Reefton rides
Historic and hospitable Reefton is home to some of the West Coast’s best mountain biking.
Old tram lines and pack tracks cut by early adventurers form the base of today’s trails, many close to the centre of this charming gold rush era town. Adventures vary from easy gravel trails and smooth single track, to technical backcountry rides. Visit the Reefton Visitor Centre for trail maps and information.
Reefton Lookout: Zig-Zag Track
For the best views of the the ‘town of light’ Just 1 km south of town, this gradual climb on a forestry road takes you to a lookout with stunning views of Reefton and the ranges. Then it’s all downhill on the sweet Zig-Zag Track which pops out at Rosstown Road, a short spin from Reefton.
● 8 km | 1 hour | Grade 3 (intermediate)
● Easy to access, great views
Kirwans Track
Rusty relics, long descents. Confident mountain bikers will enjoy the ride up to Kirwan’s Hut, which climbs up to 1,000 metres for panoramic views of the ruggedly beautiful Victoria Range, before dropping into 10 km of technical descents. Look out for the Kirwans Reward Mine, an aerial ropeway and the Lord Brassey stamper battery, reminders of the region’s mining past.
● 19 km northeast of Reefton
● 20.7 km one way | Grade 4 (advanced)
● A big climb rewarded with a long downhill
Murray Creek Track
Ride past the Inglewood and Ajax gold mines, Chandlers open-cast coal pit and the site of Cementown. Relics here include mine shafts, a steam winch, boilers and a stamping battery.
● 9.7km | Grade 3 (intermediate) and 4 (advanced)
● Part of a popular circuit mountain bike circuit. Start at the Murray Creek Track, turn on to the Waituhu - Murray Connecting Track and across the clematis swing bridge to join Kirwan's Track and exit at Gannons Road (approximately a 5 hr round trip) .
Big River tracks
A big day’s ride to a gold mining ghost town Journey back in time on the Big River tracks as you make your way to Waiuta, a remote West Coast ghost town. Reefton to Big River is a challenging ride on a rough 4WD track, flanked by lush forest (look out for kākā, New Zealand’s native parrot). Enjoy lunch or an overnight stay at Big River Hut. From here, continue on to Waiuta on flowing single track, with smooth, gentle downhills. Wander around Waiuta, a once bustling mining town now eerily quiet since the West Coast’s largest gold mine closed down in 1951.
● Grade 4 (advanced)
● Varied terrain, from rough 4WD to technical singletrack
Operators
GOTRACKS West Coast Shuttles
GOTRACKS tramping & mountain biking shuttle services to; Old Ghost Road, Heaphy Track, Paparoa Track, all Victoria Forest Park Tracks, Nelson Lakes and Chartered trips for groups 4 - 11 pax.
Learn more
The Broadway Tearooms & Bakery
Call into our historic cafe and bakery, the locals have since 1874 - for great coffee, great food, great service.
Learn more
Dawson's Hotel at Reefton
Explore the wonders of Reefton’s surrounds while you stay at Dawson's, the locals’ preferred accommodation.
Learn more
35
Reefton Distilling Co.
Reefton Distilling Co. is a modern distillery at the forefront of spirit production in New Zealand. We produce a range of award-winning, small batch distilled premium spirits with a distinct West Coast flavour.
Learn more
