River © AA Traveller 2018 “In my mind this is a Mokihinui River North very, very special trail. Due to its remoteness END SPECIMEN POINT HUT and grade, it’s not for THE OLD GHOST Mokihinui Forks Hut everyone and you need to pick the weather, but the visionaries behind this trail have given New MAP LEGEND Zealand a world-class ROAD Trail open section café/restaurant bridge tourism asset.” Goat Creek hut start / finish point Chair of New Zealand Cycle point of interest accommodation Trail Inc. Richard Leggat

hill / mountain 1 state highway

bridge Twin Lakes It is recommended that The Old Ghost Road be ridden in a south to Stern Creek north direction (starting at Lyell). Allow two to four days to ride the THE OLD GHOST ROAD TRAIL THE OLD GHOST ROAD TRAIL Mokihinui River South STERN VALLEY HUT trail and keep an eye on The Old Ghost Road’s official trail website for regular updates on trail conditions. Hut accommodation must be booked in advance through the trail website GHOST LAKE HUT www.oldghostroad.org.nz. Mt Montgomery 1332m The Old Ghost Road is a Grade 4 (Advanced) trail. Because of its Rocky Tor 1456m remoteness, significant distance and LYELL SADDLE HUT the steep sided nature of the trail Old Ghost Road Trail © Sven Martin Bald Hill 1385m in places, it’s recommended that it LYELL to SEDDONVILLE e only be attempted by technically g competent and fit riders. an l R el The Old Ghost Road is rideable TRAIL INFO Ly throughout the year, but extreme adventurer with a memorable Mt Lyell 1092m caution should be taken in winter as 2-4 days 85km other-worldly experience. to Murchison parts of this trail traverse exposed 6 subalpine areas reaching 1340m To make The Old Ghost Road Eight Mile Creek elevation. Occasional snowfall should more accessible to a wider 2-4 Days be expected above the treeline. 6 range of appetites, a set of new 85km r The Old Ghost Road is quickly becoming k ive Care is advised regarding weather e R e r exciting packages – Old Ghost e conditions. On average the wettest Lyell r l known as one of the premier back-country l C l u season is spring (September- Adventures – has been created. yel L B November) and the most settled START 65 mountain biking routes in the world. Old Ghost Adventures includes weather is late summer to early such options as helicopter rides winter (February-June), although as here else can you ride the most commanding of positions? TRAIL GRADE: to the astounding alpine tops, with weather conditions throughout past mining relics of Welcome to The Old Ghost Road. 6 helicopter luggage assists, luxury GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) New Zealand, the weather can vary a bygone era, ascend to & Westport throughout the year and hazardous W This 85km trail is a very serious accommodation, end-to-end MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: to Lewis Pass conditions can be experienced even through swathes of native forest to adventure with technical terrain and There is very limited mobile transport shuttles, heli-biking or in the height of summer. reach breathtaking views, descend plenty of climbing and descending. phone coverage along The Old heli-hiking and even rafting the The trail is obvious (being a 1m-to- into open river valleys scattered While not for the faint-hearted Ghost Road (coverage is limited Mokihinui Gorge as the final leg of 2m wide path) and is accessible at with lakes and tarns, weave through to short sections along the Lyell riding the trail or novice rider, if you match your your journey. the southern end at the Department Range and at Ghost Lake Hut). Lyell Saddle Ghost Lake Stern Valley Specimen Point End giant podocarp rainforest inhabited riding level to this trail and prepare 1600m Start of Conservation’s Lyell Campground by abundant wildlife, sidle along a Visit the official trail website at appropriately, The Old Ghost Road DRINKING WATER: Carry sufficient 1200m 18km 12km 13km 25km 17km (signposted off State Highway 6 in www.oldghostroad.org.nz/ water to meet your daily needs. the Buller Gorge) and at the northern cliff-hugging trail in a stunning river will reward the fit and well-travelled 800m adventures for more information. end adjacent to the Rough and gorge and stay in huts occupying While rainwater is provided at 400m Tumble Bush Lodge (4km beyond each hut location, it cannot be 0m Seddonville). Trail elevation data, trail guaranteed in periods of drought. maps and hut bookings are available BE PREPARED: The Old Ghost on the official trail website. look out for... A room with a view Road is a remote wilderness Riders (and trampers) will need to experience and you will need to carefully plan the duration of their spirits in the mining ghost towns The trail’s huts include Peeks into the past plan and prepare thoroughly to trip based on distance, elevation, along the way. Keep your eyes the Lyell Saddle Hut, In this region where the past is get the most out of your ride. fitness levels and weather. Trail users peeled for mining relics, historical 875m above sea level never far from daily life, the Old There are no towns or shops should avoid over-estimating their artefacts and information panels with brilliant views of the abilities. Ghost Road could be considered along the trail so you will need explaining the significance of the Glasgow Range, and the an 85km-long outdoor museum. to take all necessary provisions, Five huts are located along The Old Ghost Lake Hut – 1200m up area – you’ll really get a feel for including a first aid kit and an Ghost Road. Bookings via the official Following in the footsteps of gold- with breathtaking views of life as a 19th century West Coast emergency communication trail website are essential. You will miners along a long-forgotten Murchison and surrounds. miner! device. find a toilet located at each hut. trail, you’ll feel their pioneering Old Ghost Road Trail © Phil Rossiter

