Going for a ride on the Eastern side of the North Island? Post your plans here so other local riders can join in.
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Going for a ride on the Eastern side of the North Island? Post your plans here so other local riders can join in.
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Great company, great weather and great trails made for an awesome day.
Cheers guys. Certainly a great day. I will sleep well tonight, Porters Rd sure was a workout!
Hi all…
I´m new to this forum and just found your nice day trip here before the weekend. Unfortunately I could not come but would be great to join for one of the next outings.
T.
I’m planning on Pikowai and Porters on Friday, anyone interested?
I am, what time at bottom of Pikowai Rd? Or do you want to do Campbell’s Rd? It meets Pikowai just before the seal ends.
Bugger! I was very keen to do this again…even bought a new T63 rear, but will be camping. Take plenty of H2O with you. Next time. Enjoy!
Would have been keen but busy, it’ll be an awesome ride as Black Betty mentioned some water is good more is better. Next time as its a great training loop.
enjoy
I’ll probably come down Campbells to Pikowai. Aiming to be at the top of Campbells at about 9:30.
Ok, I,ll meet you where Campbell meets Pikowai 9.30.
I had a great ride with Eddie, we met up on Pikowai Rd and set off into the hills, did a little exploring and checked out the scenery. Dropping in to the final fun section of Pikowai we started making our way down to Manawahe rd, the recent rains had changed the track considerably but we managed until Eddie decided to try balancing his bike on the front wheel (see pics). After resetting his bike to level we continued on until we met a serious washout. We worked up a sweat moving sand n concrete to build up the easiest end and then walked out bikes across. After a breather we continued on to the end and then into Porters Rd. This track is very rutted due to water erosion and you need to select a good line to maintain progress and changes with every heavy rainfall. Eddie had decided to step up to the challenge and had filled his 34lt tank and run with a worn rear tyre. This made his DR a little portly when needing to be helped through some sections but with plenty of breathers and good old momentum we got through the trickier bits. At the end of Porters we turned right onto Wairoa Rd and rode the sandy section to Pukehangi Rd. Checking the maps showed us where we needed to go so headed up Pukehangi Rd until we hit the seal on Pongakawa Valler rd. From here we went to Peangaroa, via the back roads, where we had a drink n feed before going our separate ways.
Eddie was better at taking pics n video so hopefully he will post some up when he gets home.
Being a local ride for me I am happy to take anyone around this loop or variation of it so PM if you fancy it.
Where is this ‘Porters’ you speak of??
Edit – found it now, but cannot delete comment??
I did a write up on my thread https://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/forums/topic/random-adventure-riding-pics/page/6/#post-16393
Big Thanks to David for showing me around and pulling me out of a number of situations. Next time I’ll have a better tyre and less gas in the tank.
So I was surfing around Google Maps today and found that it’s possible to follow the riverbed from Waikura Road to Carlson Road on East Cape. From the bridge on Waikura Road there’s a formed track along the riverbed to Carlson Road, East of the junction where the 2 roads meet where Carlson road curves around right next to the river.
So there’s my suggestion for your next ride. Remember to take a gps and a camera so it can be added to the website. There must be other gravel roads or river bed tracks out that way, we don’t have the road out to East Cape Lighthouse on the website for example.
I’m heading down to and around east cape tomorrow. I intend to go up the lighthouse road so Ill see if my non existent GPS skills will be up to the task…watch this space.
I took the road out to the lighthouse last Saturday. I recorded a GPX file of the route and will upload when I work out how but it’s hardly necessary. My track started at the excellent Honey Cafe at Te Araroa where we had a very nice lunch.
Not far south of the cafe the SH hangs a sharp right. Straight ahead leads you to the small township of Te Araroa and you can see the start of the road from there.
Apart from some roadworks road the first couple of bluffs, the road is narrow almost single lane chip seal for the first half. This road is very nice to ride as you have clear vision ahead and epic views all around you.
The second half, about 10 kms, is very rough and corrugated gravel road. It too is fairly narrow. Near the lighthouse it winds round some more bluffs. It’s the roughest gravel road I have ridden.
Having said that, we did it two up on a Vstrom and had no trouble other than a few fairing fittings rattling loose.
Took us about an hour to go there and back.
Will upload file and pics later.
GPS track, The cape from the hill north of Te Araroa, Definitely and un-sealed road – didnt see any seals at all, bluffs near the far end, the intrepid adventurers.
Fail on the gps track – maybe I need to upload that some other way?
email it to Eddie with some pics if you have em and he can sort it. Thats what I do.
Thanks, I’ll do that.
We also went down Matahi Road and Manawahe Road between Rotoma and Matata on our trip. What a great little road that is. I need to come back with the DRZ250 and do some of the smaller roads around there.
