get a few trampers staying,so check if wanting to stay,takes about an hour to Stratford with photo stops,not nice if running late and rushing to find a bed,the photo stops take time.

Or a night at New Plymouth and nice cruise to Mokau for whitebait fritters(and bacon from butcher opposite)for brekky.

[davebullet]

I'm trying to remember which way I did it last time, but alas, I've forgotten.

[cs363]

Thanks all.

A night at the Whanga pub is the preferred option.

Ideally we would be taking too bikes, but some moron (it may have been me ) let slip that there was a couple of km yet to be sealed and that kind put her off riding it.

FWIW the gravel is really easy, more like hard pack dirt in most stretches. It's a no brainer on a sport bike, basically if she's ridden through road works she'll be able to handle it. Hard to avoid riding on gravel at some stage in NZ and this is probably a rather friendly introduction.