First trip of 2023! Join me as I head inland from Koitiata Beach through the hills and up to Pokaka Mill before heading out to the gem - Tukino.
A soft beach run that skips past SH3 on your way to Wanganui. Best not tackled alone unless you're used to being on the beach - was one of the harder beach runs we've done.
Be sure to head through at low tide - at high tide, you'll be trapped by a creek crossing full of salt water.
A scenic seal/gravel road that leads from the coast at Turakina right the way through to Tangiwai near Ohakune.
The road follows the Turakina River the entire way and makes for a slightly more interesting, if not long, drive vs SH4.
A basic campsite in the Ruapehu area.
A short drive through the forest on your way out of Pokaka Mill. I drove it from the campsite end as far as to where the walk starts, from there it got super overgrown - so proceed with caution beyond there.
Driving up the side of an active volcano is something pretty special! The Tukino Access road is an amazing drive all year around - hit it up in winter to do some snow driving or head up in summer and see something completely unique
There is a gate that can be locked - called into the I-Site at Waiouru to see if you need a key or not.
Camp on the Pohangina River - awesome little spot not too far away from Takapari Road or North Range Road.
Make sure to head down onto the river - the campervan camping spot is a little average