Porangahau Hills to Ocean

This Porangahau ride was inspired by a Brian Brown video (see below) and created by my friend George who grew up in this region. The ride starts with a long and steep climb up Old Hill Road – a fully charged ebike battery is a must. From the top, the tar sealed road becomes gravel. The views are well worth the climb. Our ride distance was 36kms and took us two hours. This ride could be made longer by people with local knowledge. There are no cafes, so BYO picnic is advised. We were very fortunate with the weather, the sun shone and there was no wind. We enjoyed hearing the birds singing and seeing the new spring born farm animals.

The terrain is part undulating hills, flat coastal and the one big hill. Only one long section of gravel, the rest is tar sealed. The scenery is mostly farmland and coastal. We stopped for our BYO picnic on the grass outside Chapelwick Homestead. Another option for a picnic stop is a covered picnic area next to public toilets at the end of Beach Road, by the coast. At the time of writing, The Duke Hotel is undergoing renovations. The store (opposite The Duke) apparently sells pies worth travelling the distance for. Public toilets in Dundas Street.

History from The Cyclopedia of New Zealand – Porangahau .

Porangahau is located south-east of Waipukurau. We parked our vehicles at The Duke Hotel. Route: Turn right into Abercromby Street. Left into Old Hill Road. Right into Porangahau Road. Right into Blackhead Road. Continue onto Hunter Road. (Diversion: Left into Beach Road, return). Continue onto Beach Road (which becomes Dundas Street). Left onto Abercromby Street.