The gate on the Maratoto trails in the Coromandel has been closed from today April 4 because of heavy rain and wear and tear on the trail. It may re-open if conditions improve. For information on the gate status check
027 5242 132 before travelling to Maratoto.
Maratoto access
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PeterVahry
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Maratoto access
Last edited by PeterVahry on Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
;-p
hey Peter, is there a contact number for Seth(i think thats right)the guy that looks after the track over there ? would be good to add his number to my contacts and to keep up to date with the track.
If you already know everything, DON'T ask bloody questions!!
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PeterVahry
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Maratoto
The farmer's name is Ces and a great guy but any questions on Maratoto use should come to me or DOC at Thames. The phone message system is the main means of advising of the situation with the gate.
It is unfortunately impossible to advise at this stage if Maratoto will be open over Easter. It will be assesed closer to that time.
Regards
Peter Vahry
It is unfortunately impossible to advise at this stage if Maratoto will be open over Easter. It will be assesed closer to that time.
Regards
Peter Vahry
;-p
Ces, thats the one,
yea hes a top bloke, we met him on the track when we went up a while ago, got a heap of info about the upcomming mods to gating the loop track etc to keep the no brainers out
anyways
keep us posted on when the next maintenence session is Peter so we can russel up some blokes....and maybe tarts
to come lend a hand
yea hes a top bloke, we met him on the track when we went up a while ago, got a heap of info about the upcomming mods to gating the loop track etc to keep the no brainers out
anyways
keep us posted on when the next maintenence session is Peter so we can russel up some blokes....and maybe tarts
to come lend a handIf you already know everything, DON'T ask bloody questions!!
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PeterVahry
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Maratoto
The Maratoto gate will be open over the Easter holidays despite the recent wet conditions.
It is asked that care is exercised when using this trail to minimise further damage.
Please Tread Lightly!
The Auckland 4WD Club will be doing a maintenance trip to Maratoto on April 30 to trim vegetation and clear drains. Contact me if you are interested in helping.
Peter Vahry
access@nzfwda.org.nz
It is asked that care is exercised when using this trail to minimise further damage.
Please Tread Lightly!
The Auckland 4WD Club will be doing a maintenance trip to Maratoto on April 30 to trim vegetation and clear drains. Contact me if you are interested in helping.
Peter Vahry
access@nzfwda.org.nz
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PeterVahry
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Maratoto
As of today April 27 the Maratoto trails are closed to 4x4 use for the winter.
It is hoped those who travelled the route over the summer enjoyed the experience and remembered to drop their donation in the box. The annual maintenance is all funded from donations and funds contributed by local 4WD clubs.
Without the ongoing maintenance the trail would not comply with the required standards of DOC and Environment Waikato and would be shut down. If anyone wishes to contribute money to help, it can be sent to CRVLAC PO Box 6712 Wellesley St Auckland
Regards
Peter Vahry
It is hoped those who travelled the route over the summer enjoyed the experience and remembered to drop their donation in the box. The annual maintenance is all funded from donations and funds contributed by local 4WD clubs.
Without the ongoing maintenance the trail would not comply with the required standards of DOC and Environment Waikato and would be shut down. If anyone wishes to contribute money to help, it can be sent to CRVLAC PO Box 6712 Wellesley St Auckland
Regards
Peter Vahry
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PeterVahry
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Maratoto damaged by weather
An early assessment of the Maratoto trail has shown some major damage from slips at the 4km mark following the very heavy rain in the area.
It is very unlikely that the area will reopen for 4x4 use for at least a year.
It is not yet clear what damage lies beyond the first slips.
A lot of money will be needed to rebuild the route once the ground has dried. The money donated by users over the past season will not even start the process!
Peter Vahry
It is very unlikely that the area will reopen for 4x4 use for at least a year.
It is not yet clear what damage lies beyond the first slips.
A lot of money will be needed to rebuild the route once the ground has dried. The money donated by users over the past season will not even start the process!
Peter Vahry
;-p
thanks for the info Peter, sorry i was unable to attend and help out but i have just returned home from a hunting trip down Kaweka.
keep us posted and hopefully i can manage to be available for future help for the track maintenance.
keep us posted and hopefully i can manage to be available for future help for the track maintenance.
