Takapari Rd

Takapari Rd is located about 30 km north of Ashhurst, up the Pohangina River Valley. It starts off as a well-graded gravel road through farm property, although there are a few blind corners and some reasonable drop-offs as the road climbs. The well graded farm road ends at the forest park boundary gate, and from here on the track gets a little more difficult. it is steep in places and more rutted as it winds its way up to and along the ridge-top, and it may also be slippery, rutted and potholed, depending on when gravel was last spread. The bush gives way to alpine scrub as the track approaches the ridge, and the last section across the ridges to the A-frame hut can be very exposed, although with good views on clear days. Beyond the A-frame hut the track deteriorates further with some risk of getting stuck. This section can be quite rutted and has a few larger bog holes, especially after wet weather, meaning care is needed. About 5 km beyond the A-frame hut the track ends at a truly impassable set of bogs.

DoC currently seem to be taking the attitude that people can take responsibility for themselves, and are not locking the gate at the slightest sign of bad weather. This does not mean that the weather cannot be very severe and dangerous, with freezing winds and snow possible in the winter months. Care needs to be taken at any time of year, and as users we need to be responsible, both for our own safety and also for not doing unnecessary damage to the track.