Ruamahanga lower
Regional Ride
Wairarapa, North Island
Wide 4WD tracks lead along the stopbanks on the northern side of Lake Onoke and the western side of the Ruamahanga river. The gates are not locked so there may be 4WD vehicles also on the tracks. From the gates on Western Lake Road there is a 2 km gravel track along the northern side of Lake Onoke. There is a gate mid-way, and another gate at the end where the track turns left and goes up the stopbank. The track is wide and flat but the grass can be long in places which will slow cyclists. There is a good view of the river and is a pleasant ride on a sunny day.
After 5.5 km the track ends abruptly where a drain empties into the river. There is no bridge or easy way to cross, though the stop-bank track continues on the other side.
Return the same way. The track is about 7.5 km each way, allow about 45 minutes if cycling.
The upper part of the stopbank goes south from the Barrage gates on Papatahi Road. There is a wide grassy track along the top of the stopbank for about 2 km. There is a drain at this point. The track continues along the stopbank, but as with the lower route crossing the drain is pretty difficult.
