Rocco's red s dub.

[MR2PWR]

hey should've said you were going, I would've come along for the fun drive too

[rocco26]

Sorry, Dixon my bad.

[85AW20v]

You can also turn off a couple of hundred metres north of the Mangaweka 70km/hr signs on to Ruahine Road. It joins up with Otara Road where you would've turned right to Kimbolton. Targa has used both of them, as well as the Gentle Annie, which is split into two stages. Your 10th photo is where we have a refueling point.

The year I did it as a co-driver in an Integra Type-R 1.8 the rally ran from east to west, starting just past Pukehamoamoa School. Stage times were 18:28 for the first 30.8km and 14:37 for the 28.1km.

[rocco26]

Sorry, didn't mean to sound too flippant in my last comment.
By opening it up to a lot others ,I feel I would be compromising other drivers expectations of the trip.
To me these trips are all about exploring , a big percentage is photographing New Zealand countryside and of course placing cars in it and then inspiring others to do so. The last thing I want to do is to hold up others wondering where the hell I am and breaking up their momentum ,as well as increasing the logistics of the whole trip.
But by all means I will let you know of the next epic journey into New Zealand's ignored regions.
Cheers Brian.

[pbaron]

We got the trip to Taupo this weekend, are you coming along for that?

hey should've said you were going, I would've come along for the fun drive too

[rocco26]

Sorry, couldnt make it to the Xmas do, by the time i would of got there, you would all be leaving. A big thanks to Keith, Olaf and Gary for all your effort thru the year.
In early november,we went up and mountain biked the Timber Trail thru the Pureora Forest park in the King Country. It is a 2 day 80km ride and is part of the Te Araroa trail. IT has some amazing scenery, giant Totara and steeped in Saw milling history. A trip worth doing.
In the same neck of the woods lies an abandoned Saw Mill in Waimiha. It was closed in the early 90's and is now an open air Museum and if you are into Ghost towns this place is a must !!!
On the MR2 front, i have upped boost to 12 lbs and have had the BC golds certified. On the trip we went via the Paraparas , no traffic or cops patrolling overtaking lanes ..... awesome. I managed 380 kms on 33.5 litres or 32 mpg .

Sawmill office

[Benckj]

Cool pics, thanks for sharing. Would love to see someday.

[*84vvt]

As Above great Pictures

[rocco26]

Hi, long overdue post.
In January,we went and did a tour of top of the South Island.
A quick recap; the Takaha hill was disappointing ,because of the roadworks caused by numerous slips and a lot of traffic, however on the Golden Bay side was great.
The drive from Grantity to Karamea was fantastic, with very little traffic I.e no traffic!!!. Great corners and views.
If you go out that way ,you must do the 40minute one way to Oparara arches. North of Karamea .Travel back in time on this trip
The gravel road is pretty rough, but do able.
Another great road is the hill climb to the Denniston plateau, again very little traffic.
The scenic drive down the west Coast to Greymouth is amazing but a lot of traffic.
The climb over Arthur's pass is pretty cool and a stop at the top is a must to view the bridge.
The mr2 loved the trip, but working aircon would of been nice as we had unbelievable weather.
Photos to come

[rocco26]

The Larger Oparara Arch

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Another Arch

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Enroute to the end of the Heaphy track at Kohaihai

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Petrol in this location is cheaper than Wellington!!!!!!

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Karamea district

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Millerton, a ghost town above Grantity

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Charleston, once the busy gold town

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Omoto, inland from Greymouth.

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[ClanFever]

Whose bunch of MR2s? Those need parting out or restoring

[Benckj]

Great pics once again. I’ve done the Karamea road several time before and it’s quite an experience. Being a dead end there is little or no traffic and the semi tropical landscape is unexpected. Must get up there again sometime.

[85AW20v]

If you're into geological formations/rocks etc. have a look at the Geotrips websites. Lots of info on there on how to get to places and explanations of how things were formed. Some of the website work was my sons summer internship job with Victoria Uni.

[Benckj]

Yep, I’m into rocks so will take a look.

[rocco26]

Yeah, thanks for that.What a great source!