Northland: where to find adventure?

[Rosie]

We're in the process of planning a bit of a trip north in June, and I'm looking for ideas of good places to go riding.

My mum and sister are having significant birthdays in June, so we're going on a family holiday to Northland for a week. Clint and I are planning to take the bikes, and won't be doing the family thing every day, so we'll have some time to explore Northland's gravel.

I know June is ages away, but my sister, being as excitable as she is organised, is already sending me suggestions of places we could stay, and asking what I plan on doing in Northland. So I need to come up with a loose plan. I've been to the far north once, a long time ago, in a car so I could do with some ideas of good gravel roads, and other adventure riding must-dos.

[BoristheBiter]

I guess with you saying adventure that the bikes are rego'ed.

Just use Google maps and just look between the main roads as most are gravel. use street view to check, if there isn't street view it means it is most likely gravel.
It might take a wee while but there are a massive amount in the north.

[george formby]

Here's some ideas, not had a chance to get out much myself lately but...... one day.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...5475-Headin...

Don't forget 90 mile beach, Old Russell rd through the Kauri forest, back road to Russell, Oromahoe rd etc, all here in the Bay.

[young1]

I am also interested in the places to ride in the far north as Leanne and I will be heading that way in March for a week.

[reofix]

Ride to the end of the road at Poutu.. turn right and ride the beach .. about 40 mins or so nth is a little settlement .. Glinks i think ... where it is easy to leave the beach . Make sure its low tideish. Theres an old lighthouse up in the sandhills not far up from Poutu.. lonely beach .. great coast

Waipoua forest is a great ride in the late afternoon on a sunny summers day . The kauri are golden in the sun

[That looks like fun]

Lots of gravel roads in the area circled by State Hwys 1, 12 and 14. Pigs head road, Kaikanui Rd are worth a look as are most of the side roads. Russell Road has a nice gravel section through the forest. Punaruku Rd is good for a laugh, It dont go anywhere but its fun while it lasts and heaps of spots to free camp. Beaches etc, its all good in the North. Have fun (but watch them locals, some of them is angry people )

[Rosie]

Thanks all, I shall sit down with the map this evening and start to figure out a plan.

[paturoa]

+1 for the Pouto / Dargaville beach ride. It is a must do.

Make sure you check the tide charts and do it around low tide. It isn't possible at high tide.

It is rideable for a long distance on hard pack sand (approx 98km so be careful with gas) and you can exit the beach at several locations. Glinks, Mahuta, Baileys, Omamari and right at the top end of the beack at Maunganui Bluff.

I haven't done it for a couple of years last time was here, ride reports at end of thread: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/128749

[Night Falcon]

This will be an interesting thread, have always wanted to visit the far north on the KTM so will be taking note of routes and reports for resaerch purposes....hummm wonder if its posible to get a government grant to study and explore ADV bike routes in the far north