Had a lovely couple of days away exploring the western flanks of the Ruahines and Kawekas and the more remote sections of the Rangitikei River between the Gentle Annie Road (Napier-Taihape) to the north and Ashurst to the south. A lot of country in there with a lot of dirt roads which the Admach took in style. Found a great free campsite at Mokai Gravity Canyon Bungy and were the only ones there. Finally met up with the Gentle Annie Road just before it goes up into the Kawekas.
Earlier this year we headed off for a few days to the centre of the North Island. Started the trip at Whakapapa and then headed off into Pureora Forest Park. Clint had never been there before and we had a marvellous couple of days exploring. We checked out the geographical centre and then onto the site of the Pureora logging protests. They have a great platform up in the canopy where you can look out over the trees. That night we were privileged to see lots of native bats at our campsite as we were parked right on the the forest edge and this is apparently one of their favourite places.
If you are into mountain biking Pureora looks like a great place for a multi day bike ride.
We then headed off into the Whanganui River National Park. Quite a trip in there and we were the only campers from the road with a couple of parties of kayakers joining up later on. Lots of history tied up with the river and this site and it was a gorgeous place for a stop over. We exited at Raurimu and then headed home.
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| View over the Whanganui River |
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| Road into Whanganui River |