If you already know everything, DON'T ask bloody questions!!
Oh nooooo 
What sort of work is required to repair the track?
I'm sure there would be a few guys on here that have used it over the past few years that would be keen to go in for a working bee, me included.
I assume a digger would need to go in too? Does CRVLAC have a freindly digger operator to help out?
If not is there anyone on here that could help out?
We have a guy in our club that has been known to help out with reduced rates for his digger for 4wd related work - I could ask him if he can help.
Ben
What sort of work is required to repair the track?
I'm sure there would be a few guys on here that have used it over the past few years that would be keen to go in for a working bee, me included.
I assume a digger would need to go in too? Does CRVLAC have a freindly digger operator to help out?
If not is there anyone on here that could help out?
We have a guy in our club that has been known to help out with reduced rates for his digger for 4wd related work - I could ask him if he can help.
Ben
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PeterVahry
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It seems that it will take more than a few guys with shovels... the initial estimation is that it could take a 20 tonne digger two weeks to do the first slips!
It is uncertain what permission might be needed too, such as a resource permit for the earthworks.
Cross Maratoto off your plans for at least a year.
Of course the loss will raise pressure on other 4x4 areas and that will need to be addressed. We don't want a flurry of illegal land use since that will only provide ammunition to opponents.
Peter
It is uncertain what permission might be needed too, such as a resource permit for the earthworks.
Cross Maratoto off your plans for at least a year.
Of course the loss will raise pressure on other 4x4 areas and that will need to be addressed. We don't want a flurry of illegal land use since that will only provide ammunition to opponents.
Peter
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PeterVahry
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Maratoto repairs
An update on the repairs to the Maratoto trail... The Department of Conservation approved repair work funding on Monday 11 Dec and a digger has been working there since Tues 12. Five new culverts have been installed and a new route cut through the slips along with associated side drains.
Additional work has been undertaken to repair some soft areas further along the main trail at the expense of the 4x4 community. All of the $700 user donations from last summer will be used to fund that work, along with additional money from the NZFWDA.
It is not anticipated that the area will open for 4x4 use until early February when a working bee is suggested for Feb 4 to reinforce areas around new culverts and drains with rock.
For advice on the status of the gate at Maratoto call 09 5242132
Additional work has been undertaken to repair some soft areas further along the main trail at the expense of the 4x4 community. All of the $700 user donations from last summer will be used to fund that work, along with additional money from the NZFWDA.
It is not anticipated that the area will open for 4x4 use until early February when a working bee is suggested for Feb 4 to reinforce areas around new culverts and drains with rock.
For advice on the status of the gate at Maratoto call 09 5242132
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PeterVahry
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XJ, the "Wires" is the walking track that eventually intersects with the Maratoto trail. There is no 4x4 access into the Maratoto area at present. The "Loop" runs off the Maratoto, so it too is shut.
Gates are planned for the Loop to reduce the number of inexperienced and ill-equipped 4x4 excursions that have in the past required outside assistance. When the gates are in place there will be information available on how suitable groups can open them. The Loop is a place that almost certainly will adjust a vehicle's bodywork and functioning winches are rather important.
The intention for the area is to have the main Maratoto trail as a reasonably tame (in some eyes) but interesting route that provides access to the much tougher Loop. There are some "play" options on the main trail but the requirement by DOC is that there must be no more than two parallel routes and one must be kept in good condition (that's good for traffic...not for playing!).
The less work we have to do to maintain the main route means that effort can go into addressing water and silt runoff in other areas and the more chance of getting other bits of DOC land for 4x4 use.
Gates are planned for the Loop to reduce the number of inexperienced and ill-equipped 4x4 excursions that have in the past required outside assistance. When the gates are in place there will be information available on how suitable groups can open them. The Loop is a place that almost certainly will adjust a vehicle's bodywork and functioning winches are rather important.
The intention for the area is to have the main Maratoto trail as a reasonably tame (in some eyes) but interesting route that provides access to the much tougher Loop. There are some "play" options on the main trail but the requirement by DOC is that there must be no more than two parallel routes and one must be kept in good condition (that's good for traffic...not for playing!).
