Summer is here which means one of the best tracks in the North Island is open - the 42 Traverse, a 46 km remote route through the centre of the North Island. The track has been well graded for the 2020 season, but not everything goes to plan for one of the trucks...
Tucked away in the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, Pokaka Mill is a super basic campsite that delivers a proper off-grid experience. The recommended access is John McDonald Rd from SH47 - a rough gravel road that's manageable in a stock 2WD with a little ground clearance, and the drive in takes around 25 minutes.
The road opens out into a large clearing with heaps of room and plenty of private spots to choose from, including a great spot down from the main camp. There are caves nearby worth exploring too. Facilities are simply a long-drop toilet and nothing else.
On calm days the bird song is fantastic, and on clear nights the stars are incredibly bright. It's a quiet, peaceful place that rarely gets crowded - many regulars rate it among the best campsites in the North Island. Just note it's exposed and remote, so come prepared with warm gear even in summer, and especially in winter. Avoid the Pukehinau Rd route via Hillary OPC, which is badly overgrown - stick to John McDonald Rd.
Out on the Central Plateau, this rough gravel road runs to the Pokaka Mill campsite. The main route is an easy if bumpy drive that suits most setups, and dropping your tyre pressures makes it a fair bit more comfortable.
Stop off along the way and have a look at the caves. There's an interesting walk to reach them, though you'll want a cooler day for it. A loop also connects to the campsite via John MacDonald Road, but it's narrow, rutted and overgrown, so expect tighter going and the chance of bush rash. The 1.8km loop can take longer than the main road in, and most find it easier to run out from the campsite rather than in, especially at night.
The campsite is a genuinely off-grid spot, quiet and good for getting away from everything. Native birdlife is a highlight, and you might even hear deer roaring. Facilities are minimal, just a long drop, so come fully self-sufficient and bring everything you need. A good one for a peaceful overnight with caves and bush nearby.
One of the longest off-road runs in the North Island, this DOC-managed track stretches roughly 46km across the Central Plateau, linking Kapoors Road near SH47 at National Park with Owhango. It was originally cut for forestry and these days it's shared with mountain bikers and walkers, so take it easy on blind corners and descents.
You get native bush, stream and river crossings, and the odd glimpse of volcanic country. The surface ranges from wide graded forestry road to rugged pinches and rutted descents. There's a rock face before the big river crossing that can need 4LO and lockers, a muddy patch at the National Park end, and a steep rutted descent about halfway that turns slippery and demands careful wheel placement. In the dry it's an easy cruise that most stock 4WDs handle fine, but heavy bush rash is a given, and wet weather makes the steep sections genuinely tricky. The Owhango end is the harder direction.
It's remote, so travel with another vehicle and carry recovery gear. There are spots to camp along the way, including near the river crossings and around 10 Man Hut. Conventionally driven one-way from SH47 to Owhango to ease passing.