This road connection joins the southern end of the Island Bush Track with the northern end of the Longwood Forest Track.
From the Island Bush Track trailhead turn right (west) onto Otautau-Tuatapere road and continue past Gill Rd to the Merrivale Rd junction.
Turn left onto Merrivale Rd, which is initially flat and gravelled but progressively tapers into a basic forestry road and climbs the hill.
A 4WD track departs on the left hand side of the road, just beyond the final farm paddock. Note: the only reliable water source on Te Araroa for over 13 km is Merry Creek, accessed a short distance down this track.
Meanwhile, Te Araroa continues up Merrivale Rd into the forest. At the first junction Merrivale Rd continues to the left. At the second it continues right.
A washout about 6 km up Merrivale Rd prevents 2WD vehicles progressing further but there is roadside parking here.
The Longwood Forest Track starts at the Merrivale Rd end. |
