07 Raglan to Mokau
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Nick Carthew - (MRA Master)
Last edit: 03-02-2021
Route Summary
Route 07 of this tour of the North Island follows the west coast as it continues south. Like other routes in this tour, there are gravel roads that are firm and compact making them useable for even the novice rider. The outstanding sea views and forest scenery along with the twisty nature of some of the roads is why I have awarded 5***** stars.
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Verdict
Duration
6h 11m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
195.35 km
Countries
Mangatoa Road through the Whareorino Forest.
RouteXpert Review
Route 07 of this tour of the North Island follows the west coast with numerous viewpoints looking out to the Tasman Sea.Starting from the Rock-it Kitchen (great breakfast) on the southern side of Raglan, the route joins the first of three sections of gravel road that you'll encounter today. It leads you into the Te Toto Gorge Scenic Reserve which as the name suggests, has beautiful scenery. There is a photo opportunity with great views out to the Tasman Sea and along the cliffs at RP 3. The incredibly twisty road takes you through forests of New Zealand ferns and areas of open grassland that offer stunning sea views.
At RP 6 you leave the gravel road and head inland towards the Bridal Veil Falls. Turn off the route at RP 7 for 4 kms to visit the falls. A very tall and easily accessible 55-metre waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls (Maori name is Waireinga Falls meaning 'Leaping Waters') is perhaps one of the most spectacular falls in the North Island. As the water cascades it sends out spray, creating the perfect environment for ferns and mosses. Rainbows play at the base of the waterfall, birds chatter, and you are surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides. Well worth a visit.
RP 8 sees the start of the second of the gravel road sections that will take you through more forest before opening out when you reach Aotea Harbour. The harbour is a drowned river valley that remains open to the sea and is a haven for feeding birds at low water. The road remains twisty and open which allows for some great views as you travel through the hilly landscape. The gravel road ends as you reach Kawhia Harbour, another drowned river valley system on the Tasman Sea coast. The harbour entrance is guarded by a large sand bar - a feature of many harbours along the western coasts of New Zealand. The black sand ocean beach is pounded by ocean swells; the inner harbour is vast and tranquil and again is a haven for wildlife.
I have suggested a coffee and fuel stop at RP 14. You will only have travelled for 70 kms from the start but this is the last fuel station for the next 117 kms.
The bitumen road remains incredibly twisty as you travel around Kawhia Harbour in a very hilly landscape. The second of two magnificent waterfalls is at RP 17. The Marokopa Falls are just a short walk from the road and the 35 m high falls are often described as the most beautiful in the country. Here the Marokopa River cascades over the undercut greywacke basement rock. The short-walk, only 20 minutes return, passes through native tawa and nikau forest to reach the viewing platform for the dramatic falls. You will have passed the Toi Toi Coffee shop on the way to the falls and I have suggested stopping here for some lunch when you return back from the falls.
After lunch you'll follow the Marokopa River to the coast and there's a great viewpoint at RP 19 across the hamlet of Marokopa and out towards the Tasman Sea.
The third and final (short) section of gravel road is next and just after it ends you'll be at the highest point of this route (325 m) at RP 22.
The road continues to twist and turn passing through several scenic reserves of forests of fern as you follow the Manganui River valley.
I have suggested another fuel stop 7 kms before the end of the route so that you are fuelled up ready for the next day.
The end of the route is at the small coastal village of Mokau, famous for it's whitebait. On a clear day, Mount Taranaki is visible from the beach. Mount Taranaki is New Zealand's most perfectly formed volcano and will be included in route 08 of this tour. Mokau sits at the end of a river of the same name. Although the rivermouth is enclosed by a large sandbar, with a high tide, larger vessels can pass safely and enter the river, which is navigable for 37 kilometres (23 mi) upstream. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the banks of the river were host to a thriving industry of logging and coal-mining. However, the risks and costs of transporting goods down the Mokau eventually ended such enterprise. Today the river is popular for whitebaiting and kayaking.
There are two options for accommodation that I have included links for below. Other accommodation is available through AirB&B.
Enjoy.
RP 16. Crossing one of the many inlets of Kawhia Harbour.
RP 17. Marokopa Falls.
Links
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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