Newspaper Article 2010 – Scenery or adrenalin-pumping rides

Scenery or adrenalin-pumping rides

Vicky Roebuck, of Venture Hawke’s Bay, heads up the Taihape Road

SMALL JOURNEYS
DESTINATIONS YOU CAN REACH IN A DAY

THE Taihape Rd is easily one of our most picturesque driving routes but there are more than stunning views and lookouts to this part of Hawke’s Bay.

First stop – On Track Adventures at Tirohia Farm.  (10 minutes from Fernhill).  Hosts Ged and Marianne offer fully guided quad bike tours, two-seater off-roaders, archery, claybird shooting and fun golf on their 2000-acre farm located on the edge of the Ngaruroro River.

Not having ridden before I was somewhat nervous as I donned my helmet and took control of my 400cc quad bike, but my fears were unfounded.

There is a mandatory beginner’s circuit for you to get the feel of the bike and the quads are automatic so they are super easy to ride (even for a city slicker like me).

After passing my riding test we headed outback on our River Run ride winding through the centre of the farm, past the woolshed and across the tops of ridges to our first lookout stop.

Looking across the river to Kemblefield and the surrounding vines, the view extends to the Kawekas, Ruahines and back to Te Mata Peak.  In one glance you are exposed to all the elements that make up Hawke’s Bay’s beautiful landscape – and it’s amazing.

From there we wound our way down to the river flats with views of Maraekakaho across the river unfolding before us.  After riding the quad through knee-deep water (and feeling a little like GI Jane) I was ready to tackle the two-seater off-roader.  Speeding through the off-road track dodging gorse and bush is such a great adrenalin rush I definitely recommend it.  I doubt I’ll win any prizes for my archery or claybird skills but having always thought those activities were best suited to boys my day at On Track has taught me otherwise.  They cater for groups (minimum 2) and are a great option if you are looking for stag and hen activities.  They also have BBQ facilities.

If motors aren’t your thing, Willowford Cottage Farmstay and Horse Trekking offers private treks through farmland and forestry.  They can supply horses and safety gear (you don’t need to be an experienced rider) or you can bring your own horse.  The treks offer the chance to see Hawke’s Bay scenery only accessible via private land and they also offer on site accommodation for visitors.

For a real taste of nature visit the southern Kaweka Forest Park.  There are several access points as you drive through the Blowhard and Kuripapango areas.  You can tramp, hunt or go trout fishing and rafting.  There are several day walks suitable for all fitness levels (even mine) and showcase the best of our lakes, forests, flora and fauna in spectacular settings.

It’s easy to talk about beautiful scenery and landscapes but the more I explore Hawke’s Bay the more hard pressed I am to find a better way to describe it.

My last discovery on the Taihape Rd is newly opened winery De la Terre in the Sherenden area.  Winemaker Tony Prichard spent 20 years at Church Road before opening this boutique winery in January.  They produce a wide range of reds and whites and are about to bottle the 2010 Viognier which Tony promises will impress.  The Cellar Door is open 10am-5pm on weekends and public holidays.   [www].ontrackadventures.co.nz
[www].doc.govt.nz
[www].willowfordcottage.co.nz

Photo captions –

SEE VIEWS; Horse trekking at Willowford Cottage Farmstay.

THRILLS: Off-road adrenalin with On Track Adventures at Tirohia Farm.

BOUTIWUE: Newly opened winery De la Terre near Sherenden.

“Speeding through the off-road track dodging gorse and bush is such a great adrenalin rush.”