Zanders road can be used as a detour from Ararimu Valley Road that skirts the western side of the Riverhead Forest. The paper road section not too long ago took up ½ total length of the road. Now due to subdivisions this has been halved and been turned into formed gravel. Nevertheless it is still a fun wee track to add some spice into a ride and could be linked up with Chatham Road just to the North.
The track is primarily grass, but there are some 4×4 ruts and boggy areas to contend with. I would urge you to only do this track from North to South unless there has been a dry period as there is a short steep section between two small gates that would get torn up trying to ride up if the grass is soggy.
Keeping in mind that although you are on public land the Northern end is essentially the adjoining landowners backyard so likely wouldn’t appreciate it getting torn up as they are the ones to maintain it. Remember a little courtesy goes a long way.
Contributed by: @daniel_fisher
Track type: Dirt Track
Track composition: Bumpy, Muddy, Undulating
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Intermediate
River crossings? No.
Hi I’d this track still accessible?
This looks to be blocked off now.
Went up Zanders Road today, entered from what would be the southern end on the map. Followed the gravel until it became the dirt track, and followed that until fenced off private property – so I guess the Northern entrance is no longer accessible? Turned out being a fun gravel/dirt in and out ride.
Yep, we had a quick explore there same day as you 🙂
Southern end accessible (no gate etc) but northern end overgrown with grass, fence etc.
Still active track ….. entered via south entrance …. Boggy in parts but a good time all round
Tried this today (8/1/25)..unfortunately from the southern end when you get to the dirt track there is a sign saying “Privately maintained road no offroad vehicles allowed”…ironically it didn’t look maintained at all it was so overgrown. The gravel half leading up to it is good fun though.