Porika Road

Porika Road is used for power line access/maintenance and is open for public use. It winds through native bush as it climbs up and over the back of Muntz Range offering a steep ascent/descent depending on which way you do the track. Starting from Lake Rotoroa you get a steep ascent, or, coming from Howard Valley Road you get a steep descent. There are spectacular views of Lake Rotora and the surrounding valley from many points along the way, its a fun track and recommended

Photo preview

The below photos take you from the start of Porika Road at the Howard Velley Road intersection over to Lake Rotoroa camping ground

Track maintenance

The track does not get highly prioritized in the case of slips etc damaging the track and can take a while before repairs are done. The slip in the photos below (still passable on bike) stayed like this for quite some time

Vehicle and Track Information

Access period

All year

Access Permission

Access does not require permission

Access Cost

Access is free to the public

Grade

Grade 3 based on some of the steeper lose rocky sections

Terrain

Dirt/gravel 4X4 track with one very steep lose rocky section

Distance

10.55 km

Timeframe

Actual riding time one way is approximately 25 minutes to 40 minutes depending on riding style

GPS - GPX File Downloads

Download track

Download track file to your computer

Download 50 point

Download 50 point GPX file to your computer

Download 250 point

Download 250 point GPX file to your computer

GPS disclaimer

The highest level of care and attention has gone into ensure the GPS files are as accurate as possible however please be aware that all GPS files on www.adventureguide.co.nz are made publicly available on the basis of use at your own risk. www.adventureguide.co.nz has no legal responsibility for use or misuse of any GPS files supplied. It is your responsibility to adequately plan, prepare and keep yourself safe

Camping and General Facilities

Camping

A camping ground is located at the end of the road at Lake Rotoroa

Toilet facilities

No toilet facilities along this road other than at Lake Rotora camp ground

Rubbish disposal

Not serviced for rubbish, please take ALL rubbish with you on departure

Cautions and Safety Information

Weather cautions

The weather can turn very quickly in this area. Both night time and daytime temperatures can plummet without warning, make sure you are well prepared with the correct gear. Unscheduled rain can appear and come down with force, rivers can then rise to impassable levels within minutes. Snow is often a regular occurrence in winter time and can also occur in any season

Weather report

Weather report

Sandflies

Sandflies can be present in medium numbers, insect repellent is recommended