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MOUNTAINS TO SEA NGĀ ARA TUHONO
TŪROA, OHAKUNE to WHANGANUI
1-6 days - 231km
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© AA Traveller 2022
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.
It’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 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-forgotten viaducts, including the impressive 284m-long Hapuawhenua railway viaduct.
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.
TRAIL INFO
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.
RIDING THE TRAIL
OHAKUNE MOUNTAIN RD, 16KM
From Ohakune town, local shuttles ferry you up to Tūroa skifield, 1700m above sea level on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. It’s an exhilarating 1000m descent back to Ohakune along 17km of sealed road.
OHAKUNE OLD COACH RD, 15KM
One of New Zealand’s best half-day rides, following an historic byway. From the Ohakune Rail Station, the first few kilometres follow Old Station Rd and Marshalls Rd before reaching the trailhead where a series of info panels retell the Coach Rd’s fascinating story. Wind up along the old cobbled road into Tongariro National Park passing through ancient forest with giant rimu and tōtara, spiky mountain cabbage trees, ferns and feathery toe-toe. A highlight is the beautifully restored 284m Hapuawhenua railway viaduct. The trail then reaches Taonui Viaduct, smaller and in a state of rusty repair. The trail emerges from regenerating forest into a pretty meadow near the trail’s end at Horopito.
RUATITI RD & MIDDLE RD, 45KM
Ruatiti Rd and Middle Rd link the Ohakune Old Coach Rd section with the start of the Mangapurua Track. Overall, the ride is downhill, losing around 400m in elevation over 45km. However, some steep climbs make it best suited to fit cyclists. From Horopito, follow the trail official signage for 30km along Middle Rd and up Ruatiti Rd to the Ruatiti Domain (camping and toilets) along the meandering Manganui o te Ao River. The gravel road climbs along the valley for the final 15km to the start of the Mangapurua Track.
MANGAPURUA TRACK, 36KM
From the trailhead at the end of Ruatiti Rd, the trail climbs through farmland and regenerating native bush to the junction with the Kaiwhakauka Track. It’s a little more climbing to reach Mangapurua Trig, a great spot to stop and take in the views. It’s downhill virtually all the way from the trig, the trail wending through the remote and rather beautiful Mangapurua Valley in which a series of old farm sites are signposted. You will pass remains 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 Whanganui River. This section of the trail is seasonal and maybe weather affected so do check mountainstosea.nz/trailstatus for updates.
MANGAPURUA LANDING TO PIPIRIKI, 32KM RIVER RIDE
There are two ways of getting to Pipiriki, neither of which is on a bike! The easiest and most common is to be collected by the prebooked jet boat for the invigorating 32km buzz down the river (bikes stowed on board).
WHANGANUI RIVER RD, 67KM
Quiet rural riding through an interesting slice of New Zealand history, stopping at Hiruhārama/Jerusalem to explore or stay at the convent, explore the historic Kawana Flourmill or a bite to eat and a chat at the Matahiwi Gallery. Marae and other settlements make this a delightful section of riding. The river road ends with the fairly hefty climb over Aramoana Hill and a well-deserved 3km swoop down to the junction of SH 4. It’s another 3km again to Upokongaro village.
UPOKONGARO TO TASMAN SEA, 19KM
From Upokongaro, the trail crosses under SH 4 to the new Upokongaro bridge. It then follows the new cycle trail by the river into the city filled with creative distractions. The riverside boardwalk detours into backstreets before returning to trace the river to the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye out for the cycle trail signage to keep on track. The trail ends at newly renovated North Mole, beside a moody, driftwood-strewn beach on the northern side of the Whanganui River breakwater.Head back to the city along the same route or explore the bohemian suburb of Castlecliff with its café and galleries. A day or so in Whanganui is a great way to bookend your journey.Please see mountainstosea.nz for official trail status updates.
Please note:
• Mangapurua may revert to advanced after heavy rain, check before departing.
• Shuttles and accommodation across all sections.
ALTERNATIVE START:
NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE TO MANGAPURUA TRIG, 68KM
From National Park and Ride follow Fishers Track (Grade 2) down through bush into the Retaruke Valley and along gravel roads to the Kaitieke Horse monument at the junction of Upper Retaruke and Oio Rd. Continue along Oio Rd to Whakahoro (Blue Duck Station) and the Kaiwhakauka Track (Grade 4). Travel through farmland before joining the official trail at Mangapurua Track. This route is slightly shorter but does include a Grade 4 section.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAIL
• Ohakune Meet like-minded riders (of snow and trail) in this buzzy township, swapping tales at Kings, the Powderhorn pub or any of the many eateries.
• Te Awa Tupua – Whanganui River is a special place where the people have always been connected to the heartbeat of the river. Row a canoe, book a jet boat or skirt the embankment by bike.
• During your descent of Mt Ruapehu, there are several walking tracks that lead to jaw-dropping waterfalls: Mangawhero Falls (aka Gollum’s Pool and Ithilien) and the highest one in Tongariro National Park – Waitonga Falls.
• The Bridge to Nowhere is 38m high and enveloped by verdant bush. There’s a picnic bench, history boards and enormous eels skulking in the water below.
• The 284m-long Hapuawhenua railway viaduct is 45m high and skims the treetops.
• Visit the reconstructed colonial cottage and museum at Kawana Flour Mill. Built in 1854 and since restored showcasing its original waterwheel and grinding stones.
• Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River, the restored paddle steamer Waimaire provides leisurely river cruises from Whanganui city.
• Fishers Track is a bonus 27km, Grade 3 course through Tongariro National Park. It’s not an easy 2-3 hours, but it does reward the bold with beauty. Kaiwhakauka Track is for the true masochist. This 16km track is two to four hours of Grade 4 pain with narrow, technical tracks.
Biking the Ohakune Old Coach Road © Visit Ruapehu
ADD-ON RIDES
• Mountains to Sea Connection: 45km/3–4 hours
• Ohakune–Taihape Trail (OTT): 77km/5–7 hours
• Three Rivers: 60km/1-2 days Whanganui to Hunterville
