Head North on Somme Parade out of Whanganui following the river (on the opposite side of the Whanganui River Rd). It’s a (very) twisty road with small loose pebbles on it. Most of the corners are blind so keep to the left to ensure you don’t a truck / ute the might be cutting the corner. The unsealed track starts just before Papaiti on Papaiti Rd
It was nice and quiet when I rode it on a Saturday, but this being a logging area, I’m sure there’s load of trucks on the road during the week. There are a few river crossings (on bridges) with beautiful scenery. Look Out 1 on the track is up a rather steep logging track. not to bad as long as you keep momentum… Maybe not for a novice rider.
Contributed by: @charl_potgieter
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Smooth, Firm, Undulating
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Beginner
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Beginner
River crossings? No
Looks great. Nice bike.
Yeah looks brilliant. Will spend some time on the West coast in the next 2-3 months. Will definitely attempt the loop. Thanks for sharing this.
Great loop. Nothing very challenging. Can be a little slippery when wet as you climb up onto Rangitatau East Road.
Video coming down off Rangitatau East on Kauarapaoa Road:
Kauarapaoa Road
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLXwCYyLzBU
Nice!
Hi there all,it’s a very good loop I do it on a few times as it’s in my back yard, better went it’s wet more fun
Just a heads up, this loop can’t be ridden at the moment. It is closed because a bridge is getting replaced, expected completion October or November 2024.