Winter riding © Jason Blair, Katabatic Creative
GREAT RIDE • WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL
WEST COAST WILDERNESS Trail TRAIL INFO
4-5 Days 133km
BEST FOR: An easy to access and an easy to ride venture into Aotearoa’s green heart.
GREYMOUTH
ROSS
4-5 days
133km
Stretching from Greymouth’s historic port to the neat old gold town of Ross, this easy trail takes riders on a journey through the Coast’s incredible natural landscapes, and back in time to Māori pounamu (greenstone) gathering and the glittering gold rush era.
T
here’s no better way to get up close to the West Coast’s lush rainforest, pristine rivers, tranquil lakes and rugged beaches, with the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps a truly sublime backdrop – especially in winter, a fabulous time to ride. Easy to reach and to ride, the
88
spectacular multi-day trail retraces old packhorse tracks, tramlines, railways, water races and historic bridges, linked by flowing singletrack. Many natural wonders are revealed along the way, while small towns and heritage sites offer a chance to delve deep into the region’s fascinating history.
Divided up into four roughly equal sections, this trail runs between Greymouth (the West Coast’s ‘big smoke’) and the small old gold town of Ross. We describe it on the following page in that north-to-south direction, but note that it’s equally enjoyable ridden in either direction. With each leg taking around three to five hours, there’s plenty of time to check out attractions and linger in scenic spots along the way; factor in an extra day to dawdle and detour if your itinerary allows. Unique points of interest include the twists and turns of an historic water race, a West Coast Scenic Waterways Cruise in the beautiful Mahinapua Scenic Reserve, an exhilarating treetop walkway at West Coast Treetop Walk and so much more. Accommodation, shuttles and luggage transfers make it easy to ride the whole trail, or experience it on a range of different day trips. TOP TIP – Pack for all weathers including a raincoat and togs for a swim in one of the West Coast lakes. Lake Kaniere is regarded by many as the most beautiful, so well worth a visit.
TRAIL GRADES: GREYMOUTH TO KUMARA, 28KM GRADE 2 (EASY) KUMARA TO MILLTOWN, 40KM GRADE 2 (EASY) to GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) MILLTOWN TO HOKITIKA, 31KM GRADE 2 (EASY) to GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) HOKITIKA TO ROSS, 34KM GRADE 2 (EASY) to GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Good in towns and on much of the coastal sections of the trail. Virtually no coverage south of Kumara to Kaniere township. DRINKING WATER: Water is readily available in towns and tourist stops along the way. TYPE OF BIKE: A hybrid bike is sufficient for the terrain. E-bikes are also permitted.
GRADE 2 (EASY) GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
