Route Description
Ngunguru Old Coach Road ride follows sealed and gravel roads linked by the old Ngunguru Coach Road. You can ride the route as a one-way ride starting at either end, Ngunguru or Scow Landing, as an out-and-back ride, or turn it into a loop, if you return via the main Ngunguru Road.
Riding one way will require a vehicle at either end. We suggest you park at the Ngunguru Sports and Recreation Centre on Kopipi Crescent if starting at Ngunguru. If starting from the Scow Landing (closest to town), there is parking a few hundred meters up Waipoka Road. Turn left off Ngunguru Road as you head towards the coast immediately after a bridge crossing the Ngunguru River into Waipoka Road. Alternatively, you can park on the right at Scow Landing and cross Ngunguru Road and head up Waipoka road.
From Ngunguru village head north across the one lane bridge and take the first left onto Waiotoi Road. Follow the sealed road for several kilometers. The road forks as you start to climb out of the valley. Tkek the left fork onto Pukenui road. A short gravel climb takes you to the start of the first 4wd section signposted on your right. This is a loverly climb through the bush on a clay track. Stay left as tere are often other users on the track. At the top of the hill you pop out on to Te Toioa road. Head right and follow the gravel road for several kilometers until you reach the intersection with Kaiatea Road. There are great views both north and south as you follow the ridge line. Turn left and head south west along the sealed road.
You return to the gravel turning right on to Old Kaiatea Road. Follow this as it gently climbs until the gravel gives way to 4wd track and then heads into the bush section. This coah road links through to the top of Waipoka Road. From here it is about two kilometers down to the Ngunguru River, and Scows landing.
If returning to Ngunuguru you can either turnaround and head back the way you came, or take Ngunguru Road, a sealed road back to Ngunguru. Note: This road does not have any shoulder, and traffic can be traveling very fast. It is a more pleasant riding experience to return the same way you came.
Starting and finishing in Ngunguru makes a coffee or a swim a little more feasible.
Distance: 15 km one-way or 30 km return.
Surface: Gravel, some clay 4WD tracks, sealed
Bikes: Suitable for MTB, Gravel Bikes, eBikes
Level: Moderate or Advanced (if riding the main road)
Time: 1–2 hours each way
Route Map
NOTE: Clicking on a Komoot map will take you to a more detailed overview of the ride. You will be able to view basic data, or you can sign up for free to view full details. If you download the Komoot app, you can navigate the trails on your mobile device. Komoot also provides a GPX file.