Running from just off SH2 North of Gisborne, Waimate Valley Road – Hokoroa Roads gives a inland gravel alternative to SH35 up the coast. This is one long road that changes it’s name midway, all of the roads running of this are dead ends.
Most of Waimata Valley Road and all of Hokoroa Road are gravel. These roads are best traveled on a Sunday as logging trucks use the road extensively through the week, during weekends the area has a lot of 4 wheel drive hunters zooming around. It’s not uncommon to hear rifle shots in the area.
The gravel tends to be in pretty good condition but after rain there can be rockfalls and slips on the road. It’s recommended to only do Waimata Valley – Hokoroa Road in the dry and after a few days of sunshine as there is a 6km section at the northern end of Hokoroa road leading up to the junction with Tauwhareparae Road that is red clay and when wet it is near impassible for motorbikes as it becomes extremely slippery.
Tauwhareparae Road at the North end of this track gives access to and from SH35 and Tolaga Bay on the coast to the East and it also heads further North into the hills of the East Cape.
Tolaga Bays claim to fame is New Zealands’ longest wharf
Contributed by: @captaincol
Track type: Dirt Track
Track composition: Bumpy, Loose, Undulating
Slippery when wet?: Yes
Suitable for bikes > 650cc Beginner
Suitable for bikes < 650cc Beginner
River crossings? No
We travelled this road during the Easter weekend fully loaded with tent etc and the dog! Fully recommend. Take your time and make sure there hasn’t been any rain for a few days. In the shadows there was still a little moisture lying around which made things very interesting. Also, DON’T follow the gps. Exploring the off-roads were also very interesting but not necessary….. Rather large pot holes kept us on our toes.
After really enjoying our earlier ride up the Waimata Valley Road, we are planning on doing this again over ANZAC weekend – in the car this time as a reconnaissance for a future ride. Will extend much further north eventually coming out below Ruatoria. Taking the toothbrush just in case we get lost down some of the no exits….. haha