This is a nice approximately 50km loop that can either start/finish at Tiraumea/Pongaroa off Route 52.
Not including Route 52, the Waiohoki Valley Loop comprises of 5 different mostly (some all) gravel roads that can be ridden year-round:
Waiohoki Valley Road – mostly sweet, open gravel road with just the odd little climb/descent. It tightens up towards the Huia Road end.
Huia Road – fast open gravel.
Spur Road – this is a bit narrower and tighter. There is often stock on the road and can be forestry/farming transport using the road. There is a nice climb up a hill with great views back towards the Tararuas. The road dropping back down the Eastern side can get a bit slippery when wet – I have encountered deep mud once that was tricky on crappy tyres, but it was years ago and it’s never been that bad since.
Marainaga Road – this starts off similar to Spur Road but then opens up to more open, faster gravel.
Coast Road – an absolute gem. Very fast gravel that can take you out to Akitio Beach or back to Pongaroa for lunch at the pub. Some seal.
Several of the roads have other gravel roads running off them but they are all dead ends except for where Coast Road continues on.
Contributed by: @bandit-rider
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Smooth, Firm, Flat
Slippery when wet?: Maybe on Spur Road
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Beginner
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Beginner
River crossings? No
