Napier #

On a recent expedition down to Wellington I explored a way to get to Napier via a little-known public access easement through Whirinaki Forest:

While this is an active forestry area (make sure you get out of the way when a logging truck comes past), you are legally allowed to cycle through the forest on this route.

Once you reach the Napier-Taupo highway, you’ll have 60 kilometres of hilly road riding ahead of you. That’s not the most inspiring, but given the speed limit was recently reduced to 80 kph and there’s a good shoulder the whole way, it’s not too terrible.

There’s an excellent campsite at a rest area on the left, four kilometres past where you join the highway. Turn left, then left again and head down into the bush. You’ll find several campsites right beside the stream, well away from the road.

The rest of the route is on quiet country roads and cycle paths all the way to Napier.