Great driving roads in NZ

[alex.tvr]

Steve*B said:

I was a little surprised about the west coast comment particularly as I headed that way only yesterday to Omamari. Fortunately, I went in the ML but all I can say is never trust a sat nav, particularly when you're settings are for 'fastest route'.

Is the ML as thirsty as I hear, tried one the other day and made me giggle like a girl at how fast it was. Heart says buy one........(Fuel comp was showing 27Ltr/100km when I got in!!)

[Steve*B]

alex.tvr said:

Is the ML as thirsty as I hear

The simple answer is 'yes' but I really don't want to change it and will probably keep it until it dies....despite now not getting out of 2nd gear since it arrived in NZ.

I only ever saw one of these on the road in the UK but I've got 3 of them near me now. One of them has 'GUILTY' and another 'MAFIA' (not sure of the third one)as their registration numbers. Maybe I should have a look and see if 'THIRSTY' is available

[alex.tvr]

Th1rst is
Definitely a good move bringing the cars down.

[Esprit]

Steve*B said:

The simple answer is 'yes' but I really don't want to change it and will probably keep it until it dies....despite now not getting out of 2nd gear since it arrived in NZ.

I only ever saw one of these on the road in the UK but I've got 3 of them near me now. One of them has 'GUILTY' and another 'MAFIA' (not sure of the third one)as their registration numbers. Maybe I should have a look and see if 'THIRSTY' is available

The GUILTY and MAFIA MLs belong to Kim Dotcom... the chubby German bloke you may have seen in the evening news lately. The vehicles have now been confiscated.

[Atom Johnny]

Esprit said:

Steve*B said:

The simple answer is 'yes' but I really don't want to change it and will probably keep it until it dies....despite now not getting out of 2nd gear since it arrived in NZ.

I only ever saw one of these on the road in the UK but I've got 3 of them near me now. One of them has 'GUILTY' and another 'MAFIA' (not sure of the third one)as their registration numbers. Maybe I should have a look and see if 'THIRSTY' is available

The GUILTY and MAFIA MLs belong to Kim Dotcom... the chubby German bloke you may have seen in the evening news lately. The vehicles have now been confiscated.

Other plates include 'GOD', 'GOOD', 'EVIL', 'HACKER', 'POLICE', 'STONED', 'CEO', 'KIMCOM', 'T' and 'V'.

[Atom Johnny]

I watched 'Worlds Deadliest Roads' first NZ episode at TV3 on-demand last night.

We are truly blessed not to have to drive through the sort of havoc they have in some countries.

http://ondemand.tv3.co.nz/Worlds-Deadliest-Roads-S...

[N1CERB]

Mangamukas would make a top hill climb!

[thehawk]

On of the greatest drives is the Motu Rd in the Bay Of Plenty.

48km of twisting gravel roads that was once one of the toughest stages on the Rally of NZ (when it was a proper rally). Take a Subaru or rental.

http://www.softnz.com/TheMotu/TheMotu.html

[GravelBen]

Motu

I should really make the effort to go and drive it next time I'm in the other island.

[The Boy Lard]

Thought the last bits coming into Napier on State Highway 50 - before the vineyards was quite fun. Was following a Fronterra Lorry through that the other week he was enjoying himself too!

I'm sure I'll find some more, all in good time.

Worst road - Foxton straight!

[Atom Johnny]

A nice bit of road....


(click for larger image)


Having fun driving it.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui49s1J7h9I

(takes about a minute into the video to reach the squiggly stuff)

[Bull1t]

If we're doing aerial photos now...

[Esprit]

Good old Rimutaka hill

In Auckland there are some CRACKING roads out in the Waitaks.... out View road to Piha, or around to Bethells or South Head. Only issue is traffic, which means it's best done late at night or very early morn.

[Atom Johnny]

Bull1t said:

If we're doing aerial photos now...

Nice. I only used one because the corners are rather deceptive in the video. It doesn't clearly show how much they turn back on themselves as much as the photo does.

Esprit said:

Good old Rimutaka hill

In Auckland there are some CRACKING roads out in the Waitaks.... out View road to Piha, or around to Bethells or South Head. Only issue is traffic, which means it's best done late at night or very early morn.

True. I find less traffic south to be honest, if you stay off the main trunks. South east... Kaiaua, Kawakawa and south west... down through Tuakau or up around Awhitu.

[GravelBen]

We really are spoilt for choice... a few old videos, been posted before but hey:

MX5 turbo, Chaslands highway (southeast corner of SI): http://vimeo.com/15896697

Legacy beside Lake Wanaka: http://vimeo.com/2481437

MX5 gravel antics: http://vimeo.com/8306432


Obviously no speed limits were harmed in the making of these videos and it was so long ago I can't verify who was driving...

Edited by GravelBen on Friday 20th April 13:10