21/01/2015 - Cycle Touring New Zealand - Day 18 - For the sake of potentially breaking your bicycle, don't come this way.

Distance cycled: 47km with 10km help from a local man from Dargaville to Pouto, North island, NZ
Average speed: 13.2km/h
Moving Time: 4h19m
Elevation Ascended: 759m
Total Distance on Current trip: 1,119km
Distance until I have cycled the circumference of Earth: 7,288km
Money spent: $14

This road down the peninsula from Dargaville to Pouto is a definite no no for any cyclist thinking that this route is a good alternative to going around the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. Marlieke and I were able to make it but only with the help from a kind local who often picked up the bone-shaken cyclists on route to this small town.
With plenty of logging traffic this road is not only unsafe but also not very well maintained, the last 23km is almost all loose gravel with some small sections that are tarmac which even motorists would find relieving after repositioning any loose objects, and perhaps limbs that have come loose.
Unfortunately for me I have experienced the worst with my rear hub now misaligned  and will very soon be needing a replacement.
I cannot stress enough how awful this road can get and my opinion would be to cycle the extra 100 or so kilometers around the harbour.
On the plus side, the town of Pouto is pleasant with friendly locals working together to look after the town hall which is part of the campground, however there are no shops but this is part of the quaintness and seclusion of this area.

 

Apparently its good fishing in the area