Cheers
Give me a shout if you do and I’ll join you, maybe take you down Pikowai and Porters Rd if you fancy it.
‘@Eddieb i have sent a pm re gps track
Thanks for the offer @Brainflex, Id like that very much. Still very new at all this so would be great to go with someone else. Maybe in April sometime?
Careful OldBeer where Brainflex leads you as this may include trials bike only suitable trails – like the goat track I followed him on getting far far away from civilisation and AA’s breakdown service – heading towards the site of the once proposed Motu Dam. You’ll have a great time though!
Hey! Oh yeah, I resemble that remark. Didn’t die did you? Got a coffee afterwards didn’t you? all good then. Oldbeer, April is fine but best done during a dry spell. DRZ250 is a great bike for it.
Email the track file etc to me: AdventureRidingNZ@gmail.com
Agreed, Brainflex will lead you astray.
Here is Brainflex leading you up the garden path…mind you, I was the first to charge across that river.
What is it? pick on the pom time? Anyhow I don’t lead people astray, I challenge them. Just because I like errr interesting tracks doesn’t mean I am a bad person.
Hey Brainflex
Whats the point of owning adventure bikes if you don’t go on adventures. It’s like Awkwardlanders owning range rovers to go to the cafe. Keep up the great work we need more people with your talents.
Well, speaking as another Pom and an awkwardlander, I’m looking forward to being lead astray by Brainflex, once I get my drz down there. Keep it up I say.
Cheers guys. Cottlini, on that HP2e most tracks will be an adventure, great to see what it can do. Oldbeer, I,ve gotta say, be careful what you wish for! lol
Hey Brainflex has it dried out down there yet?
Wondering whether to head to the Bay in May or leave it until spring. I reckon I might squeeze one more trip in before I wuss out for the winter.
Still wet at the moment. Probably best to leave it to Spring way things are a this time. Lots of trees n slips still need sorting.
Cheers. I will stick to gravel bashing up here then.
Greetings all
The weather in and around the Manawatu looks to be great this weekend, so I’ll be heading out on Sunday morning from Dannevirke towards Akitio beach and then most likely up the coast and home via Ormondville.
I’ll be at the BP in Dannevirke until 9:00am if anyone wants to join me.
Peter
Had an awesome ride, the roads were dry and pretty much empty, fantastic.
Adv. Riders,
Hello. I hope this post finds everyone well.
I recently joined the forum and fellow forum member, EddieB, suggested I repost the following request for assistance within this subforum.
I am writing in regards to a motorcycle that is for sale in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. I am second inline to purchase the motorcycle. If it does not sell this weekend, I would like to learn if any forum member, located in the Bay of Plenty, would be kind enough to perform an inspection and quick test ride. I would be happy to compensate a member for their time and effort, share a nice dinner or few drinks once I am in town or possibly hand deliver some nice accessories for your motorcycle from the United States.
Everything is tentative at this moment. However, I am ready to purchase the motorcycle as soon as possible if it is not sold this weekend, and the inspection is good. Essentially, I am trying to be proactive in order to purchase the motorcycle quickly. After various searches online, I believe this motorcycle is relatively rare and is not often available on the classified ad in New Zealand. I currently own the same model motorcycle and am very familiar with it. Therefore, this would be a great touring motorcycle for my needs at this time.
The motorcycle is needed for a multi-country tour starting in New Zealand.
Are there any members in the Tauranga, Bay of Plenty region, who would consider inspecting and test riding a motorcycle for me?
Thanks in advance!
David (Koonzee)
Southern California
Hey David
If you get stuck I live in Tauranga I could go and have a look at the bike for you, what is the bike?
I would recommend getting a local bike shop to check it out for you as well.
I can give you a quick opinion of the bike to see if it’s worth investing in the bike shop review.
What trip are you planning on doing in NZ as some of the places can be challenging and distances are small compared to USA.
Cheers
Cottlini
Cottlini,
Hello and thank you for your post and offer to help. It is appreciated.
The motorcycle is an old Honda XRV750. I currently own two of them in the US and know them very well. It is a little rough and lacks curb appeal, but would suit my needs at this time. I can share more information with you about areas to checkout once I am able to schedule a visit with the owner.
I have read a tour guide published by Insight Guides and hope to obtain a couple books about motorcycling in New Zealand. A few motorcycling books available via Amazon include:
Motorcycle Vagabonds – Around the World, Part 1: The Americas, New Zealand and Australia
Great Escapes : A Guide To Motorcycle Touring in New Zealand
New Zealand By Motorcycle
Twisting Throttle New Zealand
New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas
New Zealand Travel: Land Of The Long Wild Road
Can you recommend any of the above titles and perhaps a publisher for a good map that includes 4×4 roads?
Thanks again for your offer to help.
