From the beach to the mountains - I've never seen Tukino like this + epic remote camping!

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.

Trip area

In this video

Bulls to Turakina

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.

Grade
Medium
Time
2 hours
Distance
24 km

Turakina Valley Road

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.

Grade
Gravel
Time
5 hours
Distance
100 km

Pokaka Mill Campsite

A basic campsite in the Ruapehu area.

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Pukehinau Road

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.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
3 km

Tukino Ski Field

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.

Grade
Easy
Time
2 hours
Distance
15 km

Raumai Reserve

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

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