Wanganui area help

[K slider]

I am heading up North after New Year on my own and have seen a road from MATAHIWI on the Jerusalem road to Oreore, the map shows it as partly unsealed then going to a vehicle track, can anyone tell me how severe is this road and am I likely to come across locked gates, I will be riding the Dakar with a bit of gear and semi knobs.

[Zukin]

Hi there

Also Looking at my maps it shows a track
I would suspect it isn't a public road, probably over private land
But in saying that both ends are called Matahiwi Track

Worth an investigation

[sunhuntin]

as far as i know the road to jerusalem is public, but not sure about the track. might pay to stop at the local aa on your way and ask. [local aa is on the main drag called victoria ave, about 2 blocks from the river]

[K slider]

Thanks Zukin, I have looked at it on Google earth and it definitely passes through farm land and looks little used, I thought Clint might have ridden it,
If all else fails I could ask at the farm at the end of the gravel road.
Just a bit cautious of the area in case there are cash crops there, and unfriendlys,
I have also considered venturing into the Naki but not keen solo, anyway locals have much better knowledge,
I only made it to Otaki on Your assault earlier in the year due to mechanical probs.
Merry Xmas. Pete

[Lucy]

I am heading up North after New Year on my own and have seen a road from MATAHIWI on the Jerusalem road to Oreore, the map shows it as partly unsealed then going to a vehicle track, can anyone tell me how severe is this road and am I likely to come across locked gates, I will be riding the Dakar with a bit of gear and semi knobs.

All the road signs that pointed off the River road said 'No exit'. Now I know that road signs sometimes lie, but you might want to pre check, get hold of some farm owners or something? Ask around in Matahiwi perhaps.

[K slider]

Thanks Lucy I see that the road has roads at both ends and a previous tells me that it is quite navagable. Iwill ask at the farm Cheers Pete.

[Kennif]

Lived in Matahiwi a few years ago - at that time the track was passable only for horse travel. Had another look in 05 and it had got worse. About 2k in from the Matahiwi end you come to a locked gate and very mud/clay surface. I was driving a V8 Land Rover at the time we we got thoroughly stuck. The winch came in handy!
Unless you've done the River Road lots and got bored with it, I'd stick to that. You might try going straight ahead along the river when you get to Pipiriki (instead of turning right to Raetihi.) Great off-road track there past the visitor centre and up to an old homestead.
Good luck with it.

[K slider]

Thanks Kennif thats just the info I needed and thanks for the tip at Pipiriki,
Cheers Pete.