Saturday 20th
January 2001
|
|
|
The sixth day of our trip continues our inland northwards trek, starting in Pahiatua and ending at the Arataki Motel and Holiday Park in the grape and fruit growing area of Havelock North. We pass over a variety of private farms and get a chance to practice our river crossing (and carpet washing – how many of the vehicles will emerge with dry carpet?) skills in the Tukituki River.
Along the way we pass the Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka, which any beer drinker will recognise as the 1889 established brick building features in the DB TV adverts, and pass through Dannevirke, named after the Danish immigrants who settled there in the 1870’s.
Trip Report – Saturday 20 January 2001
Team E
A 6 o’clock start from Wanganui (having been home to send Digital Photo’s to the web master) we arrived at Camp/starting point to a cold breeze and overcast day. E Team was first out today (was going to be last, but we can handle it) at 8.30. Tricky start, reading notes a hazard as comma in wrong place, but we knew where to head. Through Pahiatua, turning at the “Little Brewery with the Big REPUTATION” at Mangatainoka, viewing the wind mills on the ranges. We wound our way round back country roads through Diary farms toward Makairo. Travelling via gravel roads, the breeze kept the dust out of our vision. On to the stock route, rough dusty and dry, passed the Dry Raupo Swamp. An easy drive but oh rain would have made a difference and tested the driving ability. The country was changing constantly from pasture, barren hills, lush bush reserves; even a walnut grove. Entering a farm property we were greeted by 7 farm dogs; crawling on past the farm house to keep dust down, we climbed pap-clay tracks, great views of the windfarm, war peak on the ranges.
Our leader wasn’t alert and we were being enticed to follow until Willie spotted the double gates. A detour for a play say Craig (Mu), Willie (Landcruiser MWB) and Brian (Landcruiser MWB) attempt a greasy grass slope out of a creek; with Brian getting the furtherest before letting the next team attempt. After 3 goes the Nissan made it over the top. Winding down the tracks through flowering manuka we encountered many creek crossings which were sharp, and bumpers became blades as they dug in. The next challenge was where a XXXX was in the middle of the track. The MU and Willies Landcruiser need a push after a few attempts. Barry in the Jeep used a bit more curry, while Brian and Ian (Safari SWB) just quietly idled up. A bit of Highway work and a forced stop to let the lead marshall get ahed and then into the Tukituki River with some magic crossings, where Willie got stuck in the loose gravel and needed a tow. A nice spot under the willows for lunch and then another 10k in the shingle and river and onto Havelock North for check in An excellent trip of 179k’s.
The only drawback with being first is you only get to hear about the Trials and Tribulations of the rest at dinner and I’m sure there will be many.
The map below shows the route followed the Challenge vehicles today.
Map portions used with permission of Wises
The North Island Four Wheel Drive Challenge has been put together by a small dedicated group of 4WD enthusiasts (all experienced club members) on a non-profit cost-recovery basis.
3860/2
Stage
Outline
