Bike Trail

New Zealand’s national cycleway project is off to an exciting start - with the first of seven ‘quick start’ projects launching in July.

The ‘Ruapehu - Whanganui - Nga Ara Tuhono trail, (From the Mountains to the Sea) runs from Ohakune south from Mount Ruapehu, along part of the Ohakune Coach Road to Horopito then through the Whanganui region to the west coast.

The first cycle trail, from Ohakune to Horopito through Department of Conservation land, will be opened on 2 July by New Zealand Prime Minister Mr John Key. The ‘Ruapehu - Whanganui - Nga Ara Tuhono’ cycle trail is the first of the national cycleway ‘quick start’ projects to be launched. The complete trail will traverse two iconic national parks - and is due to be finished next year. It will be a four to six day ride, with varying levels of trail difficulty.

Two large sections of the trail are ready for use from 2 July - the easy one day ride along the Old Coach Road from Ohakune to Horopito, and a two-day ride from Raetihi to Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River more suitable for adventurous cyclists. Campsites and toilets are to be dotted along both sections and DOC is hoping to install more ‘track furniture’ such as bridges, seats and boardwalks over the next few months.

Several tour operators are also putting together guided cycling and accommodation packages. Historical highlights The launch of the Ruapehu - Whanganui trail will take place at Ohakune Railway Station with a karakia or Māori blessing and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mr John Key. The prime minister will be one of the first to ride a mountain bike on the new cycle trail.

The Raetihi - Mangapurua Track is an historical highlight of the cycle trail. It passes through the Mangapurua Valley soldiers settlement and crosses the ‘Bridge to Nowhere.’ The bridge was built in the 1930s for the first settlers in the valley, soldiers who were given land by the New Zealand government for their service during WWI. Visitors with limited time will be able to do the Old Coach Road day ride, uphill from Ohakune or downhill from Horopito.