CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Te Ahu a Turanga

In good, weather-related news, the road replacing the Manawatu Gorge, Te Ahu a Turanga, has opened, making the arduous crossing over the Tararuas to and from the Wairarapa a thing of the past; again. 

It has been about 8 years since the road through the Manwatu Gorge closed, and it was a huge work to make a wholly new road along a different route. After all that time and all that effort, it seems surprising that it is a 15 minute journey from one end to the other (or did my friend exaggerate?). Thankfully the government has decided not to toll this road. The road has paths for walking and cycling with fabulous views.

On the Wairarapa side there is the Woodville Ferry Reserve (free) in the Manawatu Gorge, with access to the river and to walking tracks, and the Woodville Campground ($) in Woodville itself, a town worth a leisurely visit.

On the Palmerston North side of the hill there is the Ashhurst Domain Campground ($), set amongst trees near the river. 

The Ōtaki Gorge Road

After 5 years facing doom, closed to both walking and driving, the Ōtaki Gorge road has reopened. 

Slip sliding away. ©Kapiti Coast District Council

The newly-sculpted Blue Bluff, looking down on the road to the river. © Goodmans

The new road ©Kapiti Coast District Council

It is a narrow road, one lane in parts, and was closed by huge slips on Blue Bluff (middle). It leads to one of only two drive-in DOC campsites in the region. The road has opened only as far as the caretakers cottage, well short of the campground (as of July), returning access to a swing bridge entrance to the Tararua Forest Park, and a lovely picnic area. 

The DOC Ōtaki Forks Campsite ($) (above), is expected to reopen at Labour weekend. Its 150 campsites are unpowered and tents are allowed. Flush toilet. Boil tap water. Wheelchair accessible. Dogs on a leash. No fires. 

Walk, tramp, swim, kayak, canoe, fish, or just read you book and star gaze at night. 🏕️