Ratamaire Road lies just South East of winter ski resort town Ohakune in the Central Plateau and runs over a sheep/beef farm. The 7km track ranges from a gravel road at the northern end from SH39 to mildly rutted farm tracks in the middle and back to gravel at the southern end. The track is fully fenced but thought and consideration about travelling the track should be given during lambing season as the paddocks next to the track are usually full of young lambs that are easily frightened. It’s also possible to come across loose stock.
There are several gates over the course of the 7km, all gates should be left as found, which is usually closed.
Contributed by: @eddieb
Track type: Gravel Road/Dirt Track
Track composition: Bumpy, Firm, Undulating
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Beginner
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Beginner
River crossings? No
Fun alternative road .
After resting up in Taihape I took this route heading north to Taupo via National Park .
Came up as a ” Thrill Route ” on the tomtom .
Joins up with Raetihi .
Good choice for an adventure bike , just be wary there can be mud if its been wet .
A bit of a novelty road. Was very rutted and muddy. Great views