The less work we have to do to maintain the main route means that effort can go into addressing water and silt runoff in other areas and the more chance of getting other bits of DOC land for 4x4 use.
Cheers fellas, im throwing Andy Cockrofts book in the garbage tomorrow.... what a waste of money that has proven to be!!!
for reference refer to page 118 "4WD north island, 102 off road adventures."
According to that publication "The Wires" runs seperately to the "old wires track". 1100mtrs on from "ABC rock" the book claims "the wires" ends (joining with the "old wires track") and the "Maratoto loop" begins.
Not the first time that the book has been misleading......... could have found a better way to spend $40.00
for reference refer to page 118 "4WD north island, 102 off road adventures."
According to that publication "The Wires" runs seperately to the "old wires track". 1100mtrs on from "ABC rock" the book claims "the wires" ends (joining with the "old wires track") and the "Maratoto loop" begins.
Not the first time that the book has been misleading......... could have found a better way to spend $40.00
/| , [____],
l----L -OlllllllO-
()_) ()_)-----)_)
KEEP'N JEEP'N!
l----L -OlllllllO-
()_) ()_)-----)_)
KEEP'N JEEP'N!
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PeterVahry
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XJ, the book's not too far wrong in this case as there has been a shift in the way the routes are described to try to avoid the "wires" and "old wires" confusion. There is also a motorcycle route that extends off the main Maratoto trail that is referred now to as the Waipaheke. It runs on the opposite side to the Loop and goes back to the main Maratoto Road. Quite a ride if you are into bikes or quads.
sweet... dixie might be keen for a jaunt.
I've done a couple of runs in the book and lived near some in the past:
Takahue saddle is impassable by 4x4, and has been for some time. (grew up in broadwood and used to drove cattle through the saddle)
Ripiro beach can easily be driven in a car. (and a bongo van was seen clipping at a good 80k too)
The Pouto lighthouse can be safely accessed (L200 ute and stock standard pajero were seen heading up there)
Those are just three examples of inaccuracies that ive experienced first hand, ive had at least 4 ppl pass contrary comment on from their own experieces from commentary in the book.....
I've done a couple of runs in the book and lived near some in the past:
Takahue saddle is impassable by 4x4, and has been for some time. (grew up in broadwood and used to drove cattle through the saddle)
Ripiro beach can easily be driven in a car. (and a bongo van was seen clipping at a good 80k too)
The Pouto lighthouse can be safely accessed (L200 ute and stock standard pajero were seen heading up there)
Those are just three examples of inaccuracies that ive experienced first hand, ive had at least 4 ppl pass contrary comment on from their own experieces from commentary in the book.....
/| , [____],
l----L -OlllllllO-
()_) ()_)-----)_)
KEEP'N JEEP'N!
l----L -OlllllllO-
()_) ()_)-----)_)
KEEP'N JEEP'N!
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Moriarty
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xj wrote:Cheers fellas, im throwing Andy Cockrofts book in the garbage tomorrow.... what a waste of money that has proven to be!!!
for reference refer to page 118 "4WD north island, 102 off road adventures."
Interesting comment, XJ, I was loaned the book, so i am ahead of you in the game, I didnt shell out 40 Bucks!
Like you, I was intrigued and ultimately disapointed. Yet, when I lived in Thames in the 70's, I did the Maratoto on a road bike!! BSA 350. Wopass tells me the track has changed a little since then!!!
But the others, in this area, well, they are a doddle, Rav country at best.
Cheers...... Bob.E
Not of any relevance to the actual topic of this thread , but the south island book is the complete opposite. Its excellent, although its a little cautious with the track grading
Back on topic:
The bike loop is awesome. Specially doing it in reverse up some of the steep rocky climbs. Tricky even on a trials bike!!!!!
The track to the clearing at the top started of great at the start of summer last year, i went up and back on my road tyres. (i really only dropped by to see if the gate was open, then thought, hey, i'll see what the tracks like, turn round if it gets hard. Before i new it i was at the river).
Next trip up, a few weeks later, it was wetter, and was pleased i had mud tyres.
Few more weeks later, with the ORE crew, we had a vehicle stuck before we even got to the intersection with the loop track. Drove the loop down to the river and back sounding it out for an attempt at the loop.
