25 November 2011

Discover a different side to Ruapehu this summer

Ruapehu, a natural playground famed for its snow sports and alpine crossing, has an exciting new attraction that promises fun, fitness and adventure for the summer months.

The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail forms part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail and covers 317km of spectacular New Zealand landscape, from the slopes of Mount Ruapehu to the majestic Whanganui River.

The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail sets the benchmark for cycle trails in New Zealand by combining trails for a range of abilities from beginners and families to competitive riders with stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage.

Mike Smith, Visit Ruapehu general manager says the cycleway is an exciting addition to an area already packed with action and adventure.

“The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail offers New Zealanders a chance to escape over the summer and experience the beauty of our country, all whilst having fun and getting fit with friends and family”.

The full trail can be completed in 4-6 days or the riders can opt for day rides. The trail crosses the 294-metre Hapuawhenua viaduct from Ruapehu, passing through Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks and then crossing the Bridge to Nowhere. Riders then take a jet boat ride down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki and cycle to Whanganui along the Whanganui River Road.

The trails are made up of the Ohakune Old Coach Road, Fishers Track at National Park Village, Kaiwhakauka Track, Mangapurua Track and finally the Bridge to Nowhere and Mangapurua Landing.

Trail Details

Ohakune Old Coach Road
The Ohakune Old Coach Road trail forms the beginning of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail and covers a 15km route of varied terrain along the lower slopes of Mt Ruapehu. The trail passes historical sites used by railway workers in the 1900s and the Taonui and Hapuawhenua Viaducts. One of the highlights is a pitch-black venture through the Hapuwhenua Tunnel. The trail takes 2-3 hours and has a difficulty grade of 2.

Fishers Track
The Fishers Track is a great option for beginner mountain biking enthusiasts with 60% of the 21km trail downhill! Starting at National Park Village the 2-3 hour ride is a great adrenalin blast and offers stunning views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. The trail winds through beautiful native bush and has a difficulty grade of 2.

Bridge to Nowhere
The Bridge to Nowhere trail offers a fascinating glimpse into post-war life in the central North Island along its 35km trail. It gives riders a wide variety of terrain, including stunning forests, rolling hills, sheer bluff face and the majestic Whanganui River. The trail is great for riders of all levels and includes 5-6 hours of cycling and a 1 hour jet boat transfer at the end of the ride. It is a great way of immersing yourself in nature and history with a difficulty grade of 3.

Kaiwhakauka Trail
This track leads from Whakahoro up the Kaiwhakauka Valley past the Mangapurua Trig and then descends through the Mangapurua Valley to meet the Whanganui River at the Mangapurua Landing, 30 km upstream from Pipiriki.

The track follows former roadlines and makes for easy walking. From Whakahoro the track follows the disused road along the true left bank of the Whanganui River for 1km, before turning sharply into the Kaiwhakauka Valley. The track follows along and crosses the Kaiwhakauka Stream over an old wooden bridge. It continues along the true left bank of the stream up to the head of the Kaiwhakauka Valley and is a grade 3. This trail is expected to be open in early 2012.

For accommodation and hire options go to: www.visitruapehu.com.

Mountains to Seas Cycleway - Trail Facts

ENDS

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