The main purpose of the ride today, was to view the autumn colours at Pukeora Forest of Memories, just south of Waipukurau, Central Hawkes Bay. We began our ride at Waipawa, and rode the concrete pathway alongside Highway 2 to Ford Road, Waipukurau. The Tukituki River Trail between Waipawa and Waipukurau was closed due to works being carried out to salvage the Tarewa Swing Bridge that had been damaged in last month’s floods. Distance: 53.5 kms.

From Ford Road, we rode the Tukituki River Trail south towards Lindsay Bush. Just past the carpark we viewed the new bridge crossing the stream.

The new extension of the trail will continue along the stop bank, and then a crossing will be provided at Ashcott Bridge. Today we returned and crossed the Waipukurau Bridge and continued south along the river until the current end. The Tukituki River Trail will be a 45kms loop when all the work is completed.

We continued alongside the highway to Pukeora Scenic Road and turned up the hill for a view from the top overlooking vineyards and the river.

From there it was a lovely sweeping gentle downhill to the Pukeora Forest of Memories.

After refreshments at Hatuma Cafe, we returned to Waipawa via Lyndsay Road. Thanks to Geoff Long for a super day out.