David
Cottlini,
Hello again. I just learned of Remote Moto today. It is very impressive and a great resource! I may have to extend my visit<g>.
David
Hi David
Yep they are a strong bike, my HP2e is butt ugly but gets me into all sorts of places good and bad. Let me know the details and I’ll check it out. I haven’t checked out any of those books. When I was doing a lot of adventure riding, I’d have a large map of NZ on the Monday morning I’d close my eyes and point to the map, and if I hadn’t been there that’s where I was going for the weekend.
Your best bet would be to put a basic game plan together, then post in the different areas for people to give you a heads up.
The South Island is amazing no matter how many times I go down there it still blows me away and plenty of 4×4 tracks to explore. Allow some time down there. Invercargill hayes hardware shop is a must as is the truck museum in Invercargill. Whitebait fritters at Jacksons Bay Haast is insane. All depends how much time you have.
Knowing the people of NZ if you let people know where your going you’ll probably get some groupies. Enjoy the planning talk soon
Cottlini
Hey David
Of those books I have a copy of Twisting Throttle on my shelf and I’m gradually ticking off the various rides. Its a pretty good introduction but doesn’t include the very off-roady stuff you will find on this forum and RemoteMoto, so bear that in mind. All the rides are good though.
Biggest problem I think you will have trying to decide where to go or more likely what to leave out. Its a great place to ride and unless you are here for an indefinite period you are highly unlikely to see all there is that is amazing.
Good luck and if you up around Auckland I would be happy to show you a few of my favourite rides.
Cottlini/OldBeer,
Hello and thank you for your replies and comments about riding. I am really looking forward to NZ! I already purchased the Twisting Throttle New Zealand and it should be in my hands on the 31st. I am also interested in obtaining the New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas, but am unsure if it will be useful. It is very large, only has 12 pages and prices ranges from $70 and up…. copyright in 2005-2007. Is it really that good? I noticed National Geographic offers an adventure motorcycle map that is a fraction of cost of the atlas and may be used in a tank bag map pocket. I may end up with both if feedback is positive.
Like many of you, I have an interest in photography while adv riding. NZ just may ‘set the hook’ and I’ll never leave. How’s the riding on South Island during winter? Do you guys get out in the cold and mud or do simply stand down until summer? I am unsure how cold and muddy the tracks become…I am fortunate in SoCal that it rarely rains and it is mostly arid desert conditions and traction is never an issue.
Btw, if wish to checkout my backyard or ‘stomping grounds’…you may view a couple rides from the past six months at:
Colorado & Utah: (Camped 55/60 Nights during late Sept to late Nov.)
http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/dkunze/library/Africa%20Twin%20Tour%20of%20CA_NV_UT_AZ_CO?sort=4&page=1
SoCal’s Desert ‘Trip’ during this spring’s super bloom (for the flower lovers); 3.5 weeks…car camping!
http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/dkunze/library/2017-03%20Desert%20Trip?sort=4&page=1
If you browse around…you can find images of my three previous pretty Transalps, rally-ready ST1100’s (especially the IceRoad Bikers folder… when I tried to ride the ST1100 as an adv motorcycle<g>)
http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/dkunze/library/Ice%20Road%20Bikers_Man%20versus%20Nature?sort=3&page=1
If NZ allows towing a motorcycle carrier on the back of a truck/SUV, you guys may like the engineering of Might Hauler carrier… It is over-kill but can handle 1000 lb (450 kg) motorcycle!
Anyhow, the above will provide a peak into my world. I am sure we share a few of the same interests.
Cottlini: I am sure your HP2 isn’t ugly. I thought they were the ‘cats-meow’ when they became available! As you will learn, I enjoy breathing new life into old Hondas… with potential, like the one in Bay of Plenty.
Please be patient with PhotoBucket… it is a free photo hosting service and users have to deal with a couple pop-up advertisements.
Thanks again for your feedback.
David
>Invercargill hayes hardware shop is a must as is the truck museum in Invercargill. Whitebait fritters at Jacksons Bay Haast is insane<
Exactly the kind of ‘local knowledge’ I love to receive! Keep them coming and bring it on!!!
Are there any most-do music/cultural festivals, vintage car shows, crazy pubs, geological oddities or motorcycle rallies to consider between late Oct to the end of December?
I appreciate all the feedback and recommendations. (I don’t want to post inappropriate info in this thread if it would be better posting in the chit chat forum. Please let me know if I stray to far from the rules/protocols.
TIA!