We came back again at waitangi weekend and did the loop. The track on the way up was as it was when we had been up previously. Nothing serious. The next day, after Ben and i had left base camp to go back into the track to salvage the four remaining vehicles from the rock garden, the change to the main track was apparent.
There had been about 20 or so vehicles from a club just south of Auckland that had come up and gone back down the previous day. (they laughed at us for attempting the loop).
We were towing and winching on the main track on our way down.
Its amazing how quickly the track can deteriorate after a small amount of rain and a few vehicles through it.
Wheni run trips to places like that, and encounter a wet or eroded section or track, i usually stop and see if there is any way to ensure water tables and drainage opperating correctly. Might only take a minute with a spade to unblock a culvert, or cut through the side of a rut and get the water of the track. Wish more people would do the same.
Back on topic:
The bike loop is awesome. Specially doing it in reverse up some of the steep rocky climbs. Tricky even on a trials bike!!!!!
The track to the clearing at the top started of great at the start of summer last year, i went up and back on my road tyres. (i really only dropped by to see if the gate was open, then thought, hey, i'll see what the tracks like, turn round if it gets hard. Before i new it i was at the river).
Next trip up, a few weeks later, it was wetter, and was pleased i had mud tyres.
Few more weeks later, with the ORE crew, we had a vehicle stuck before we even got to the intersection with the loop track. Drove the loop down to the river and back sounding it out for an attempt at the loop.
We came back again at waitangi weekend and did the loop. The track on the way up was as it was when we had been up previously. Nothing serious. The next day, after Ben and i had left base camp to go back into the track to salvage the four remaining vehicles from the rock garden, the change to the main track was apparent.
There had been about 20 or so vehicles from a club just south of Auckland that had come up and gone back down the previous day. (they laughed at us for attempting the loop).
We were towing and winching on the main track on our way down.
Its amazing how quickly the track can deteriorate after a small amount of rain and a few vehicles through it.
Wheni run trips to places like that, and encounter a wet or eroded section or track, i usually stop and see if there is any way to ensure water tables and drainage opperating correctly. Might only take a minute with a spade to unblock a culvert, or cut through the side of a rut and get the water of the track. Wish more people would do the same.
Last edited by DieselBoy on Wed Dec 20, 2006 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
lax2wlg wrote:Is that like saying 'she's hot, for a crackwhore??
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Moriarty
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DieselBoy wrote:Not of any relevance to the actual topic of this thread , but the south island book is the complete opposite. Its excellent, although its a little cautious with the track grading
Realy? I shall bear that in mind. Its our intention to go there with Truck next year some time. money flow permitting.
Still not of relevance.... Any chance of fotos from the nat park run?
Apologies for the off topic.
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PeterVahry
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As many of you may know the Maratoto trail has been closed since April 06 following heavy rain and the resulting major land slipping. A digger has recently been able to cut a new trail and has also repaired some earlier damage by vehicles and water in several places. Four donated culverts have been installed.
A working bee is planned for Feb 4 to transport river stones up to the repaired areas to reinforce soft areas around new culverts and to stabilise side drains. Some vegetation cutting will be needed too in the area beyond the slips. The start time is 9.30am at the Wires Rd ford. In case of foul weather there will be message on 09 5242132
Another job on the day will be to install a steel gate on the first entry to the Loop trail. Post holes will be drilled and concrete mixed.
The aim of the gate is to deter casual daytrippers from entering the difficult Loop trail and then getting stuck. Over recent years the Police have been involved several times when families have got into trouble there. A system will be advised for unlocking the gate by suitably equipped groups.
The cost of the slip clearance has been borne by DOC but all the other costs are from user fees and NZFWDA contributions. Those costs already exceed $1500 this year, so it is important for users to help by putting a donation of $10 in the yellow box on the corner of Maratoto and Wires Roads.
Conditions permitting, the Maratoto trail will be open from Feb 4 2007 but remember to check 09 5242132
A working bee is planned for Feb 4 to transport river stones up to the repaired areas to reinforce soft areas around new culverts and to stabilise side drains. Some vegetation cutting will be needed too in the area beyond the slips. The start time is 9.30am at the Wires Rd ford. In case of foul weather there will be message on 09 5242132
Another job on the day will be to install a steel gate on the first entry to the Loop trail. Post holes will be drilled and concrete mixed.
