Cape Reinga and back

**BadSarah** · 2nd June 2013, 06:39

I'm about to take a ride to the top of the North Island- a camping trip I originally intended to take in March, but now starting on this Friday, 7 June. Staying at my Dad's in Wanganui Friday then on Saturday heading to Waitomo via the Paraparas, catching up with a friend in Hamilton until Monday night? not sure... but have no idea after that having never been north of Auckland. Any suggestions on route or spots to park up for the night would be awesome, also anybody that likes to sit by the campfire getting a little smashed would be groovy too... Thinking I'll wander down the east coast back to Welly, not entirely sure yet but I have until 26th to get home before I have to go back to work.

My next trip (hopefully February) will be to the bottom of the south, having only been as far south as Nelson (unless you count flying down to Christchurch)

**insomnia01** · 2nd June 2013, 08:56

Mangamukas, Twin bridges, Paparoa Rd, Waipoua forest are just a few of the delights the " Norf " has to offer, how much time you got ? Rawene ferry is a cool trip, lunch in Rawene is always a treat..... Top 10 holiday parks are nation wide ( cabins, tent sites etc ) plenty of acc options up there. I'm looking at Heading back down Sth in Feb or March 2014 keep in touch may hook up for the ride ( 5 or 7 days touring staying at Top 10 )

**Road kill** · 2nd June 2013, 09:17

When I go north from AK I take the northwestern onto HW16 through to Wellsford then up to the Dargaville turn off at the bottem of the Brynderwyns.
Head east from Dargaville and take the twins bridges road through to Kaikohe.
Or you can take the road from Dargaville up through the Waipua forest and opononi ect through to Kaikohe or across on the Rawene ferry,,,,which is "fucking over rated" the ride is better.
From Kaikohe up through the Mungamukas to Kaitia and up to the top.
Coming back down I usually head east from Awanui just north of Kaitia and back down the east side.

If when you get to the cape there is not a few other vehicles or a tour buss at the car park before walking down to the light house "Don't leave your bike unattended"

**NinjaNanna** · 2nd June 2013, 13:17

Yes take SH16 from AKL through to Wellsford - but be warned its a beautiful section of road and is zealously patrolled by the cops. Don't get excited or you'll be taxed or heaven forbid pushing the bike all the way home.

DAY1
AKL -> WELLSFORD -> OAKLIEGH-PAPAROA RD -> DARGAVILLE-> WAIPUA FOREST (photo op at the top and also TANE MATUA is ya into big trees) -> OPONONI (lunch at the pub)-> RAWENE (alt lunch stop) -> ferry across the harbour -> MANGMUKAS (3 times) ->KIATIA -> TOP TEN @ start of 90 Mile Beach.

DAY2
Return trip to the Cape

DAYS 3,4,5,6
Return trip to Welly via East Coast

**Damantis** · 2nd June 2013, 14:06

Originally Posted by NinjaNanna

Yes take SH16 from AKL through to Wellsford - but be warned its a beautiful section of road and is zealously patrolled by the cops. Don't get excited or you'll be taxed or heaven forbid pushing the bike all the way home.

DAY1
AKL -> WELLSFORD -> OAKLIEGH-PAPAROA RD -> DARGAVILLE-> WAIPUA FOREST (photo op at the top and also TANE MATUA is ya into big trees) -> OPONONI (lunch at the pub)-> RAWENE (alt lunch stop) -> ferry across the harbour -> MANGMUKAS (3 times) ->KIATIA -> TOP TEN @ start of 90 Mile Beach.

DAY2
Return trip to the Cape

DAYS 3,4,5,6
Return trip to Welly via East Coast

Mungamukas for the win ( the bends and camber makes one wonder if a motorcyclist planned it ). The view as you come over the hill to the coast at Opononi is postcard perfect. Kaitaia to the cape is not only spectacular but the road itself is a sublime ride if the weather cooperates. Waiopua forest is great too though in winter, I suspect large parts of the road will remain wet most of the time.

**BadSarah** · 2nd June 2013, 14:45

Got a little lost on google maps...
SH16 to Welsford
SH1 to Brynderwyn
Left to SH12 through Dargaville & Oponini?
Then where? Ferry from Rawene goes where? which way from there?
lost I tell you

**Gremlin** · 2nd June 2013, 14:59

Originally Posted by BadSarah

Got a little lost on google maps...
SH16 to Welsford
SH1 to Brynderwyn
Left to SH12 through Dargaville & Oponini?
Then where? Ferry from Rawene goes where? which way from there?
lost I tell you

Think he meant something like this: http://goo.gl/maps/t8vMY

**BadSarah** · 2nd June 2013, 15:59

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Think he meant something like this: http://goo.gl/maps/t8vMY

Woohoo, much clearer, thank you

**BadSarah** · 2nd June 2013, 16:08

Originally Posted by insomnia01

I'm looking at Heading back down Sth in Feb or March 2014 keep in touch may hook up for the ride ( 5 or 7 days touring staying at Top 10 )

Sounds good, going to book time off for my southern trip when I get back from this one, will endeavour to keep you informed. No doubt I'll post something like this near the time

**Madness** · 2nd June 2013, 16:09

The return trip should include the road of many names, Twin Bridges --> https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr...ra=ls&t=m&z=10

**BadSarah** · 2nd June 2013, 16:31

Just watched a video about twin bridges, will have to include that !!

Anybody know if there's a camp ground with a fire pit? Nothing I love more than a fire for drinking liquor by, speaking of which, it's that time

**Mom** · 2nd June 2013, 17:29

Originally Posted by BadSarah

Just watched a video about twin bridges, will have to include that !!

Anybody know if there's a camp ground with a fire pit? Nothing I love more than a fire for drinking liquor by, speaking of which, it's that time

That really is a must do road up this way.. We have a bed here (no fire pit mind) if you need a crash pad a bit north of Auckland. I doubt you will find a camp up north that would allow an open fire of any kind, it gets too dry.

**george formby** · 3rd June 2013, 11:22

IIR Kai Iwi lakes has BBQ pits. Nice spot too.

The road through Waipoua forest will be sporting a bit of greenery here & there. Punga fronds having a lie down in a corner or two etc. No real worry but it curbs the enthusiasm.

**BadSarah** · 7th June 2013, 13:47

Originally Posted by Mom

That really is a must do road up this way.. We have a bed here (no fire pit mind) if you need a crash pad a bit north of Auckland. I doubt you will find a camp up north that would allow an open fire of any kind, it gets too dry.

A place for a night would be most welcome, thank you.
I don't have a set plan, so I'm not too sure when I'd be near you...

Originally Posted by george formby

IIR Kai Iwi lakes has BBQ pits. Nice spot too.

The road through Waipoua forest will be sporting a bit of greenery here & there. Punga fronds having a lie down in a corner or two etc. No real worry but it curbs the enthusiasm.

Don't worry, I'll be on unfamiliar roads, so I'll be taking it easy!