Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

So the time is coming, and I've decided to hijack the organising this year because @anglia4 is having a baby, so I've taken the opportunity to cause some havoc by reversing the direction and changing the route.

 So, first up, day one remains unchanged from previous years, except it's day three in reverse. Meet at the usual spot around 8 am on Friday, the 14th of November, and we'll take a short ride to Awakino via the Bertram Road swing bridge, Kiwi Road, Waitongas Waitewhena Road, Taumatamaire Road, and then grab a beverage at Awakino.

Entrants/Victims:

 

Cam Walker
Jeff Dixon
Jess Battaerd
Greg Henderson
sean f
John Bell
Tumeke / Glen
Tofa
Jody Arnott
Murray Fickling
Paul Mcgarva
Johno S
Thomas Greer
david jackson
Peter Tregoweth

Stay: Awakino/Mokau
We’re staying at the Awakino Hotel and Pub. 06 752 9815.

The pub may also be able to arrange alternative accommodations in the village, so please feel free to ask.
Tent-pitchers or cabineeros can stay at the Seaview holiday park (06 752 9708), 3km down the road, or at the Whitebait Inn 06 752 9713 in Mokau, 5km down the road.

 

 

big stretch between fuel stops.

Google Maps Day 1

image.png.34b526df9502ace7de0b7d24c0a1ba5b.png

 

Meet up at the same place as last time on Friday morning and leave the vehicles/trailers behind. Will send out details to everyone closer to the start.

 

We currently have one support vehicle with a trailer. If anyone else is interested in following the group in support, please let us know.

 

Day 2 - Awakino to Piopio 167km NO FUEL

Fun fact: Google Maps says it's 35.4 kilometres from Awakino to Piopio, but we're not going that way.

Start with a nice ride up the coast to the famous Instagram spot, the Waikawau Beach Tunnel, then up the favourite Pommerangi Road. Then comes my first small change, barely noticeable. We'll take a left turn at the end of the Pomerangi road, down the fast-flowing Ngapaenga. Another left turn sees us retracing Tom Phillips' escape path across the Waipuna Road, and then we take a right turn down the Te Anga Road to Waitomo. Te Anga Road is all sealed but has its own downhill twisties that everyone should enjoy.

I assume the Waitomo Tavern sells food, and there are a couple of other lunch options here as well

from Waitomo. We hit some real neat gravel around Tumutumu and Bodies Road before climbing back up Oparure Road to the Mairoa Road turnoff and Pungarehu Road section that has been so popular in the past. Now, at the end of Pungarehu Road, we take another wrong turn and follow the Mangaotaki River most of the way to Piopio, where the Fat Owl Motel hopefully has a bed for everyone, and succulent Chinese meal

fuel is only available in Awakino and Piopio. The support vehicle can make a quick detour to refuel in Waitomo if needed.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1QtbvbElzvXXBlYAvZrn5w1-OFKn_U_M&usp=sharing

Screenshot2025-09-16174438.png.98241033b2a4fea14090c9a9bbb350c1.png

Day 3 Piopio to New Plymouth

We'll start with some familiar roads here before taking an alternate route on some fast gravel back through Ohura and onto the forgotten highway. We should arrive at Whangamomona for lunch, then travel back to New Plymouth via Whanga Sadlle, Pohokura Sadlle, Matau Tarata Saddle, Tarata Tunnel, Bertrum Road, and the Swing Bridge. 

 

Screenshot2025-09-17085721.png.2f711f7a8db4c9c226a4300c158564f6.png

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1fC8SSQpIVBLvVgbr8-BVdDFNn8-64oM&usp=sharing

 

Complete all sections of the form to apply

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKnbGQR0uu7atDkdPUaBimDeOxcZjrhMYwU6OtTq2r-cXYVQ/viewform?usp=dialog

  • Like 4
  • Thanks 3
  • Replies 53
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted

Its the typical small bike type ride ala Te Uruwera Undertaking that I remember you being on.

The hornet would probably be a little out of place ;-)

  • Like 1
Posted

A little PSA.

Just spoke with Dee at The Fat Owl motel in Piopio.  They've still got some rooms left for the Saturday night, but I'd say get in quick.  

She did say she could split some of the king beds into two singles, so give her a call if you don't fancy top and tailing. Google has the wrong number for the fat Owl Motel. (The number on google maps is for the eatery)  07 877 8767 gets the motel. 

Dee also mentioned there's some BnB accommodation around the place.

https://www.piopio.net.nz/ Looks to have some local places listed.   Or ask uncle google. 

There's also the Tui Park camp ground just round the corner for anyone keen on pitching.
https://www.waitomo.govt.nz/our-services/tekuiti-holiday-park/#:~:text=0800 140 047-,Tui Park,-Tui Park is
 

Just thought I'd mention it. 

  • Thanks 2
Posted

Hi all.

Just wanted to introduce myself. Murray has managed to convince me that riding small bikes long distances is the next big thing and that only old dudes ride Vstroms. So I'll be coming along this year on a borrowed TS125ER and leaving my shiny new comfortable bikes in the garage.

Looks like a sweet route, looking forward to it!

Cheers,

Jody

  • Like 5
Posted
5 minutes ago, Truenotch said:

It'll be nice to see a girl on the ride, finally!

 I knew you'd pipe up with something smart haha. Do I need to add he/him to my signature? :P

  • Haha 1

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...