The aim of the gate is to deter casual daytrippers from entering the difficult Loop trail and then getting stuck. Over recent years the Police have been involved several times when families have got into trouble there. A system will be advised for unlocking the gate by suitably equipped groups.
The cost of the slip clearance has been borne by DOC but all the other costs are from user fees and NZFWDA contributions. Those costs already exceed $1500 this year, so it is important for users to help by putting a donation of $10 in the yellow box on the corner of Maratoto and Wires Roads.
Conditions permitting, the Maratoto trail will be open from Feb 4 2007 but remember to check 09 5242132
:)
missed it ! fk fk fk fk 
we need these things nailed to us so idiots like me cant forget they are happeneing, PM'ed and emailed and on the front page as a notice would be good
gutted
If you already know everything, DON'T ask bloody questions!!
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PeterVahry
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Thanks for the thought but as it turned out we had heaps of helpers and achieved all our targets. I've just had a note from DOC saying thanks. The main gate is now open.
There are two important changes to the systems for Maratoto.
The telephone number for the message service about the main gate status has changed to 027 5242132.
There is now a gate on the first entry to the Loop trail to keep out casual ill-equipped drivers. It is to be kept locked by the combination lock at all times. The code is 5242. (to lock it close the padlock and spin the numbers) Do not enter the other end of the Loop trail unless you know you can open the gate!
This is a great trail area and needs looking after. Don't chew up the main trail and use rocks to harden any potholes. Use winches in the Loop trail not horsepower and spinning wheels!
With the money needed to fix things over the past year there is no more in the kitty so I'd remind people of the donation box on the corner of Maratoto and Wires Roads and the request for $10 per vehicle.
If you want to camp up by the Tairua River send me a note and I'll talk to DOC.
Peter
There are two important changes to the systems for Maratoto.
The telephone number for the message service about the main gate status has changed to 027 5242132.
There is now a gate on the first entry to the Loop trail to keep out casual ill-equipped drivers. It is to be kept locked by the combination lock at all times. The code is 5242. (to lock it close the padlock and spin the numbers) Do not enter the other end of the Loop trail unless you know you can open the gate!
This is a great trail area and needs looking after. Don't chew up the main trail and use rocks to harden any potholes. Use winches in the Loop trail not horsepower and spinning wheels!
With the money needed to fix things over the past year there is no more in the kitty so I'd remind people of the donation box on the corner of Maratoto and Wires Roads and the request for $10 per vehicle.
If you want to camp up by the Tairua River send me a note and I'll talk to DOC.
Peter
;-p
good new peter and thanks again for the hard yards you put in.
did the track maintenance go thru the loop ? or is it still as it was ?
i hear the waikato club is having a run round the loop tomorrow so i imagine the track will get some use allready.
be a couple of months before i can head over to have a look at all the work that has been done..... but it will happen
with regards to camping at the river, i normally get a hunting permit before i go anywhere so that DOC knows im in there....and potentially hunting, gives me a heads up on local area happenings and its FREEEEE !... love it
did the track maintenance go thru the loop ? or is it still as it was ?
i hear the waikato club is having a run round the loop tomorrow so i imagine the track will get some use allready.
be a couple of months before i can head over to have a look at all the work that has been done..... but it will happen
with regards to camping at the river, i normally get a hunting permit before i go anywhere so that DOC knows im in there....and potentially hunting, gives me a heads up on local area happenings and its FREEEEE !... love it
If you already know everything, DON'T ask bloody questions!!
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PeterVahry
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The digger only went a short distance into the Loop trail on the new gate end. We are under pressure from DOC to do more but don't have the funds at present.
I'm hoping that any club using the Loop will rely more on winching skills than horsepower and spinning wheels. It would be a shame to have it made a mess of early in the season or at any time.
I mentioned camping and DOC do allow that but no fires unless permission is given. It could be very expensive if an alarm was raised!
I'm hoping that any club using the Loop will rely more on winching skills than horsepower and spinning wheels. It would be a shame to have it made a mess of early in the season or at any time.
I mentioned camping and DOC do allow that but no fires unless permission is given. It could be very expensive if an alarm was raised!