MOUNTAINS TO SEA NGĀ ARA
Biking the Ohakune Old Coach Road © Visit Ruapehu
TŪHONO GREAT RIDE • MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAILS
TRAIL INFO THAT PLACE MTB PARK
SEE P 59 FOR A CONNECTING HEARTLAND RIDE
BEST FOR: Enjoying the connected pathways that navigate riders from Tūroa to Whanganui, create an adventure to suit.
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.
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t’s from here the actual leg work begins. Ngā Ara Tūhono, means connected pathways of which there are currently ten (two more under construction), parts of which require a boat ride to get across the almighty Whanganui River. The trail is typically completed in four
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to six days but if you’re hard-core, two to three days is not unheard of. You can also enjoy each section as separate adventures. There are eerie yet enticing tunnels and long-forgotten viaducts, including the impressive 284m-long Hapuawhenua railway viaduct.
This 50ha private park off the Kaiwhaiki Road on the way to Whanganui was built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. Offering coaching and guiding also.
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 Pipiriki 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 (upgrades in progress) 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.
1-6 Days 231km (32km river)
TRAIL GRADES:
OHAKUNE MOUNTAIN RD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) OHAKUNE OLD COACH RD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) RUATITI RD & MIDDLE RD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) MANGAPURUA TRACK GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) Please check trails status for current conditions. MANGAPURUA LANDING TO PIPIRIKI (32KM RIVER RIDE) WHANGANUI RIVER RD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) UPOKONGARO 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. 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)
