MOUNTAINS TO SEA Trails
Bridge to Nowhere, Mountains to Sea Trails © Visit Ruapahu
GREAT RIDE • MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAILS
TRAIL INFO 1-6 Days 231km (32km river)
SEE P 64 FOR A CONNECTING HEARTLAND RIDE
BEST FOR: Enjoying the connected pathways that navigate riders from Tūroa to Whanganui, coordinating your journey to suit your time and abilities.
TŪROA, OHAKUNE to WHANGANUI 1-6 days
231km
(32km river)
Start your Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono adventure at Tūroa skifield. Local tour operators will deposit you 1700m above sea level on the lofty slopes of Mt Ruapehu. Relish the distant views of Mt Taranaki before releasing the brakes for an exhilarating descent back to Ohakune.
I
t’s from here the actual leg work begins. Covering 231km, the trail is split into six segments, parts of which require a boat ride to get across the almighty Whanganui River. The trail is typically completed in four to six days but if you’re hard-core, two to three days is not
60
unheard of. You can also enjoy each section as a separate one-day excursion. There are eerie yet enticing tunnels and long-forgotten viaducts, including the impressive 284m-long Hapuawhenua railway viaduct.
TRAIL GRADES:
Gain an insight into post-war life all along the Mangapurua Track, culminating in the fascinating Bridge to Nowhere. This handsome feature marks the route’s last stamp of civilisation before all hopes of settlement were abandoned. The nearby Mangapurua Landing is your launch pad to reach Pīpīriki by jet boat. Alternatively, swap the pedals for paddles and navigate this stretch of the Whanganui River by canoe; your bikes travel ahead by shuttle. Once reunited with your wheels, the River Rd leads all the way to Whanganui City, via artist studios, flour mills and convents. Clapping eyes on the Tasman Sea signifies the end of your journey, but the final hurrah should include watching the sunset at North Mole.
TOP TIP – An alternative connection is to ride from National Park up the short hill to Fishers Track which links Kaitieke and Whakahoro via an interesting gravel ride up Oio Rd. The trail then heads into Whanganui National Park along the Grade 4 Kaiwhakauka single track before rejoining the Mangapurua Track at the Pou, where you can choose to cycle towards the Bridge to Nowhere or back through the Ruatiti Valley.
OHAKUNE MOUNTAIN RD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) OHAKUNE OLD COACH RD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) RUATITI RD & MIDDLE RD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) MANGAPŪRUA TRACK GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) MANGAPŪRUA LANDING TO PĪPĪRIKI (32KM RIVER RIDE) WHANGANUI RIVER RD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) ŪPOKONGARO TO TASMAN SEA GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Good around Ohakune, National Park and Whanganui. Cannot be relied upon in outlying areas and is virtually nonexistent in the wilds of Whanganui National Park. DRINKING WATER: Available in towns and settlements along the trail; water sources on the backcountry sections but boiling or treating is recommended. Taking sufficient supplies for the full day is preferable to filling up en route. TYPE OF BIKE: A mountain bike is essential for all but the most urban of rides. E-bikes are permitted on sections up to Grade 3, although consider sufficient battery charge. Note: E-bikes are permitted on all parts of the track, however riders must be capable of lifting their bikes onto narrow bridges, or riding through the trail in the event the battery fails. GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) GRADE 4 (ADVANCED)
