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Tags:
Level: Beginner
Length: 11 mi (17.7 km)
Surface: 4x4 Trail
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +573/ -572 ft
Total: 1 riders
Mountain Biking Yeomans Track
#113 of 171 mountain bike trails in North Island
This back country loop is partly on gravel road through pine forest and partly on a well formed former logging track through regenerating native forest. There is lots of historic and ecological interest with panels describing the activities of the forestry pioneers and the forest regeneration since logging ceased in 1960s.
It starts with a ride or carry across the Makaroro River which is normally just deep enough to give you wet feet if you ride. Follow the rough track on the other side, take the right fork in about 50m and climb up to the gravel forestry road. Turn right and follow it for about 7km then turn left down Ellis Road which is well signed to historic Ellis Hut. Yeomans Track itself is signed from there. It takes you back to where you started.
Overall it's an easy ride but some short sections need intermediate skills including the river crossing, the odd muddy section, a few short steep sections, and the odd rocky or rough bit.
First added by Jim Cummings on Mar 14, 2016. Last updated Sep 12, 2024. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Take highway 50 south out of Hastings (or Napier). After about 60km from Hastings or 86km from Napier, turn right into Wakarara Road. You won't miss it; look for the large Ruahine Forest Park sign. The trail starts about 25km away at the end of Wakarara Road. There is a farm house on the right just before the road becomes rough and goes down to the river. When I was there you could drive right down to the river in a car.
It's an enjoyable ride, probably worth the long drive from Hastings or Napier. Ellis Hut is interesting because it once housed an accused murderer on the run from the law. It was built with hand sawn wood in 1884. The panels describing the regenerating forest and the methods of the pioneer loggers are interesting as well.
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