84 85 Buller River The Buller Gorge is a sight to behold: BELOW: Denniston coal wagon meandering and bush-clad, it’s both wild and incredibly picturesque. The Coast’s largest river, the Buller winds its way between Westport and Murchison, with some of the most impressive scenery downstream from Inangahua Junction. As the self-proclaimed white-water capital of New Zealand, there is plenty of adventure to be had in Murchison. As well as white-water rafting, there is jet boating, a flying fox over the Buller River and also a tour to see natural flames rising from the forest floor. A taste for adventure

here is so much to be inspired is legendary, a 45-degree slope up

THE OLD GHOST ROAD TRAIL Along the trail by in this region, whether it is which empty wagons were hauled THE OLD GHOST ROAD TRAIL Tadventuring, sightseeing or by the weight of the wagons coming finding a spot of splendid isolation. down. This long- he deserted settlements Lyell, at the beginning of the trail, is Seddonville, just 4km beyond encountered on the trail the site where a gold-mining town the northern end of the trail, was Situated where the mighty Buller The charming seaside villages of abandoned mining offer a glimpse into the once existed. All that remains now once an important through-point River meets the sea, Westport , Ngakawau and Hector route opens up T offers a full repertoire of outdoor are a mix of museums, artist life endured by our pioneering is a cemetery and an old stamping for rail to a gold-mining battery access to remote miners. Look out for Zalatown, battery, both easily accessible via a at Mokihinui. You can access activities set among its awe-inspiring studios, early mining cottages and West Coast terrain Gibbstown, Eight Mile and short walk. The Lyell Range rewards the popular Charming Creek scenery, from jet boating and quad holiday homes. Granity has a lovely and forgotten Seatonville and the information your biking efforts with breathtaking Walkway from here, a 10.5km walk biking to horse riding or scenic café by the sea and its Northern settlements. panels that bring the history scenery encompassing native featuring mining relics, tunnels, the kayaking. Buller Museum has collections on to life. forest, valleys and the picturesque impressive Mangatini Falls and the The big talk in the windswept, Denniston and Millerton and the early life of the miners. There are Granity Mokihinui River. abandoned Charming Creek mine. near-deserted town of Denniston 29km N of Westport on SH 67 is the big hill: the Denniston Incline little-known walks in Millerton. Mountain biker, Anka Martin, on Old Ghost Road Trail © Sven Martin MINERS ON 27 SEA Motels Nationwide

WESTPORT

• 5 spacious self-contained luxury •  20min from Westport. chalets on the beach. Visit Denniston Plateau, Millerton • Also budget travellers area, Charming Creek walk, accommodation in our Pod units. Old Ghost Rd, Britannia Track. Enjoy the relaxing seaside setting at • 3km from the start of the Old Ghost • Spend time in the bar with Graeme • Tommy Knockers Café 314 Palmerston Street overlooking ocean and sunsets 117 Torea St, Granity TOP 10 Holiday Park Carters Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Road Trail and the locals – 7 beers on tap P: +64 03 782 8664 • Excellent hotel and motel facilities • Trails users parking, secure bike •  Bottle Store, Pub and Souvenir Motels | Units | Cabins | Sites • Restaurant offers the “meanest rare storage and bike washing area Gallery. E: [email protected] 0800 521 047 5mins from Westport • Relaxing beach ribeye steak” on the Coast • Near Charming Creek and Chasm Rated 57 Marine Parade, Park • Playground • Games/TV room • • Free WiFi available Creek walkways 5 out of 5 RESERVATION: 0508 646 377 • www.minersonsea.co.nz Carters Beach, Westport WiFi • BBQ area • Bike hire 0800 235 528 | www.bellavista.co.nz top10westport.co.nz 1 Queen St, Seddonville • Phone: +64 3 782 1828 • E-mail: [email protected] Westport www.seddonvillehotel.co.nz after Westport, Ireland • 104km NE of Greymouth on SH 67 ASCOT MOTOR LODGE • 12 quality ground‑floor, 1, 2 & 3‑brm Reservation Freephone: 0800 500 209 WESTPORT units, serviced daily McMANUS HOTEL Westport WESTPORT KIWI • Quiet residential location away from trains “The Quiet One” & traffic HOLIDAY PARK & MOTELS • Full cooking facilities A tranquil haven set in • FREE WiFi • Freeview TV West Coast native bush • Close to hospital and Westport’s new sports complex • Off‑street parking • Motels • Self-contained units • Close to local cycle/walkways and bikes • Ensuite chalets • Std chalets/cabins can be stored in a lock-up room Northern gateway to the scenic West Coast • Tent/power sites • TV lounge • 5min walk to shops, cafés and bars • Quiet, Clean and Spacious • Bike Cleaning Station • Playground • Internet facilities available • Pet-friendly by arrangement • Lockable Bike Storage • Shuttle by Arrangement Only • 18 hole mini-golf course on site • Kitchen/dining area • Covered BBQ area • Kiwi-owned & operated • Group Booking Discount Westport To • 5ha of native bush • Dump station • Tariff: • Undercover BBQ Area • FREE WiFi Kiwi Ascot Motor Lodge • 10-15min walk to town centre $125‑$165 • Buller’s best-value accommodation • 18-machine gaming room • Covered area for motorbikes Holiday ROMILLY ST Tariff: from $135 (2 persons, extra $20) Park 74 Romilly St, Westport Ph: +64 3 789 7832 (2 persons), • Great meals & sheltered beer garden • Off-street parking • We cater for sports teams 31-37 Domett Street (PO Box 294), $20 extra each. Victoria Westport • F +64 3 789 7199 Email: [email protected] Square The Esplanade, Westport Company & PO • Tariff: modern, quiet & spacious studio rooms, queen-size beds $75 (2 persons), BROUGHAM ST

