Forgotten Highway

[DarkLord]

I've been riding less than 2 years, and I did the Forgotten World highway about a year ago. The gravel part is fine if you just take it slowly.

Some fantastic scenery around that area as well - definitely worth checking out.

[The Stranger:Me]

And don't ride into the tunnel with a full tint visor closed.

+1 - Or wearing sun glasses

[rebel]

Don't ignore the advisory speed signs for the corners, some will catch you out.
Watch out for farmers, cutting corners etc.
Take your time, enjoy the scenery, I went thru there January this year, in the car, more of a laxxed out ride rather than a thrash.

[boman]

I went through there in January this year. The gravel, then was clean and well packed. A breeze to ride on. Like others have said, just take your time and enjoy the scenery. It is fantastic.

[Gareth51]

Gotta try the roadside restroom

[Goblin]

And don't ride into the tunnel with a full tint visor closed.

+1 - Or wearing sun glasses

I'll third that!

We specifically stopped before the tunnel to take sunnies off and I forgot.:slap: Very dark in there!

[Eddieb]

We rode through there on Sunday on our Central Plateau Adventure ride, On the way through we passed a Burgman, 2 Vespa's and a KLR650 riding as a group, they were humming along fine.

As long as the surface hasn't changed since Sunday it's as good as, if not better than most tarsealed roads in NZ.
The surface is pretty much billard table smooth, hard packed and only the lightest dusting of gravel, not enough to even notice.

[Eddieb]

I went through there last Sunday on a PX200 Vespa, Riding with me was another PX, an enduro bike and a 400 Burgman.
We all found it easy the gravel section is in good condition and recent rain kept the dust down

Du'oh! I missed this post tilll I re-read the thread. These are the guys we went past.

I have a short vid of you guys going over the bridge in the gorge. I can stick it up on Youtube or make it available for download if you want it.

[naphazoline]

The weather's looking a bit shithouse for this weekend.

But never the less,it's a fantastic scenic ride,and if you're hungry,you gotta stop for a "Whanga burger",at the Whangamomona pub.
I'll warn ya now,don't order anything else with that.It has about 250-300gms of meat patty in it.

[Deemster]

Du'oh! I missed this post tilll I re-read the thread. These are the guys we went past.

I have a short vid of you guys going over the bridge in the gorge. I can stick it up on Youtube or make it available for download if you want it.

Cheers, I am the guy on the silver Vespa and would love to see that vid. Sorry I can't P.M on this site due to my lack of site involvement?(what ever that means)
Ron

[MarkH]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

Since my Burgman 400 had no problem with the gravel I wouldn't expect Balu's 650 to have any problem either.

[Eddieb]

Cheers, I am the guy on the silver Vespa and would love to see that vid. Sorry I can't P.M on this site due to my lack of site involvement?(what ever that means)
Ron

Not enough site involvement means you haven't posted enough yet.

[PrincessBandit]

Thanks people for the advice and comments! We'll still keep an eye on the weather but as it's likely to pack up more into the weekend the plan is to travel it tomorrow on the way down country. Looking forward to it.

[cs363]

Another vote that you do the Forgotten Highway PB, it really is smooth and hard packed and very easy riding. As others have said just keep your wits about as you would on any tightish country road and enjoy the ride. Far better than coming down the mostly boring main road, and besides there'll be hot showers good grub and booze at Pussy & Gassit Girl's place when you get to NP!

[malfunconz]

came back to auckland two weeks ago and the gravel is no worries at all , watch the tunnel as was a little slippery . Second part of ride to tau'nui was bloody choice , got behind a guy in a toyota flat deck and he knew those roads , lots of fun till he pulled over into a farm . Found most of the "experts" have only done the stratford to whangamona pub section of road anyway , all the fun is the other end .