Waiuku to New Plymouth - Any "must do" backroads along the way?

[Baldyman]

I will be heading down to New Plymouth on Thursday morning and returning on Saturday afternoon for a business trip. So I am likely to be going by bike. (Not bicycle) if I can arrange for the business stuff to be couriered down. (anyone available to tag along would be great)

The question is; are there any good back roads along the way that would make the return trip (And possibly some of the trip down, depending on time) a little better/more interesting? I believe the road is very good anyway, but some advice from others who know the area/roads would be really appreciated.

Thanks

[Rosie]

As a general rule: Stick as close to the coast as you can
Or for a bit of a detour; Kiwi Road (inland from Uruti to Ahititi) is well worth a look.

[young1]

The coast road to Awakino (fuel at Awakino).
Kiwi Road and through Uruti
Turn inland at Ahititi (Okau Rd) and head to Mt Dampner falls (worth a look) on way to Whangamona for food and drink.
To New Plymouth from Whangamomona through Purangi and Tarata (in other words head South from Whanga and turn right on the top of one of the saddles).

All good gravel riding, sorry don't have map to give you road names.

[alane]

[QUOTE=young1;1130411717]
To New Plymouth from Whangamomona through Purangi and Tarata (in other words head South from Whanga and turn right on the top of one of the saddles).



Junction road --- on the top of Pohukura saddle --- heading towards & through Matau.