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.
Mangapurua - Open
There are a couple of sections where a path has been cleared through slips. Riders should consider walking through these sections - signage is in place.
Please do expect to see contractors working on sections of the trail over the summer, this may cause the occasional slight delay; but they are working to improve the trail experience for everyone.
If riders or walkers at any time spot something that needs work or presents a hazard, please report via our website form including the nearest kilometre marker), then we can get things sorted! Don't forget to tell us what you think of it by filling out the trail survey too! (QR code and link on the back of the maps available from all operators)
Papa country can be a challenge - discover more information here.
Check out our suggested alternative route options. (if required)
The trail section from the War Memorial/Trig to the Bridge to Nowhere closes to cyclists through the winter until October. The section from Ruatiti to the Trig remains open, this includes the connection to the Kaiwhakauka. The alternative is to use the Waipuna Trail Connector Ride
Please note the weather in the Mangapurua Valley may differ from this.
This link may give a more accurate forecast. Yr.No - Mangapurura
Kaiwhakauka | Mid-section under reconstruction | Open | Care required
The trail is mostly riding well, and work is ongoing to upgrade the trail including the replacement of bridges and track re benching. There is approximately 1km of work still to complete. Most of the new bridges are in place, however the newly constructed sections are muddy in places making this section unsuitable for inexperienced riders.
From the Whanganui National Park Boundary, we advise ALL riders to please consider walking with your bike between you and the fall hazard side through marked sections (This is the narrow single-track section).
If you are unsure of any section – take a moment to dismount and walk. The team are working on making this section safer and we are focused on ensuring riders have a great journey. Temporary barriers have been installed to provide an advanced visual warning for walkers and cyclists of potential fall hazards. These are not engineered to prevent a fall so please proceed with care.
Have an enjoyable ride through a gorgeous section of the world.
Whanganui River Closures 10th - 12th January 2024
Our trail has the privilege of travelling along the Whanganui River from the Mangapurua Landing to Pipiriki with the support of our two jetboat operators - Whanganui River Adventures and Bridge to Nowhere Lodge and Jetboats. Nga Tangata Tiaki has advised that they are exercising the provisions of Te Awa Tupua Act for the annual Tira Hoe Waka scheduled for 2024. This means that sections of the Whanganui River will be reserved for the sole use by the Tira Hoe Waka in relation to our reaches from Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th January 2024. If you are planning your journey around this time, please check with your operator and plan around these dates as they will not be able to transfer you and your bikes at this time.
Upokongaro Road Works
Higgins are doing a reseal of the area around the village (from public toilets to the southern entrance of the village, near the cycle bridge).
TMP is set up as stop go operations. They are doing one lane at a time. The work will continue up to Friday 22nd December. The road remains open - and our official partners will be continuing to offer their delectable delights and beverages!
Ohakune Mountain Road - Summer Road Works
Summer is the time when we can undertake repairs and safety work to lower and repave this vital roading link. Over the next few months, there are some key rebuild works underway.
We appreciate that this is also a vital summer connection for our visitors, so the following information will ensure everyone makes the most of the summer construction and recreation season.
Dates | Work Location | Access |
|---|---|---|
01 – 15 Dec 2023 | 11.7 km up the Ohakune Mountain Road (just past the Waitonga Falls Carpark). Length of construction zone – approx. 200m. | Closed to through vehicles Access for cyclists and walkers provided for at all times. There may be small delays for safe passage. |
16 December - onwards | Ongoing works. Target complete mid-January | Open to traffic, however condition of unsealed surface requires care until the project is complete. |
Mid Jan – end Feb 2024 | Additional closures for new resurfacing and other construction improvements over approx. 3kms at various locations above the 8km mark. | Access will continue to be provided, but we will update closer to the start of and throughout construction period. |
42 Traverse
This section of the Ruapehu riding experience is currently closed due to a massive landslide. Please do not attempt to cross. There is an alternate track in place which requires some walking and is not to normal ride standard.
For further information please click through to the Dept of Conservation website.
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.
