Aorangi Forest Park via Martinborough (Ruakokoputuna Road)

4WD track in the Wellington region

Aorangi Forest Park via Ruakokoputuna Road is a scenic Wairarapa hilltop gravel run south of Martinborough, easy for most vehicles with rougher 4WD sections at the far end.

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This gravel road winds along the hilltops at the edge of Aorangi Forest Park, in the Wairarapa south of Martinborough, with great views down into the valley below. It's an awesome spot in summer when the hills are dry.

Most of the route is well-formed shingle suitable for almost any vehicle, though it can get rutted in places. Beyond the bridge near Haurangi Road and the Waikuku Lodge turnoff the road becomes rougher and more suited to 4WD, and at the clearing where the route ends on the map there are a couple of harder 4WD features that can be challenging, especially solo. The track appears to continue deeper into the Aorangi Range from there.

The Patuna Chasm walk is also out along this road and is well worth the hike if you can book a spot. Some travellers have accessed the southern end via Te Kopi Homestead through the Wairarapa council ARAC booking system, so check access before you go.

Scenic gravel

Grade

25 km

Distance

3 hrs

Time

Forest

Environment

Gravel

Surface

North Island

Island

Gallery

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