Ohakune Mountain Road
[Section 1] 17km, Grade 2/easy, 1 hour
The Mountains to Sea starts at Turoa skifield, 1700m above sea level on the slopes of volcanic Mt Ruapehu. (Local shuttles can drive you up from Ohakune town, although super-fit riders might like to ride both ways.)
From there, it’s an thrilling 1000m descent back to Ohakune along 17km of sealed road. Fast riders can make it down in a little over 30 minutes, but why the rush?
A series of walking tracks off the Mountain Road allow riders to savour the sights of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape, including the highest waterfall in Tongariro National Park, Waitonga Falls, and spectacular forest featuring towering rimu and other native giants.
Read more about the Ohakune Mountain Road.
Ohakune Old Coach Road
[Section 2] 15km, Grade 2/easy, 2–4 hours
This totally awesome section of the Mountains to Sea follows an historic byway through Tongariro National Park forest and farmland, with many epic lookouts over the volcanic plateau.
Highlights include the fabulously restored Hapuawhenua railway viaduct, spooky tunnels, mossy forest, and fun, bumpy stretches of the old cobblestone road. A series of excellent information panels retell the Coach Road’s fascinating story.
It’s slightly uphill to ride the trail from Ohakune Rail Station to Horopito. Note that this section is also a very popular day ride ridden in the reverse direction, commonly started with a drop-off at Horopito for a leisurely cruise back to Ohakune, or as a longer return ride to Horopito and back.
Read more about the Ohakune Old Coach Road.
Ruatiti & Middle Roads
[Section 3] 45km, Grade 2/easy, 3–4 hours
Ruatiti Road and Middle Road link the Old Coach Road section with the start of the Mangapurua Track on the fringe of Whanganuin National Park.
A long and occasionally hilly ride along a mix of gravel and sealed road through rural surrounds, this section is primarily ridden as a link for riders completing the whole trail.
Highlights include pretty scenery along the Manganui-o-te-ao River, and Ruatiti Domain lying on the riverside where there are campsites and picnic areas.
Read more about the Ruatiti & Middle Roads.
Mangapurua Track
[Section 4] 36km, Grade 3/intermediate, 5–7 hours
A must-do for experienced mountain bikers, this journey through Whanganui National Park takes in long-abandoned farms, native forest, dramatic bluffs and deep ravines before reaching the Bridge to Nowhere, a graceful monument to early settlers’ broken dreams.
The ride begins with a climb through farmland to reach the national park boundary and the junction with the Kaiwhakauka Track (a similarly challenging MTB ride starting at Blue Duck Lodge at Whakahoro).
Beyond the trail’s highpoint at Mangapurua Trig begins a history rich journey through the Mangapurua Valley to reach the Bridge to Nowhere.
From there, a short stretch of trail through the bush leads to the riverside landing for the essential jet boat trip down the Whanganui River to Pīpīriki – an invigorating way to end the ride.
Please note - this track may be subject to seasonal or weather closure : Please check out track status page on current status
Read more about the Mangapurua Track.
Mangapurua Landing—Pīpīriki
32km jet boat ride or kayak/canoe trip
There are two ways of getting to Pīpīriki, neither of which is on a bike!
The easiest and most common is to be collected by the pre-booked jet boat for the invigorating 32km buzz down river (with bikes stowed onboard).
Tour operators can also assist you in swapping the bike for a kayak or canoe, allowing you to experience part of the Whanganui Journey – the New Zealand’s Great Walks that’s actually a paddle. Camping and lodge accommodation is available for overnight stops.
However you choose to travel, the Whanganui River is a highlight of the Mountains to Sea trail, complete with verdant gorges, gushing waterfalls, tumbling rapids and tranquil stretches of deep, green water.
Whanganui River Road
[Section 5] 67km, Grade 2/easy, 7–8 hours
At Pīpīriki village, riders get back in the saddle and head south along the Whanganui River Road for the reasonably long ride through to Ūpokongaro on SH4. Some riders may wish to break this journey into a more leisurely two days.
The gently undulating road requires a fair bit of climbing, but riders are rewarded with elevated views of the Whanganui River, along with a series of fascinating Māori and European heritage sites such as the church and convent at Hiruhārama (Jerusalem), the restored Kawana Flour Mill, Matahiwi Gallery & Café, and the colourful Koriniti marae.
Read more about the Whanganui River Road.
Ūpokongaro—Tasman Sea
[Section 6] 19km, Grade 2/easy, 1–2 hours
The final section of the Mountains to Sea follows SH4 for a short distance before heading off-road beside the lower reaches of the Whanganui River. On reaching Whanganui’s city limits, the trail continues alongside the river on cycle paths and urban roads to reach finally reach the sea at North Mole, a moody, driftwood-strewn beach on the northern side of Whanganui River breakwater.
A day or so in Whanganui is a great way to bookend your journey. It’s one of New Zealand’s oldest cities, rich in heritage, arts and culture, and a satisfying selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and accommodation.
Read more about the Ūpokongaro—Tasman Sea section.
ALTERNATIVE SECTIONS
Two alternative legs, connected by 25km of on-road riding, can be combined to form an alternate start to the Mountains to Sea.
The Fishers Track, which starts in National Park village, is a classic downhill track that makes a fabulous bonus, 2–3 hour (27km) ride but also links to the Kaiwhakauka Track.
The Kaiwhakauka Track is a challenging (Grade 4) but rewarding 5–7 hour (41km) bike-and-hike that intersects with the main Mountains to Sea trail part way along the Mangapurua Track. This is remote backcountry, with atmospheric and pretty scenery providing just rewards for the effort.
