Trail StatusKnow before you go what to expect.
Trail Status Updates
The latest trail status updates for Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Trails, and other bike rides in the Ruapehu and Whanganui regions.
Welcome to a special part of the world full of stunning adventures. Do take care and follow our be prepared information and our Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll down to check status for each trail section.
Most sections of Mountains to Sea remain open all year but please make safe sensible decisions when weather forecasts are extremely wet. Papa country can be a challenge - discover more information here.
Trail Sections Updates - Details
Kaiwhakauka - OPEN
Ruatiti Connector - OPEN
Fishers Track - Open
Te Hangāruru - Open
Whanganui River Road - OPEN
Mountain to Sea Connector (Open)
42 Traverse - Diversion in place
Report an OopsHad an incident on the trail, let us know so we can prevent future ones.
Report a Trail HazardSee something that's not right? Let us know so we can fix it.
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🟢 Mangapurua Track — OPEN
The Mangapurua Track is open for summer!
The Department of Conservation team and contractors have been working hard on bridge replacements and track maintenance, improving riding conditions and flow. A huge thank you to everyone involved in delivering these upgrades in this remote landscape.
This remains a Grade 3 intermediate trail, with exposed sections, steep drop-offs and papa surfaces that can become slippery and sticky when wet. Further improvements are planned, and conditions can change quickly following rain or severe weather.
Before you ride:
Check the latest trail status and weather forecast.
Book your shuttle and jetboat pickup in advance through our official trail partners.
Carry sufficient food, water, suitable clothing, repair supplies and emergency communication equipment.
Follow all signs, ride within your ability and walk exposed sections where needed.
Visit our Mangapurua Track page for ride details and planning information.
Help us care for the trail: Please report any slips, windfalls, damage or other concerns, including a location and photo where safe. You can also support Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust by donating or completing our rider survey
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🚨 Heads-up for Jan 2027 Whanganui River Access Update 🛶
If you're planning your 2027 ride, please note a temporary closure on the Whanganui River due to Tira Hoe Waka – a sacred annual journey led by iwi of the river. There will be no pick ups or access to the river on that section on the 12th and 13th January.
🗓️ No jetboat or river access between Mangapurua Landing and Pipiriki. This customary event is protected under the Te Awa Tupua Settlement Act, and the river is reserved exclusively for the waka and support crews during this time.
👉 Riders will need to use the alternative route via the Ruatiti Valley and follow the Waipuna Cycleway Connector Ride back to Pipiriki. This detour ensures you remain on course while respecting this important kaupapa.
✅ Please plan ahead and allow extra time.
Thanks for your understanding and support of this culturally significant journey.
Please note the weather in the Mangapurua Valley may differ from this.
This link may give a more accurate forecast. Yr.No - Mangapurura
Kaiwhakauka | OPEN
Trail is riding well.
There is a small section along Depot Rd (from Cafe to waterfall) that is not in perfect condition but all other sections are in great condition. Gravel has been supplied to improve this section.
Upgrades in progress
As part of a wider programme of upgrades there are 8 new bridges and boardwalks due for replacement with Kaiwhakauka works scheduled for November–December 2026. Bypasses are planned during construction, but temporary delays or closures may be needed. Check this page before travelling and follow all contractor instructions onsite.
Fishers Track | OPEN
The team have worked hard to upgrade the slippery sections of the trail, and widen and resurface the bottom section closer to Retaruke (along with undertaking water controls). It's now riding sweet!
Enjoy the new trail surface and don't forget to book your return shuttle with Megan and the Dempseys team!
Te Hangāruru | Stage One Open
OPEN between Horopito and Pōkākā Road
The trail is now open as a through ride between Horopito and Pōkākā Rd. It may be ridden in either direction (or ride both ways!).
Shuttles are available to either end - check out our official partners. Parking extremely limited at the Northern end
The new section is fresh but riding well. Next stop, the Last Spike! Funding for this has been announced and we are planning on having this open for Summer 2026.
The first section of the trail, a loop is open. The top section of this loop up to and including the 19m bridge is complete to the end of the old Bennett and Punch Bush Tramway. It is an out and back at the top, making a nice loop trail using the return loop.
Please follow all signs.
Stage II up to and including MUAC, Tūroa has been planned with permissions applied for. Funding has been secured and planning for construction is underway.
Ohakune Old Coach Road is one of our most beloved historic trails, renowned for its original cobbled sections and rich heritage. Over time, those iconic sett stones became more pronounced, and general wear and tear meant some parts of the trail were less smooth and flowing than ideal.
Thanks to the work of the Department of Conservation and Dodge Contracting, significant surface upgrades have now been completed — and the trail is riding like a dream! This work included oversurfacing the cobbles to protect them from further damage, while also creating a smoother rolling surface. The result? Riders, runners, and walkers can now focus on the ngahere and the stunning views around them, rather than navigating every bump.
Need help booking?
Our local i-Site can help you plan and book your trip.
OR Book directly with Trail Partners and discover the Mountains to Sea's cycle trail journeys for yourself.
NGĀ ARA TŪHONO TRUST 50232641
NZBN: 9429052786808
