Bushy Breathtaking Branch RdBeginner - Intermediate

Description

The scenic walkway follows the route of an abandoned country road route that links the Pohangina Village with Ridge Road.

On Kuku Rd you start at the signpost for Branch Rd by climbing over the first of 14 stiles. Follow the Green wooden signs with yellow arrows. Throughout the trail you will just continue to follow these or white markers. You will be passing through pine plantations and some steep but short climbs. At times the trail is extremely skinny with roots underfoot. The track then crosses into lush green native bush with tree ferns, beech and regenerating shrubs.

At 3km you climb a stile and you then start the next 3km farm section that continues on to Ridge Road. The track ascends gradually through open farmland and on a clear day you will enjoy extensive views of the valley below and out over to the Ruahine Ranges for as far as the eye can see. The views are breathtaking. Depending on if stock have been grazing recently there can be a fair amount of poop to avoid and a 1km section that has some large areas of mud year round. In winter it can be particularly slow going and if you're not careful you may well have a shoe swallowed by the mud monsters!

The final stile to climb welcomes you to Ridge Rd, your highest point & turnaround spot. There's a signpost and information board there, its a beautiful spot for a snack while enjoying the views. The run back is pretty much all downhill and is around 15 minutes quicker.

Features of interest

This trail follows the route of an abandoned County road linking Pohangina with Ridge road. In 1948 explorer William Colenso with two Maori guides followed this route on his trek from Hawkes Bay to Lake Taupo.

Make Up of Run

Moderate Single Track: 30%

Easy Single Track: 40%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 30%

Route Data