Went down the Whanganui River Rd - an alternative route from Wanganui to Raetihi that runs along the Whanganui river, accessed off SH4 north of Upokongaro. The road is about 80km long and quite windy. Despite various online comments, it is not sealed the whole way (hence why we went down it!) - the road is gravel from Jerusalem. Lots of stops of interest along the way.
We had the cute situation of making it about 60km down the road to encounter a slip that was falling as we rounded the bend...and completely blocked it! Ah well, such is the nature of 4WDing along stretches of road after a lot of rain. To be honest, the road was covered in rocks that had slipped off courtesy of the rain as well. We were forced to turn around and retrace our steps!
No photos either - for those that don't know it well, the Whanganui River at its best is a moderate sized ribbon of brown sludge. Add steady rain and it becomes a slow-moving, wide, deep, torrent of sludge complete with trees (and possibly turds) bobbing towards the sea. Not the best for photos!
Also made our way down SH43, nicely known as the "Forgotten World Highway" in Taranaki. This 150km road runs from Stratford (just out of New Plymouth) through to Taumarunui. This road is relatively remote although frankly not too challenging - mostly sealed although some gravel. No petrol so fill up beforehand! There are a number of good saddles with great views across the rugged Taranaki countryside. The route is well-marked with stopping points that detail the history of how the road was clawed together during colonial times. Highlights include the well-known local pub stop (the Whangamomona Hotel) - AKA the Republic of Whangamomona - and the Moki Tunnel.
The road is a little tedious for the last 40km before you hit Taumarunui - a good source of caffeine is recommended :)
Starting from Stratford
Enjoy being on top of the world :)
The Moki Tunnel
Also made our way up Tukino, the private skifield on the eastern side of Ruapehu. A nice 4WD access road with beautiful views :)
Found the world's tackiest street sign on the Kimbolton Rd, a pleasant drive that diverts from SH1 in the Rangitikei region from Ohingatai to Cheltenham:
Then toddled up Mt Ruapehu in the driving snow to walk around barefoot - awesome :)
Sigh, back to the grim grind of home once again.
The Rose
