Mt Curl Trail 3. near Marton. New Zealand.
S 39° 57.495 E 175° 29.230
60H E 370783 N 5575780
As part of the Gorges To Sea (gorgeous to see)Cycle Trails 1 to 4, the Mt Curl Trail 3 winds through countryside over scenic Mt Curl Road and into Marton.
Waymark Code: WMC8XJ
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 08/09/2011
Views: 4
With its breath-taking scenery and variety of ascents/descents, the Rangitikei Gorges to Sea Trails offer something for everyone, from a leisurely family outing to an almighty challenge for even the fittest of cyclists.
The cycle way is over 170 kilometres long. It starts south of the volcanic plateau and follows the Rangitikei River to the sea. Trails 1 and 2 are hilly and the beginner will find them demanding. The duration of each ride is 5 hours or less. The gentle Rangitikei plain lies between Mount Curl and the sea. Here the riding is easy although the beach ride can be tiring. Because there are gravel stretches (trail 1 Potaka Road, trail 2 Sandon Block Road, trail 3 Mount Curl descent, trail 4 Rangitikei River track) the cycle trail is best done on a bike with broad tyres.
North South Cycleway:
TRAIL 1 - Omatane
Measurements:
Distance: 32km
Total ascent: 1329m
Total descent: 1398m
Description:
A hilly ride but the effort is rewarded. The road south from Taihape to the Gorge Road turnoff (6km) is on SH1. Immediately after the turnoff a small bridge crosses the Hautapu stream. As with other bridges in the area it is worth a look down. The junction at Omatane gives views of the Rangitikei canyons at their best. Omatane South Road is arduous but is compensated by an exhilarating down hill run on Potaka Road into the picturesque Kawhatau River Valley. Shortly before the bridge over the Rangitikei River, there is a short walkway to a dam that in times past provided power and water to Mangaweka. The Mangaweka Domain is an idyllic spot for camping and swimming. Mangaweka township is a quirky village with a ghost town flavour. It is now reincarnating itself as an adventure tourism centre. There are cafés, a pub and some accommodation.
TRAIL 2 “Pemberton”
Measurements:
Distance: 53.73km
Total ascent: 1770m
Total descent: 1929m
Description:
This is a day in the country which starts and ends on the Rangitikei River. Starting from Mangaweka township, the route crosses the bridge at the domain. Following the Mangawharariki River on Ruahine Road, the route heads up towards Rangiwahia with views of the Ruahine Ranges all the way. At 11km from SH1, a 2km (return) side trip can be had to the Ruahine Dress Circle, an attractive picnic spot with a waterfall. There is a small settlement at Rangiwahia which boasts a basic camping ground (but no shops). At Pemberton the road descends and then undulates until the Vinegar Hill Domain which marks the end of the trail. The domain is a beautiful place and is ideal for camping and swimming.
TRAIL 3 - Mount Curl (Waymarked coordinates)
Measurements:
Distance: 34km
Total ascent: 502m
Total descent: 622m
Description:
This trail has a steep climb worthy of the Tour de France, but the reward is the unparalleled views from the summit of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki, Kapiti and the Ruahines.
The trail begins at Hunterville which is a good place for accommodation and supplies. (For those wishing to eschew the rigours of Mount Curl there is an alternative route via Leedstown Road.)
A long undulating downhill (gravel in places) follows to Marton, the capital of the Rangitikei District. Marton has ample accommodation, refreshments, supplies and two bike shops.
TRAIL 4 - The River
Measurements:
Distance: 55km
Total ascent: 142m
Total descent: 142m
Description:
Marton lies at the centre of the lush Rangitikei plains. The hills are left behind and the terrain is flat. The route heads south running parallel to the Rangitikei River past Bulls to the sea. Bulls is the last town on the cycle way before Himatangi. The river provides opportunities for camping, swimming and similar. This is wide scrubby country where the Samba deer roam at large. When the sea is reached, the route heads east then south along the coast to Himatangi Beach (8km). The sand can be soft – the best time is within 2 hours each side of low tide (check Dominion or Wanganui Chronicle weather section). Partially deflate tyres. There is a motor camp at Himatangi Beach. It is a good place for refreshments. Foxton (along the beach) is 10km farther on.
This Cycling Route Waymark features the Mt Curl section of Trail 3, over Mt Curl. All the cycle trails link together, traveling from the Rangitikei Gorges to the Sea.
Co-ordinates at Junction of Mt Curl Road and SH1:
S 39° 58.110 E 175° 31.290
Co-ordinates at chosen waypoint on Mt Curl Trail 3, at the top of Mt Curl where seal ends:
S 39° 57.495 E 175° 29.230
Node Number: Trail 3
Reachable Nodes:
Trail 1, 2, and 4.
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Visit Instructions:- Provide at least two photographs, one a close-up of the sign, clearly showing the number and another of the sign showing it in its surroundings. Tell us something about the area, or your journey.
- Toon tenminste twee foto's een close-up van het knooppuntbord waarop het knooppuntnummer duidelijk te lezen is. En toon een foto waarin zowel het knooppunt als de omgeving te zien is. Vertel iets over de omgeving of over je reis.
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