New beaches and new campsites - a super chill trip through the hills

I've been wanting to explore the beaches around Riversdale for years and just never quite made it - till now. Join me as I spend two days exploring some cool spots in the Wairarapa.

Trip area

In this video

Riversdale Beach (South)

An awesome run along Riversdale beach - can be soft in spots and limited during high tide. Watch out for other beach users, this is a popular spot. There are rocks dotted under the sand too, keep an eye out for them to avoid tyre damage.

Grade
Easy
Time
1 hours
Distance
6 km

Riversdale Beach (Bypass)

A short bypass route around the head which can be useful when the tide is high. The track is super narrow with very limited passing spots. Probably best done north to south, the exit on the southern end is a tad steep and narrow.

As with any dune route, stay on the track and protect the surrounding area.

Grade
Medium
Time
1 hours
Distance
1 km

Kaiwhata Road (to Riversdale Beach)

A scenic gravel road through the Wairarapa hills that takes you out to the Riversdale Beach township. Takes a bit longer than the sealed route but worth it for the main view point out to the coast.

Grade
Gravel
Time
2 hours
Distance
35 km

Morison Bush

Camp right next to the Raumahanga river nestled in between trees - awesome spot not too far from Wellington. No fires and no dogs.

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Onoke Spit

A short beach run from Onoke Spit up to Ocean Beach. The water crossing depth can vary heaps, so work checking it out before heading through.

Grade
Easy
Time
1 hours
Distance
4 km

Ocean Beach

Another of the North Island's rugged south coast spots, Ocean Beach is an amazing drive on a nice day. A rough gravel track with a few small river crossing and a view that's hard to beat. You can even spend an evening at Corner Creek Campsite.

The slip changes constantly and can be impassable after storms.

Grade
Medium
Time
2 hours
Distance
10 km

Corner Creek Campsite

Just a 5 minute walk from Palliser Bay. Go fishing, surfing, walking, hunting and mountain biking.

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