Twisty road from heaven !!!

[Kiwi LE]

OK - driving back from Wellington today and decide to do some sniffing around the area on the drive out...anyway told by an old local to drive back via the Akatarawa Valley Rd........WOW !

Now apart from the fact that is was raining, there was a bicycle race in progress on the road and I was driving my mothers car "Mazda 6" (with her in the passengers seat, after just eloping (yes getting married - long story) and being slightly hung over.....anyway back to the road.

30 kms long (sealed all the way, bit rough in s afew patched) with about 2 kms at the half way mark with nature park, gardens stuff, cafe etc.

The road is tight, twisty, mostly single lane width and to be honest could not be taken at any great pace unless you knew no one was coming the other way - but what a peice of road building - I'm going back down soon to drive it in the Elise - mostly 2nd gear with touch of first and third gear but unbelievable twisty.
The longest stretch of straight road is about 80 metres long, the rest corners atop corners !!!

If someone has a map (digital map thingy jpeg) this road needs to be posted up so people can get an idea what it's like. If you live in or near Wellington you have to check it out.
Oops forgot has huge drop offs and great native bush most of the way through - a must before one dies !!!

Warning - do not take people who get car sick or are nervous about heights.....

[Kiwi XTR2]

Kiwi LE said:

If someone has a map (digital map thingy jpeg) this road needs to be posted up so people can get an idea what it's like.

You could add it to a personal list of Google-Earth markers:

"Cool roads without Speed Cameras"

Or as Clarkson called them on Top Gear Piggy Banks

[gtivr4]

Sounds like a good candidate to make 90km/h

Just out of curiosity, what would you consider a smart/safe speed to do such a road in an Elise? Obviously with big dropoffs and such you want to leave room for error. But what about oncoming traffic?

There are tons of similar roads all throughout the country, and I am curious as to how enthusiasts (with brains, unlike boy racers) handle them.

[Kiwi XTR2]

gtivr4 said:

Just out of curiosity, what would you consider a smart/safe speed to do such a road in an Elise? Obviously with big dropoffs and such you want to leave room for error. But what about oncoming traffic?

I've never taken a particular 'speed' approach to recreational driving.

On an open road that I know well I might make progress at 7/10ths. Unfamiliar road, no more than 4 or 5/10ths.

Weather, traffic, etc cut right back.

To me it's a question of exercising good personal judgement. AND remembering that 50 kph excess can hamper progress for months at a time.

[kylie]

Kiwi LE said:

Now apart from the fact that is was raining, there was a bicycle race in progress on the road and I was driving my mothers car "Mazda 6" (with her in the passengers seat, after just eloping (yes getting married - long story) and being slightly hung over.....anyway back to the road.

Hey congrats!!!! When is the big day..? Drop me an email to come over and talk about how much money it will rob you and set you back from buying more toys

Cheers
K

[Kiwi LE]

Did the deed on Saturday - sneak small deal - big party in Raro this time next year so will come and pick your brain then.

D

[Kiwi XTR2]

Kiwi LE said:

. . . I was driving my mothers car "Mazda 6" (with her in the passengers seat, after just eloping (yes getting married - long story) . . .

Sorry mate, I'd read this wrong the first time.

I thought your mother had eloped . . . and you had gone along to carry the bags and drink the bar dry.

Many congrats

[wedgepilot]

Kiwi XTR2 said:

Sorry mate, I'd read this wrong the first time. I thought your mother had eloped

Yup, same here...must try harder...

Anyway, congrats!!

I think I've driven that road, btw, but then again there seem to be loads of twisty roads around these parts!