www.mcmanushotel.co.nz E [email protected] Reservations: 0800 657 007 Buller Ph: • Email: [email protected] group rates River +64 3 789 7519 ensuite rooms (sleep 1-6) $35-$50 (per person) www.ascotmotorlodgemotels.co.nz available PALMERSTON ST To Greymouth & Nelson BOOK DIRECT: www.bullerbridgemotel.co.nz 39 PALMERSTON ST, WESTPORT • P: +64 3 789 6304 • M: +64 27 437 8201 For reservations: +64 3 789 7043 www.westportholidayparks.com 86 87 Fool’s gold, Bearded Miners, Reefton © West Coast Tourism BELOW: Buller Gorge Swingbridge © davidwallphoto.com THE OLD GHOST ROAD TRAIL

Buller Gorge swing bridge Not far from the start of the trail is New Zealand’s longest swing bridge Heart of Gold (110m). Stop halfway (if To walk down Reefton’s main Stop at the Bearded Miners for a you dare) to take in the street is to traverse 150 years cup of billy tea and a yarn about fantastic views of the of New Zealand architecture. how a miner lived in the 19th The town’s past lives on in its century, or follow the heritage Buller Gorge. buildings, owed to its days as a trail past the School of Mines, gold-rush hub. There are pretty the courthouse, Oddfellows Hall wooden awnings with hanging and St Xavier’s Convent to get a baskets, weatherboard facades good feel of the place. The Visitor reaching high above the roofline Centre houses an impressive and wooden floors worn smooth Quartzopolis mine, a winding by 100 years of shuffling feet. engine and a gold-mine tunnel.

Reefton Greymouth after gold-bearing quartz reefs • 81km SE of Westport on SH 7 at the mouth of Grey River • 250km NW of Christchurch on SH 6 LANTERN COURT MOTELS WEST COAST i-SITES • 4-Star & 2+-Star self-rated family and studio units – REEFTON Ground & first floor. Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre Westport i-SITE & Coaltown • Centrally located at the start of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. • A variety of self-contained Museum STORAGE FOR BIKES • TranzAlpine Train & Intercity Coaches arriving & departing daily. accommodation options to • 40min from start and finish of the Old Ghost Trail • FREE information & bookings – tailored cycle trail packages. suit all budgets. • Entrance to the Coaltown Museum, West Coast • Central location. • The West Coast Wilderness Trail showcases some of the best Heritage Experience scenery on the West Coast with a diversity of landscapes second • Shopping experience on site • Beautiful region for bush to none. Best ridden over four days starting in either Ross or Greymouthwalks, i-SITE fishing, Visitor Information tramping Centre – & Greymouth. The trail is • Bookings for accommodation, activities & travel Wildernessmountain Trail Specialists biking and Booking Agent. We rated Grade 2 easy and • Exceptional local knowledge make• FREE it easy with WIFI one point of contact for all your offers opportunities for enquiries, call the experts, located in Greymouth, at cyclists of most abilities. • Tariff: $120-$195 123 Palmerston St, Westport 7866 the start/end of the trail for bike hire, accommodation, • Collect your FREE West Contact the friendly team today on P: +64 3 789 6658 track transfers for bags, bikes and your group! Pick up 63 Broadway St, REEFTON • Ph: +64 3 732 8574 | [email protected] Coast Wilderness Cycle 0800GREYMOUTH E: [email protected] your free Wilderness Trail map and brochure, and take Trail souvenir on mention or 03 7687 080 home a Wilderness Trail souvenir from our Gift Shop. of this ad. email: [email protected]

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