A 100 metres or so North of Harleston Road, which itself is little North of halfway between Waikuku Beach and Amberley, Ashworths Beach Road runs East off SH1 towards the water. At the end of Ashworths Beach Road, hang a sharp left and make you way along a sandy 4wd track, then you’ll get to the entry of point of a sandy forest trail. A nice windy trail with some roots thrown in. There are a few really sandy inclines through here so pays to keep your momentum along the trail and eyes up so you know whats coming. Because of these sections the trail is best suited for enduro style bikes.
Once your at the end of the trail you’ll be spat out on the beach, heading north along the beach is the most direct route to reach Kowai River. During a dry time of year there’s not a lot of water to be seen at this end of Kowai River until you get all the way up to Marshmans Road. The river bed varies in hardness and has some medium size rocks to negotiate, nothing too treacherous. From Marshmans Road crossing continue making your way upstream, if the river bed has been dry until now, this is when it’ll start to get wet.
Be wary there’s a black cable that hangs low across the river not far upstream from Marshmans Road. Also be wary of deep sections (holes) of the river, especially the further you get up stream, picking your line is key, it doesn’t hurt to stop and wade in to check the depth before taking your bike in. Once you get as far as you can, its basically turn around and head back to Marshmans Road which will lead you back onto tarmac and towards Rangiora if your heading back to Christchurch.
Overall a really fun half day ride, the river is probably more fun the second time round after getting a feel for it.
Contributed by: @stoff
Track type: Gravel Riverbed
Track composition: Rough, Loose, Flat
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Not Recommended
River crossings? Yes
Hi . Do you think this is suitable for a relatively novice rider on a dr650se?
Cheers
John