Hull Rd runs between Kahikatea Flat Rd and Austin Rd, near Waitoki, west of Silverdale. Undeveloped/unmaintained, locals have tried to stop access in the past, including putting barriers across the entry from Austin Rd. This is primarily due to 4WDs creating big bog holes and ruts.
While short, it’s clay based with some grass sections, in the dry with the constant ruts and steep climbs and descents it’s intermediate. In winter it would either be for experts or impassable. Entering from either side will have climbs and descents, with a decent climb heading south, and entering from Austin Rd, you’re immediately met with ruts and an undulating uphill section that varies by at least a vertical metre.
Contributed by: @gremlin
Track type: Dirt Track
Track composition: Bumpy, Loose, Undulating
Slippery when wet?: Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Intermediate
River crossings? No
Yes, it’s a great wee track in the drier months. Yet a lot of work, with ruts capable of drowning a bike in the not so dry ones!
FYI, there is currently a trial in place for a winter driving restriction (ie, road is closed to vehicles in the depth of winter). Given how 4WDs are spilling mud onto the road and local opposition to use of the road, it’s likely to continue: https://at.govt.nz/about-us/have-your-say/north-auckland-consultations/hull-road-waitoki-winter-driving-restriction/
Dusted off the Husky for a quick ride out to Hull Rd. First time riding this trail. Reminded me of Worsley Track (Christchurch) before it was graded and blocked off. Rode it in both directions, good fun, but can see how it can be tricky in the wet.
A gate has been placed at the southern end. By the looks of it, a local has installed it, as it’s not the type of gate they would typically use. When council has closed in the past there is lots of signage and concrete carriers installed.
Interesting! Seems the gate was installed very recently (as it wasn’t there when I rode on the 16th Jan 2022).
Is the gate locked?
Wonder if anything has been placed at the other end?!
It was locked a couple of weeks ago when I went to try and ride it, but looked like 4 x 4’s had been through recently
It’s been a while since I last rode this, and it’s changed a bit. The northern end near the beginning there are two big bogs chewed out by 4×4’s with a small path in between them just enough for a motorcycle horse or pedestrian to navigate through. At the southern end near the very end the hole has been chewed deeper and full of water and again just enough room to tentatively skirt around it on a motorcycle. The upside to this is the interior has had little pressure so has been able to revert, with long grass prominent. Although the ruts and bogs are still there under them to be mindful off and surprise you! I probably shouldn’t have done it on marginal tyres and time pressures, as a bit of sweat built up pushing and lifting the bikes out of ruts, but I got there in the end!
Northen end
Interiors
Southern end
Thanks for the update, have been meaning to give that a crack. Wasn’t sure of its status these days. Have ridden past southern end a couple times recently. Is the gate able to be opened?
Yes gates at both ends are unlocked, likely only locked during winter restrictions (the road closed signs are not from AT). There is a big chain around the strainer post at southern end gate too though, so would be prudent to check the gate is actually unlocked before skiting the bog and decending the hill as having to come back up and around the bog the other way could be tricky!
Great, thanks