All it takes is a bunch of friends, a map, and proper preparation, and you too can have a scenic adventure. David Coxon explains.
One thing I have always enjoyed is getting away from it all and exploring places that most people will never bother to visit.  We are very lucky here in Wellington that there are numerous back roads and roads into tramping areas that are open to the public and ideal for exploring by 4WD. 
The other weekend I decided to visit a couple of tracks just out of Palmerston North.  As these tracks are on the harder side and quite isolated I took the precaution of going with a few friends – just in case something went wrong.
Our first stop was the petrol station on SH3 just on the outskirts of Ashhurst where we topped up with fuel and coffee.  Pies and snack food were also available for those needing more solid fuel. 
From here we headed through Ashhurst and out along Pohangina Valley on sealed roads, crossing over to the eastern side of the valley at the first opportunity. 
The run up the valley was very scenic with the sun filtering through the autumn colours on the trees.  There were a number of walking tracks and scenic reserves off the side of the road that I would have loved to explore – maybe in summer when there is more daylight.
Takapiri Rd leads off the eastern side of the valley after about 30 km.  It starts off as a good, unsealed farm access road and becomes rougher once it reaches the final gate at the start of DOC land. 
Note that there is a chain on this gate and it may be locked for track maintenance or for safety in adverse conditions.  It would pay to contact DOC in Palmerston North to ensure access is available.
We stopped here to let some air out of the tyres – more for comfort than traction. 
Past this gate the track winds its way up to the tops of the Ruahine ranges then heads south along the ridge to an A-frame hut.  Apart from some small ruts at the start of the DOC land and in a few short sections on the tops, the track is mainly easy going. 
By the time you are reading this, DOC will have carried out maintenance on the track up as far as the top of the ridge.  I would class the maintained part of the track as suitable for any true 4WD and the more capable SUVs, given considerate driving. 
Reaching the hut may become more challenging over time but was no problem on this trip. 
Although the track clearly carries on past the hut for about 15 minutes, ending at a bog, this section of the track has been abandoned and DOC would now prefer people to leave it alone to regenerate into native tussock. 
By the time we reached the hut it was definitely lunchtime. 
The temperature had also dropped from 15OC at Ashhurst to 7OC at the hut.  At least this time we had some great views across the tops and over the Dannevirke area – last time I was here it was buried in cloud and the time before it was cloudy AND snowing. 
There are plenty of grassy areas around the hut that in summer would make very pleasant picnic or BBQ spots, but at this time of year they were all too wet and cold so we adjourned to the nice warm hut where I enjoyed a hot roast, courtesy of my $30 cooler/warmer run from a power socket in the car and a plunger coffee.  Ahh – luxuries!
The trip back down after lunch was once again straightforward with no issues. 
Back on the valley floor we returned to Ashhurst, using the track on the western side of the valley, for a bit of variety.  This was a well-graded gravel road part of the way.
After a brief dairy stop at Ashhurst it was up the saddle road to visit the wind farm.  Those turbine masts are BIG up close. 
We dropped back down to the main road and across to the start of North Range Road.  The climb up to the top of the ridge is steep but well graded and suitable for any vehicle, including cars. 
Past the gate there were signs warning of a low-grade road and no exit.  We wound across the hills and among the wind turbines for about 10 minutes on a good quality, although only single lane, unsealed road before reaching a closed gate marked as private property. 
There was also an arrow directing us to the right onto what looked like a farm track, but was clearly labelled as the public road.  It seemed strange to have the private road at such a much higher standard than the public road, although it suited our desire for a challenge. 
Unfortunately, after a few km the track reverted to a higher standard and went straight across the top of the area that used to be renowned for mud, deep holes and deep ruts through the pine plantation.  This is all now 2WD territory. 
It wasn’t long before we found another of those arrows directing us off the good road back onto the narrow public road leading to the Pahiatua Saddle road. 
This part of the road has also been maintained recently, with nearly all the potholes filled in and the slippery sections re-gravelled, making it easier for the driver to glance at the spectacular views across towards Palmerston North, although it was now starting to get a bit dark to enjoy them. 
The only interesting bit of the track was an optional, well-used detour over a spur where care was needed at the top to ensure you turned the same way as the track. 
The trip ended at the Pahiatua Saddle with time for a final coffee as the tyres were pumped up ready for the trip back to Wellington.
While certainly not a difficult trip, this was an excellent scenic outing well within the capabilities of any vehicle with 4WD and at least moderate clearance.    *