>Good luck and if you up around Auckland I would be happy to show you a few of my favourite rides.<
OldBeer: Hello again and thank you for the offer. It is appreciated and I will make at note of it and drop a line once I am in the area. You are always welcome to SoCal/San Diego as well. As you may have viewed from links above, there is a lot to explore in California, Utah and Colorado. I am not an aggressive or very technical rider… I simply just enjoy exploring remote areas to photograph.. often on a heavy dual-sport while riding solo. So the areas you see in the photographs are very accessible. Thanks again for the invite! David
Sounds like you are just like most of us then! Lots of great riding just on legal roads, Tarmac and lots of lovely gravel, without ever venturing off them.
Weather, There are few hardy souls who will ride in the rain and snow but I confess I’m not one of them. See the Adventure Riding NZ Facebook page for many photos. It rains a lot here. That’s why it’s so green. South Island in winter, you’d better have heated grips on your Bike and several layers of thermal underwear on you but on the right (clear) day you be able to take some amazing photos.
Maps and books…I know planning is half the fun but don’t bind yourself to a timetable if you can help it. I would say wait until you have your copy of twisting throttle and see what else you think you really want/need. The Nat geo map sounds good…got a link to that? But as mentioned above I would just plan to be in one region at a time and then hook up with a few locals from this forum over a coffee or a beer and then get the latest on what’s good where you are. They will enjoying showing off their patch. When you have seen enough move on.
All the best for your trip.
OldBeer,
Hello again. Thanks for the weather update. I forgot about all the rain NZ receives annually that my tour book reference. I agree, it is best to avoid cold rains….
I was incorrect in regards to the Nat Geo map…. it is actually for NZ adventures, not adventure riding.
Here’s the link in case you may still be interested:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Zealand-adv-Adventure-Numbered/dp/1566955491/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495788463&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=new+zealand+motorcycle+adv+map
I have learned in SoCal, the off-road jeep and 4×4 community can be a great resource for 4×4 tracks. I’ll browse around to learn if there are any current good books available. I’ll have to browse a few local photography forums to learn if there are additional must-see destinations.
Btw, I must say my first impression of corresponding with the forum members like myself has been great. Many riders like yourself and Cottlini have been very generous and helpful, especially to volunteer for a test ride. It is really nice and I appreciate it. Rider/Matt on Africa Twin NZ has pointed me to a couple resourceful FB sites. Another KiwiMo is helping me is communication on TradeMe.co.nz since I can not obtain access. He’s been like an ambassador of NZ! Anyhow, everyone has been great! There must be a lot of good karma in NZ.
If I learn of anything useful from my 4×4 browsing, I’ll share it with the forum.
Take care & ride safely.
David
Nice bike!
And I have to admit you have your share of epic scenery there too.
Cheers
Hi David
Check out burt munro rally that’s on about the time your talking. formally Blackball Hilton is an experience and great place to stay.
Whangamomona Hotel is on the lost highway and a good place to stay, just fill up with fuel before getting on the highway (not a USA highway hehehe)
Coromandel and lost springs resort at Whitianga is a good stop then hot water beach at low tide
The Motu road is a world famous rally road lots of gravel. The road from Rotorua to lake Waikaremoana is a good gravel road and great views just watch out for wild but friendly pigs and people on horse back.
Napier has lots of winery’s
Milford sound is stunning, I have been told manapouri power station is worth a visit.
If the weather is good Old Man Range in central Otago
That should keep you entertained for a bit
OldBeer: Thanks. The XRV750 is simply a pleasant & relaxing ride…nice to ‘live with’ for extended trips.
Cottlini: Thanks! Love reading your posts! Everything is noted. The Burt Munro Rally looks great. Unfortunately it is scheduled outside of my window… on Feb. 8-11, 2018. The folks at Blackball Hilton look like a blast!… at least on their website’s main page. Nice hotel recommendations. The Old Woman and Old Man Range appear very interesting as well. Thank you for sharing a few of your favorites.
Take care & ride safely!
Cottlini,
Hello. I am disappointed to report my attempt to purchase the Africa Twin has failed because the owner will not consider an international buyer. I can understand and respect his decision. Anyhow, I am writing to provide a status update and to thank you again for volunteering for the inspection/test ride. I have decided to ship my own motorcycle.
If you would like to get together for a drink or lunch/dinner sometime, I will contact you once I ‘roll’ into town.
All: Thank you for your feedback and help while exploring the motorcycle purchase, discussion of route planning, books and maps. I’ll chime in again once I have more resources to fine tune my itinerary.
Take care & ride safely!
David
Hi David
All good if you want help with your bike let me know, I can store it for you if need be. So you don’t lose time or have to wait for it.
I have a van that I can collect it with and have tools you can use to assemble it if need be. Remember you’ll need to convert it to RH ride LOL
If you want me to find out licencing info drop me a line (not the drug type) I’m sure you’ll be able to ride on your USA plate.
Yep we can show you the sights of Tauranga, when you have a game plan sorted let me know, as I’ll have to kick the HP2 in the guts and go for a ride.
Enjoy the planning