Ohau Loop
Regional Ride
Wellington, North Island
The upper two-thirds of the road, which is one end of the loop, has an average gradient of 23%. If you take the single track first, then you'll have to climb up this road – a strenuous workout that is in no way fun. Probably better to go down the road first, then enjoy the much more moderate single track climb (maximum sustained gradient is around 10%).
Whichever way you go, at the bottom of the valley it is worth taking a short diversion along Makara Gun Bunkers to the Ohau Bay beach. From the information board at the top it is also worth following the gravel road around to the clifftop bunkers themselves.
The rest of the track is mostly single track that meanders through pine forest, open grassland, and alongside the Ohau Wetland conservation area. In terms of track surface, there's a good bit of variety with bumps, dips, plus exposed rocks and tree roots – not really "Advanced" grade, but interesting nonetheless. Ignore the numerous literal goat tracks that diverge from the official track.
