Cycling and Mountain Biking
FIND YOUR RIDE
The West Coast’s landscapes lend themselves to all types of trail and some seriously spectacular riding. Trails carved by pioneers past and revived by pioneers present take riders into some of New Zealand’s most dramatic wilderness.
Find your flow on New Zealand’s longest stretch of backcountry singletrack, explore trailside gold rush relics, enjoy a gentle spin through ancient forest before retreating to a cosy hideaway. Whatever your style, there’s a ride for you.
West Coast Wilderness Trail
Ancient rainforests, glacial rivers and rugged coastline Easy to reach and easy to ride, the West Coast Wilderness trail takes riders on a journey through spectacular natural landscapes and past many historical heritage sites.
● 133 km | 4‒5 days
● Beginner/family-friendly
● Mainly grade 2 (easy)
Paparoa Track
Limestone landscapes, thriving forests, breath-taking views The newest of the Great Walks, the Paparoa Track is also fast making its name as one of New Zealand’s greatest backcountry rides. Well-equipped huts make for a comfortable night’s stay.
● 55km | 2 days
● Grade 4 (advanced)
● Well-drained all-weather track
The Old Ghost Road
A long-forgotten gold miners’ road brought back to life The Old Ghost Road is a must-do mission for confident mountain bikers. Climbing up to 1200m above sea level, you’ll ride through forested valleys, past roaring rivers and along steep mountain ridges.
● 85 km | 2–4 days
● Mainly grade 4 (advanced)
● Challenging backcountry terrain
Kawatiri Coastal Trail
Vast seascapes, wildlife spotting, family adventures Wild West Coast scenery and local history meet on this new family-friendly trail starting near Westport. Suspension bridges, boardwalks and a seal colony en route will keep the kids pedalling.
● 50 km
● Beginner/family-friendly
● Grade 2 (easy)
Heaphy Track
Tussock downs, lush forests and nīkau palms White-sand beaches and palm trees bring a touch of the (sub) tropics to your winter ride on the Heaphy Track. It’s not only one of the few Great Walks open all year round, it also offers great riding from 1 May to 30 October, when mountain bikers are welcome on the track.
● 78km/2‒3 days
● Grade 4 (advanced)
Reefton
Mountain biking gold in the hills of an historic town The beech forest and historic goldfields surrounding Reefton feature a range of mountain biking tracks. Most tracks can be accessed by bike or a short 10 to 15 minute drive from Reefton.
● Short rides to overnight adventures
● Grade 2 (beginner) to grade 5 (expert)
