Running along the South side of Mount Pirongia and the Pirongia Forest Park, Pirongia West Road provides awesome views over Kawhia Harbour as it winds it’s way along ridgetops.
The gravel on Pirongia West Road can be quite deep and loose so while it is quite smooth it may not be suitable for learner riders or those new to gravel.
The East end of Pirongia West Road starts at a crossroads with 3 other roads, 2 of which are also gravel. One of those, Okupato Road is where Pirongia West Road ends at it’s western end and would make a good loop before heading down Te Rauamoa road to SH31 where you could then join in with Kaimango Road. Alternatively following Okupato Road to it’s western end comes out right beside the Oparua Roadhouse on SH31 where fuel and food is available, the Kawhia-Raglan road is then also close by.
Contributed by: @eddieb
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Smooth, Loose, Undulating
Slippery when wet?: No
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Beginner
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Intermediate
River crossings? No
Nice metal road west of Pirongia,turn off the Pirongia-Kawhia road at Ngutinui and up Pekanui road to a 4 way split of the roads .Turn right here onto Pirongia west road then all metal road that is a little loose in some places but generally in good condition.Very little traffic so a good road to practice riding gravel on.It comes out at Oparau road house on the main road.we went back on the same road to where Okupata Road branches off then back through there to Te Awamutu.
We were out that general way today, I will put up some pics soon.
Pics here: https://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/forums/topic/sharns-waikato-adventure-ride-02112014/
@Sharn Amon, Pirongia West Road sounds like another road to check out. Sunset is out to 8pm now too.
And I was out there today. I hadn’t ridden Pirongia West road before. Have written a write up under my Waikato scooter rides thread on the Kiwibiker forum. Here’s a couple of photos.
Just be aware on this road that a number of the fences are not well maintained, so there are often stock wandering on the road. On Saturday we met 2 groups of steers and one group of sheep.
Were they delicious?
If anyone is planning on coming from afar and riding this road, or spending any time exploring the excellent gravel roads in vacinity of Pirongia Forest Park, Kawhia, Raglan, South Waikato etc then Pirongia village is a great place to base yourselves – I can recommend the Alexandra Hotel, Pirongia village. under new management for a while now and has been treated to a fantastic refurbishment. has rooms available from only $50 – has a great bar, restaurant and beer garden next door, and is very biker friendly. Alexandra Hotel Pirongia, 07 871 9838 or email owners Tony and Julie on alexandra_hotel@hotmail.com
This is a great piece of dirt, I discovererd it the other day by accident, I usually go right past the turn off up the mountain past the school, had to do it pretty quickly, but next time I’ll stop for some photos!
Thunder storm a few days ago has caused lots of slips and a tree down. Water everywhere. Signs at both ends state Road closed but you can get through by bike.
12th October 2017.
Fun road, few trucks I met coming the other way and plenty of sheep that I had to learn how to deal with. Brilliant though, and the twisties heading back to the highway are excellent.
Went there yesterday and it was quite nice…. Not too much loose gravel and easy to ride with some nice sharp turns in places. Also great views…
Didn’t encounter any other traffic going down and back up… Only one a few sheep running around on the road…