DAY 25 WHAKAPAPA to WOODVILLE at Manawatu Gorge

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It snowed on the mountain. However, we were camped below the snowline and well protected.

Apart from a few odd patches we experienced overcast conditions with continual drizzle throughout the day. It is still raining whilst we camp. Our journey today took us from Whakapapa Village to the Manawatu Gorge outside of Woodville. We drove off the beaten track for most of the day taking roads that clung to the sides of the ranges with drop-offs of hundreds of metres into the fast flowing rivers below. Apart from a few farmers we saw only a handful of vehicles. We loved the route we took, as it gave us terrific scenery, despite the drizzle, and as we love rivers, cliffs, lush vegetation, sheep, cattle horses, old farm sheds, stockyards and very few vehicles, we were in our element. The very narrow and windy road from Mangaweka to Ruahine was the most nerve wracking, not only because of the drop offs into the Mangawharariki River but the ever present danger of rock fall or slides, of which there was much evidence. We were warned, however, adrenalin took over.

Tonight, we are free camped across the one lane bridge that spans the Manawatu Gorge out of Woodville.

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Photos

Snow ... we were safely below.

Makatote Viaduct 262m long 79m high 3rd highest in NZ Built 1905-08

Beautiful little town. Well kept.

Our coffee stop, Ohakune.

Mangawharaniki River.

From the old bridge over Mangawharaniki River.

Below the bridges.

Remember, it was recently in flood.

Lucky enough to catch a freight train crossing the viaduct.

"Our" road!

Farmhouse ... beautiful as.

Farmhouse ... not in use.

Farmhouse ... in use.

The river continues.

Known as "The Dress Circle" ... near Ruahune.

Love the sheep dotting the slopes.