Iron Bridge to Waimangaroa

[Woodman]

We went through about 6 months ago after deciding at the pub on the NIIS2 ride the night before. The Mackley was easily rideable and shallow. Its a great ride, but the main reason we did it I think was that we had heard so many rumours that it was closing permanently in 6 months so puddytat may well be right. There were a lot of DOC and mining company hiluxes parked on the sides of the roads which didn't boad well.

Like RD says, go in from the Westport end if you still can. The cool bits end at the Mackley anyway.

Possibly the best track I have ridden.

[Crim]

I have got a few staff up there - have always wanted to do it myslef - I will ask the question and see if they have heard anything, don't think they'll be able to check it out for the next wee while as the Mackley will be roaring - will come back when I hear anything

[pete-blen]

I have only been though when it was low , 12/18" deep
there are a few larger rocks.. but it is rideable when low..

Umpom


Nordie paddleing


& whats his name?

[NordieBoy]

& whats his name?

Garrrrryyyy (must be said with Brummy accent).

Was going on that Patriarch snow ride with us the other year but chickened out by breaking his leg 40m before the start of the gravel...

Rigley... That's his handle...

[Dingledoo]

Thanks for all the comments.

I have just spoken to DOC and they confirmed that the gate at the New Creek end has been locked by the mining company. They said to call again nearer the time to see if this has changed as they said DOC would like to see it reopen.

[MXNUT]

I have just spoken to DOC and they confirmed that the gate at the New Creek end has been locked by the mining company.

Pretty dissapointed to hear that.Was planning on doing this after the Dusty Butt.
Have to rethink my plans now.

[Night Falcon]

Thanks for all the comments.

I have just spoken to DOC and they confirmed that the gate at the New Creek end has been locked by the mining company. They said to call again nearer the time to see if this has changed as they said DOC would like to see it reopen.

I know new creek pretty well, my wife grew up there on a dairy farm just along from the iron bridge. The farmers around there are pretty good value...if you ask you might just get access?

[NordieBoy]

I have just spoken to DOC and they confirmed that the gate at the New Creek end has been locked by the mining company. They said to call again nearer the time to see if this has changed as they said DOC would like to see it reopen.

Interesting.
Wonder if the mining company own the road?

It's 7km outside the Tasman area so I can't look up the road status...

[NordieBoy]

Hmmm...

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...kaka-ngakawau/

Looks like the New Creek road crosses private land, but...

There is no private land within this area however permission is required to use the Orikaka access road at the New Creek end.

[ADVGD]

Hmmm...

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...kaka-ngakawau/

Looks like the New Creek road crosses private land, but...

Unless ownership of the private land has changed the owner should still be Solid Energy, the information is at the bottom of this page and to the best of my knowledge is still true and correct.

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/arti...-denniston.php

DOC are more often than not very helpful and friendly when it comes to finding out about land access, unfortunately some of them have no idea and can pass on the wrong information. I have struck this a number of times

I am heading through there as part of my South Island loop this year so I will doing some homework re access this week. I'll update the website with any new info and also post an update here

[ADVGD]

After some phone tag I managed to track down and get hold of the owner of the New Creek end land. It is now owned by a coal company and the owner is a bloody nice guy, very happy to have 4X4, motorbikes, mountain bikers etc go through but has had gear and machinery vandalized recently and this may affect future access. Typical story, a few scum bag pieces of shit ruining it for us. But it is not all bad news, there are no coal operations at the moment so the gate is open and will remain open all January so the public can use it without issue. In the future operations will start and gear/machinery will be there however he is still aiming to find a feasible option to allow access but looking for a solution to avoid vandals. So good news overall, especially for you norfies lot who wanted to add this to your route!

Adventure Guide website has been updated

[Woodman]

Hmmmm,Nelson, Porika etc, New Creek, Coast road , Arthurs, Lake Coleridge? road to Rakai gorge, Fairlie.

Do-able in a day if not too much messing around. Who else is keen?

[Padmei]

Hmmmm,Nelson, Porika etc, New Creek, Coast road , Arthurs, Lake Coleridge? road to Rakai gorge, Fairlie.

Do-able in a day if not too much messing around. Who else is keen?

I'm keen on doing a day trip or overnighter soon thru there?

[Woodman]

I'm keen on doing a day trip or overnighter soon thru there?

Yea sounds good, my first suggestion may be a bit too ambitious ffor a day ride, especially if something goes pearshaped.

[ADVGD]

The New creek to Denniston GPS file on Adventure Guide has just been updated. I used the original file on my recent trip through and there was a stray waypoint, not that it would have caused major issues navigating the route but the new one is now bang on:

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/arti...-denniston.php


A swollen Mackley River