10/1/2021 Mountains to Sea / Nga Ara Tuhono Cycleway — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa

Mountains to Sea / Nga Ara Tuhono Cycleway

 Mountain Biking

Difculties Medium , Hard

Length 294.1 km

Journey Time 3 to 6 days cycling

Region Manawatū-

Sub-Regions Ruapehu , Whanganui

Part of the Collection Nga Haerenga - The Cycle Trail

https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/mountains-to-sea-nga-ara-tuhono-cycleway/pdfPreview 1/5 10/1/2021 Mountains to Sea / Nga Ara Tuhono Cycleway — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa From the fringes of Mt Ruapehu to the coastal shores of Whanganui, this route encompasses majestic mountains, stunning native forest within two National Parks, and the spiritual, cultural and historical highlights of the .

The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail takes in the alpine grandeur of Mt Ruapehu, historic coach road and bridle trails, the legendary Bridge to Nowhere, jet boat and kayak transport options for the Whanganui River link to . From there a country road trail abundant with history and culture alongside the Whanganui River links Pipiriki to the Tasman Sea at Whanganui.

The trail is a joint initiative involving the Council, Whanganui Iwi, Council, Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

Suitable for all abilities of cyclists, the trail includes a mixture of off and on-road trail, which can be enjoyed in sections or in its entirety. It’s recommended that you start from which offers a 217km journey [including a 32k river section which will be completed by boat or kayak] which is a grade 2-3 ride.

There is an alternative start from National Park which is slightly shorter at 209kms [including the river section] however this does include a grade 4 section so is recommended for more experienced riders only.

https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/mountains-to-sea-nga-ara-tuhono-cycleway/pdfPreview 2/5 10/1/2021 Mountains to Sea / Nga Ara Tuhono Cycleway — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa

Conditions:

The best time of the year to ride the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail is spring, summer and autumn however the trail is open all year. Snow is not uncommon in winter and during the height of summer temperatures in the river valleys can exceed 30 degrees celsius. Always check the long range weather forecast before you head out on the trail and be aware for rain forecast that could affect river levels. Talk to one of the trail partners or the region’s I-Sites to discuss your plans.

The Maungapurua Track has some potentially dangerous bluffs that should be walked. The Kaiwhakauka and Maungapurua tracks should not be ridden after heavy rain. Both tracks have sections of sticky mud that, when wet, can clog up wheels.

The Mountains to Sea is a Grade 3 (Intermediate) cycle trail. A reasonable level of tness is required to ride the entire trail and mountain bikes with front suspension are recommended. Those choosing the alternative start at National Park must be aware that there are Grade 4 (Advanced) sections along this route.

The trail includes a number of sections that follow public roads, where you should be prepared to meet vehicles. You will also encounter stock grazing along the roadside.

Please take extra care crossing the ford near Horopito Village. Do not attempt to cross after heavy rain if water is owing over the ford, as there is a hazardous pool just downstream.

Public toilets are available at Ohakune and National Park Train Stations, the monument, the Mangapurua car park and at villages located along the trail.

MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE is limited outside of Ohakune, National Park and Whanganui. Due to the length and remoteness of the trail, it’s recommended that you carry an emergency location device - these are available for hire from a number of local tourism operators.

DRINKING WATER is only available at Ohakune, National Park Village, , , , Pipiriki and Whanganui. It's recommended that water drawn from the river and streams along the trail be boiled (3 min), ltered or treated before drinking.

https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/mountains-to-sea-nga-ara-tuhono-cycleway/pdfPreview 3/5 10/1/2021 Mountains to Sea / Nga Ara Tuhono Cycleway — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa How to get here

From end to end, the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail involves 3 to 5 days of riding over 200km through remote areas of native bush. It’s recommended that you start your ride from Ohakune, or look at the alternative slightly more difcult route beginning at National Park Village.

Option 1: Ohakune Old Coach Road to Mangapurua Trig (76 km – Grade 2-3)

From the , the trail follows the historic Ohakune Old Coach Road to Horopito. This is a cobbled route once used by horse drawn coaches to transport passengers between the two rail heads of the unnished main trunk railway line (completed in 1909). This 15km section of trail is Easy (Grade 2) and provides a great day out for families.

The Hapuawhenua Viaduct is a highlight of the Mountains to Sea – a rare curved lattice viaduct with 13 concrete piers and 4 steel towers that was built in 1908 and is listed with the Historic Places Trust. From Horopito, the trail follows rural roads to the start of the Mangapurua Track at Ruatiti, then on to the Mangapurua Trig (61km) which is a great spot to stop and take in the views of the national parks and mountains around you – this section is an Intermediate (Grade 3) ride.

Mangapurua Trig to Whanganui (142km – Grade 2-3)

Mangapurua Trig – Mangapurua Landing [24km] – Grade 3 Intermediate Mangapura Landing – Pipiriki [32km] – pre-arranged Jetboat / kayak Pipiriki – Whanganui [86km] – Grade 2 Easy

The trail continues along the Mangapurua Track, dropping down into the valley. You will pass remnants of original settlements and the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. From the bridge, it’s only 3km to the Mangapurua Landing, where you will start your jet boat / kayak journey down the mighty Whanganui River to Pipiriki (32km). Don’t forget to book your jet boat pick up in advance! Try Whanganui River Adventures or Bridge to Nowhere Tours .

After skimming though the gorges and rapids of the Whanganui River you’re back on your bike at Pipiriki, following the Whanganui River Road to . From here, there is a short section of riding along State Highway 4, before connecting with a dedicated cycle path that will take you through Whanganui city to the end of your ride at the Tasman Sea at North Mole, Castlecliff.

ALTERNATIVE START: NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE TO MANGAPURUA TRIG (68KM Grade 2-4)

https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/mountains-to-sea-nga-ara-tuhono-cycleway/pdfPreview 4/5 10/1/2021 Mountains to Sea / Nga Ara Tuhono Cycleway — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa This alternative route starts at the National Park Railway Station. The trail follows Fishers Track (Grade 2), descending through native bush into the Retaruke Valley and along gravel roads to the War Memorial Monument at the junction of Upper Retaruke and Oio Rd. From here, continue along Oio Rd to Whakahoro and the start of the Kaiwhakauka Track (Grade 4). You will travel through farmland and native bush before connecting with the Mangapurua Track (and the cycle trail from Ohakune).a t which point you will then follow the same route as described above from the Mangapurua Trig.

Track Elevation and Map

Page last updated: Sep 8, 2020, 3:42 PM

https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/mountains-to-sea-nga-ara-tuhono-cycleway/pdfPreview 5/5