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.
Current post storm trail status | 23 April 2026
Following the exceptional rainfall across the upper catchments of the Ruapehu District, combined with heavy rain across the mountain environment and downstream flows through the Whanganui Awa, has placed considerable pressure on rivers, streams, roads, and trail infrastructure across our network. Many waterways rose rapidly, and a number of sections have experienced slips, scour, flooding, heavy sediment deposits, and storm-related damage.
Our team and partners have inspected all sections. We are grateful to local contractors, councils, land managers, iwi partners, and communities who assisted getting things clear and open
Mangapurua - OPEN | NO ACCESS FROM RUATITI RD
Small slips at Dress Circle and Moats' bluffs - all passable. Caution advised. Track is wet but drying out.
Ruatiti Road
CLOSED due to large road drop out. The Ruapehu District Council is working on this now.
Te Ara Mangawhero - OPEN
Significant water scouring in places. Currently open, however users should ride with care and expect surface damage. (especially on the return loop trail)
Ohakune Old Coach Road - OPEN
The ford was flooded but is now passable.
One slip at the Horopito end. Temporary safety fencing is being installed; track width is OK but care needed. Some scouring but largely OK. (Water was over Dodges Bridge for context)
Mountains to Sea Connector Ride
Hutiwai Road
Significant culvert undermine - suitable for careful cyclists only. RDC to assess.Upper Retaruke Road
Open to one lane. Multiple slips present.Oio Road
Open through to Blue Duck Station. Numerous minor slips but currently passable. The bridge near Kaitieke Road has been undermined and an engineer is on site to assess.
Upokongaro to North Mole (Whanganui Section)
There is significant mud across parts of the off-road trail network, particularly around Moutoa and along river-edge sections. Thick, sticky mud is covering parts of the trail and will take time to clear and clean. Please exercise caution and expect difficult riding and walking conditions.
Trail Sections Updates - Details
Kaiwhakauka - OPEN
Fishers Track - Open
Te Hangāruru - Open
Whanganui River Road - OPEN
Upokongaro Bridge - 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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🟢 OPEN | Mangapurua Track Update 🌿
The Mangapurua Track is OPEN. See above for cautions. Note no access along Ruatiti Rd due road dropout.
Morgans Bluff - between the Bridge to Nowhere and the Landing
A short section of the track remains narrower than normal due to recent slip activity. Visitors should take extra care when travelling through this area.
Orange mesh in place marks areas of trail damage only. It is a warning indicator, not a safety fence.
Cyclists are required to dismount through the affected section, as signposted (this is standard practice for this part of the trail).
Conditions will continue to be monitored. All visitors and operators are asked to report any observed changes in the slip or rockfall area so further assessment or remedial action can be undertaken if required.
Work is continuing on a longer-term resilience strategy for this location. In the meantime, we’re pleased to confirm the trail is open and welcoming visitors through this special part of the Mangapurua for the summer season.
Please take care — kia tūpato — and enjoy your journey. (23/04/2026)
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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. Final dates to be advised likely 11th-14th 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
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
