Pirongia forest park to Kawhia: oh the gravel....

Saturday March 3, 2018, 46 miles (74 km) - Total so far: 3,943 miles

(6,346 km)

We awoke well-rested and ready to tackle the hill over to Kawhia. The ride started well, with lovely views of the forest park as we partially circumnavigated it. We stopped in Pirongia for supplies at the Four Square - note that you can camp at the Persimmon Cafe here if you don't fancy our detour. We then continued along route 39 which is a bit busy, but ok. Still not much shoulder - I know everyone reports this!!

We turned off at the Kawhia sign, knowing that the small road cut off a corner compared with going down to route 31. After a few Ks we came a decision point: go down to route 31 which could potentially be busy, or stick with the backroads? Spoiler: we highly recommend you go to route 31!!!

The small road started really well, with smooth tarmac and lovely views. It's a long climb but steeper at the bottom, so actually gets easier - makes a change. The stumbling block is at the top....don't feel too relieved as it rapidly turns to gravel, and stays that was for 7km!! We couldn't really manage it - not sure if it's better with mountain bike tyres - probably. Hard on a loaded bike in any case.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1433418036
1000m of climbing today.

Once we made it out to route 31, we noted that it wasn't busy at all, and would rather have gone that way!! Hey ho. Note that there is free camping at Oparau roadhouse - the guy was really friendly too.

The ride into Kawhia is very lovely, along the water's edge. We camped at Forest View - it's really busy and was a bit noisy, but that's the nature of the weekend. The guy is really friendly and the facilities are good and clean. At $10 each per night, including wifi, we can't complain....and are staying two nights! Note that the village store closes at 6pm.....so buy your wine on the way in if time is tight...we didn't!

From our rest day: Ocean Beach is well worth the side trip. We didn't dig for hot pools, but the beach is beautiful. We also had decent coffee at the cafe in Kawhia, and spent a pleasant half hour checking out the surprisingly interesting museum!