48 km from Hastings, Fernhill turn off brings you to Lawrence Road and the Blowhard Bush Reserve. The 63-hectare reserve is rich in natural and social history. It is founded on a bed of Waitotarian limestone that has been repeatedly covered in pumice ash from central North Island eruptions and is covered in a distinctive red-brown soil base. The forest contains many caves, fascinating rock formations and water-cut passages.
At the end of Lawrence Road about 7km, there is a basic campsite. A pleasant setting to camp or picnic in. You can also fish or swim in the adjacent Tutaekuri River headwaters.
The last 300m of Lawrence Road descends steeply into the river floor, so take it slowly on the loose surface.
Lawrence DOC Campsite Information
Contributed by: @mike_shaw
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Smooth, Loose, Steep
Slippery when wet?: No
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Beginner
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Beginner
River crossings? No
