Condition of back roads in Taranaki?

**Gremlin** · 28th August 2012, 12:42

Gotta be in New Plymouth on Monday, figuring I might make a weekend of heading down (depending on what's happening with a damn front due on the weekend).

There's an interesting section of roads between Pehu and Purangi, that according to NZOGPS there are two roads right next to each other and they sorta end and start in random places. Also Heao Rd looks interesting. I suspect the map is incorrect, so what's better than going and riding them.

I saw that Whangamomona Rd (haven't done yet as well) was a mud bath a while back... so curious if locals know what the back roads around Forgotten Highway are like...

**nadroj** · 28th August 2012, 12:52

Heao Rd is a goat track! Inglewood to Pohukura (just before Whangamomona) via Tarata road and Junction road has about 16km of heavy gravel but is doable on a sportsbike. Matau rd is gravel.

**Gremlin** · 28th August 2012, 13:02

Originally Posted by nadroj

Heao Rd is a goat track! Inglewood to Pohukura (just before Whangamomona) via Tarata road and Junction road has about 16km of heavy gravel but is doable on a sportsbike. Matau rd is gravel.

Uh... adv/dual purpose bike section here

By goat track I assume you mean it's gravel? Cool.

What's a sportsbike? Sounds impractical...

**gijoe1313** · 28th August 2012, 13:25

Here we go again!

Just as well you got a bike that can take the damage you dish out to it!

**dino3310** · 28th August 2012, 13:45

Watch out for those Taranaki fella's mate, they fall off a lot

But they have got some bloody good ADV roads down there, no doubt they will chime in when they finish milking

**James Deuce** · 28th August 2012, 14:22

Beware of banjos and toothless men making pig noises and you'll be fine.

**Rosie** · 28th August 2012, 14:27

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Gotta be in New Plymouth on Monday, figuring I might make a weekend of heading down (depending on what's happening with a damn front due on the weekend).

There's an interesting section of roads between Pehu and Purangi, that according to NZOGPS there are two roads right next to each other and they sorta end and start in random places. Also Heao Rd looks interesting. I suspect the map is incorrect, so what's better than going and riding them.

I saw that Whangamomona Rd (haven't done yet as well) was a mud bath a while back... so curious if locals know what the back roads around Forgotten Highway are like...

No idea about current road conditions, but I do know that Taranaki mud is, uh, interesting when it's wet (search 'Naki liquifaction tour' for more details). If you stick to gravelled roads you should be sweet - but I suspect dirt tracks like the Old Whangamomona rd would be pretty dodgy on a big bus like yours this time of year.

**Eddieb** · 28th August 2012, 14:39

It has been known to take over 3 hours to do the 17km of Whangamomona road in winter.

This is a dry bit

**Gremlin** · 28th August 2012, 15:02

Originally Posted by Rosie

No idea about current road conditions, but I do know that Taranaki mud is, uh, interesting when it's wet (search 'Naki liquifaction tour' for more details). If you stick to gravelled roads you should be sweet - but I suspect dirt tracks like the Old Whangamomona rd would be pretty dodgy on a big bus like yours this time of year.

I agree completely... uh, but I prefer to call it a truck...

Hence the thread... I'd rather not find out something I want explore is mud when I'm stuck up to my waist

Rough gravel, streams etc are all fine by me

**Rosie** · 28th August 2012, 15:44

From the looks of google maps (+ satellite images) both Heao Rd, and Ngatoto Rds might be a bit dubious for this time of year.

There are, however, lots of really good gravelled roads in the greater Whangamomona area. I just don't remember which ones we've been on

Hopefully Mr. that_looks_like_fun will be in from mowing the lawn soon and will be able to provide some suggestions.

**Gremlin** · 28th August 2012, 16:03

Originally Posted by Rosie

From the looks of google maps (+ satellite images) both Heao Rd, and Ngatoto Rds might be a bit dubious for this time of year.

Ya learn something new every day too... there's actually 2 Heao Rds. One near Matau (I think the one you had in mind) might be a dead end. The other is just south of Tatu on Ohura Rd (SH43) and runs beside the train tracks for a while before going south into the National Park. NZOGPS says it's sealed... I think no-one has updated the maps.

Clearly this needs exploring and updating

**Gremlin** · 29th August 2012, 12:06

Weather keeps looking better and better with the front arriving later... looks like more play time and less mud.

Of course, now it means I'll probably be drenched going home Monday arvo but meh, it's all main roads home

Keep the conditions and road advice coming

**gijoe1313** · 29th August 2012, 12:13

This ride could pan out in two ways - the usual ride report of the usual gremlin dubiousness that follows him, or an epic saga about being stranded in the boondocks with hillbillies and a mud stuck bike!