For a number of years I have been visiting Takapari Rd, out of Ashhurst, to get some photos of the sub-alpine scenery and expansive views from the top of the Ruahine Ranges. 

My latest attempt was an opportunity to show some visiting students some of our beautiful countryside and also a chance to run a trip for my 4WD club.

It was pleasantly mild and not too cloudy as we were airing down so I was hopeful for some good views.  The first section up to the start of the forest park was uneventful as was expected but once we got past the gate into the forest the track got a lot rougher, with one deep rut across the track threatening a couple of the lower front bumpers. 

By the time we were clear of the trees and into the alpine scrub we were also well into the cloud, however, and the chances of getting any views seemed slim.

After lunch we continued back to Ashhurst and through the Manawatu Gorge, heading for Hall Block Rd, the access road to the wind turbines of the Tararua wind farm at the start of North Range Rd. 

Although there are a maze of roads shown on the map, following the right path is easy since all side roads lead only to individual towers and are gated. 

We followed the main road through most of the wind farm before finding a small sign labelled ‘Public Road’ and pointing over the edge of the road. 

It seemed strange to be going from the high quality, wide privately built road to the single lane, unfenced goat track that is the public road, but the public road was certainly more fun to drive.

We found the track quite wet and muddy, but being level and with a solid surface under the mud there were no problems. 

About half way along the track there is a fork, with the main route continuing to follow the contour around the hillside and a tempting, well used track taking a shortcut over the ridge.  It didn't take much urging for me to take the high road.

By David Coxon

For the full story see the February 2015 issue of NZ4WD(link is external)