Tramping tracks become truly Great Rides..
Further investment has been confirmed to deliver significant upgrades and enhancements across key sections of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono network, helping strengthen the visitor experience, improve safety and resilience, and support regional tourism growth ahead of future seasons.
The programme of works will focus on the Kaiwhakauka Track, Mangapurua Track, and Ohakune Old Coach Road sections of the trail network, with delivery expected over winter and into early summer.
The investment package includes:
$737,000 from the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund
Up to $1.46 million contributed by DOC
The upgrades continue the momentum created by the major funding announcements made in November and reinforce the importance of Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono as one of New Zealand’s premier Great Rides.
Today, more than 56,000 journeys are made annually across the trail network, supporting local communities, accommodation providers, transport operators, hospitality businesses, and tourism experiences throughout Ruapehu and Whanganui.
What Improvements Are Planned?
The works programme includes:
Completion of remaining safety improvements identified on the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Tracks
Replacement, widening, and realignment of up to 12 bridges to meet New Zealand Cycle Trail Grade 3 standards
Surface improvements and resilience upgrades
Improved access for e-bikes and maintenance machinery
Realignment, regrading, and resurfacing of sections of the Ohakune Old Coach Road identified through the 2023 NZCT Trail Audit
Many of the original bridges on the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka sections began life as historic tramping swing bridges. Over time, these structures were adapted to support the development of the Great Ride, and this next stage of upgrades will continue that evolution — transforming them into modern trail structures that better suit the needs of today’s Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono experience, with improved safety, accessibility, resilience, and ride quality for a wide range of users.
The bridge replacement programme includes upgraded aluminium truss and timber bridge structures, similar to those recently installed on the newly opened section of Te Hangāruru and already being enjoyed by trail users.
Supporting the Future of the Great Ride
The Ohakune Old Coach Road holds a special place within the New Zealand Cycle Trail story, having been one of the very first sections of Great Ride trail to open in New Zealand.
Its continued evolution reflects the ongoing maturity of the Great Rides network and the need to ensure trails continue to meet modern visitor expectations while protecting the unique heritage and landscape values that make these journeys so special.
DOC will manage the delivery of the programme, with the support and input of the Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust. The timing of the works is intended to maximise the benefit to the region ahead of the peak visitor season and provide greater certainty for travel trade and operator partners planning for spring and summer.
Partnership in Action
These upgrades represent more than infrastructure investment alone. They are an investment in communities, conservation, tourism, and the long-term future of the region.
The Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust would like to acknowledge the continued support and advocacy of our partners within DOC, alongside iwi, local government, operators, contractors, volunteers, and communities who continue to help grow and strengthen the trail network.
There is still plenty of mahi ahead, but this next stage of investment is another positive step forward as we continue working together to make the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono experience even more incredible for riders, walkers, runners, and visitors alike.
Together, we will continue to ensure that Ngā Ara Tūhono — our connected pathways — connect people, places, culture, and environment for generations to come.
