Offroad-Express

The Stadia track runs up towards the vanished town of Neavesville, which is in the large private Pakararihi 1 block of land in the Coromandel Ranges. The Stadia track starts on DOC land before entering a piece of private land and then Pakararihi 1. The other track off the same road SH25a, is often called the Grapevine and again starts on DOC land before entering Pakararihi 1.

These tracks have for many years been regarded as a "free for all" as there are no houses etc in evidence, but the private land owners still have to pay rates etc on that land, as well as field complaints from Transit NZ in regard to the mud carried onto the highway from the tracks. Transit are still demanding that some action is taken to address the use and some barrier is likely shortly to avoid a prosecution being taken.

The Denny's Winch Challenge used the area in 2004 and built a good link to the owners of the private land and DOC. Negotiation with the family trusts who own the private lands has, in late 2007, resulted in access for 4x4 clubs being made available by arrangement. The clubs carry the public liability and rural fire cover required by the owners. At present there is a total fire ban on the region. Strict observance of property boundaries is imperative too and maps will be provided to those asking to use the blocks of land.

This is a tough track that can take a hard toll on vehicles. There can be security issues too with vehicles left parked on or off SH25a.

There is a per vehicle fee of $25 for access that is payable to CRVLAC at PO Box 37143 Parnell Auckland 1151

Requests for access are to be directed through Peter Vahry access@nzfwda.org.nz

Please respect the fact that this is private land and that there is a way to get permission. DOC are working with us to allow access from the Stadia Bridge but they are very concerned with the mud holes draining into the stream. DOC are not very happy about the use of the Grapevine track to the Tairua River branch.

Notice has been received from DOC that a gate must be erected on the entrance to the Stadia trail in order to comply with Transit NZ requirements. There is also a demand that the clay area on the northern side of the Stadia Bridge is fenced off to keep vehicles out.

The NZFWDA are working with DOC and other landowners to quickly address these requirements, as the alternative is that the area will be closed and trespass notices issued.

A locked wire barrier has been erected at the Stadia entrance to manage access in accordance with the requirements of DOC and Land Transport NZ. Some 60 cu metres of rock was trucked in and spread on both sides of the state highway to minimise the transfer of mud.

Access will only be through arranging to get a key and paying the $25 per vehicle fee requested by the landowners. With the requirement now that users carry insurance cover for rural and forest fires, only those linked to the NZFWDA insurances will get permission.

Check http://www.nzfwda.org.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=41

Sigh

What is this country coming to

I know i am supposed to say that i/we are greatfull to even have limited access to that area still. I am greatfull, but that whole locked gate thing and fee's and insurance, yuk!!!!!

Its more the private land issue, as opposed to the DOC land i hope???

If so, its understandable, and we are lucky the private land owners agreed to allow access at all.

DieselBoy wrote:Sigh

What is this country coming to

I know i am supposed to say that i/we are greatfull to even have limited access to that area still. I am greatfull, but that whole locked gate thing and fee's and insurance, yuk!!!!!

Its more the private land issue, as opposed to the DOC land i hope???

If so, its understandable, and we are lucky the private land owners agreed to allow access at all.

It is DOC and Private Land - however the real issue is arshole's dropping 2 tonne of mud and clay on the road - regulated access is much better than the no access that was planned by Transit until the NZ4WDA came up with a plan, stumped up the dosh and the man power.

Yeah i know i know, I guess my real grip is that its a shame it came down to that/this!!!!!

And don't get me wrong, its awesome to have access into there still, i was looking through old photos of when we used to be able to drive all the way over.

Another change to the Stadia trail arrangements... access is completely closed for several weeks as from today, to allow work by contractors who are replacing several poles for power lines that run up to and through Neavesville.

This work will completely change some sections of the main trail, as the mud holes are being removed and the trail rebuilt to allow 4x4 work vehicles to travel. The mud holes were going to have to be fixed anyway, to comply with the agreement with DOC to allow access through their land. We are getting that for free, courtesy of the lines maintenance company.

Peter Vahry

PeterVahry wrote:Another change to the Stadia trail arrangements... access is completely closed for several weeks as from today, to allow work by contractors who are replacing several poles for power lines that run up to and through Neavesville.

This work will completely change some sections of the main trail, as the mud holes are being removed and the trail rebuilt to allow 4x4 work vehicles to travel. The mud holes were going to have to be fixed anyway, to comply with the agreement with DOC to allow access through their land. We are getting that for free, courtesy of the lines maintenance company.

Peter Vahry

Wooooow!!!!

Thats awesome news!!!!!!

It was almost undrivable for your average weekend warrior, even in a well set up truck!!!!!

This is exciting, it makes the whole gate and fee thing insignificant if the tracks actually driveable!!!!

Advice has been received that the power lines work at the Stadia trail area is complete as of 25 Nov and the trail is again available for 4x4 use by permission. The lines company have reworked the route and it is now relatively easy. The intention is to avoid having the mud holes recur so that there is no environmental pressure from DOC etc.

Permission and a key is needed, along with a fee of $25 per vehicle and a requirement is that Public liabilty and Forest/Rural Fire insurances are held. That will probably mean that only club aligned groups will be allowed access.