Mountain to Sea Trail

Much of the trail network is currently in place with the first two sections being officially opened on July 2nd. Highlights of the trail will include the crossing of the 294 meter high Hapuawhenua Viaduct and the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Cyclists will also take a jet boat ride down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki where they will then cycle along the Whanganui River Road.

The 14 km Old Coach Road opened in July and leads from Ohakune to Horopito. This trail follows the Old Coach Road between what used to be the railheads of the main truck railway line before the line was finally completed in 1909. This section of the trail is excellent for beginners and families and offers spectacular scenery. At Horopito the trail follows a rural road network for 44 km to the beginning of the Mangapurua Track.

The Mangapurua & Kaiwhakauka Tracks (33 km & 17.5 km) have been upgraded from tramping tracks to multi-use tracks for walkers, trampers and cyclists. The Bridge to Nowhere track (2.7km from Mangapurua Landing) is maintained as a walking track and provides access from the Whanganui River to the Bridge to Nowhere. The 90km Raetihi to Mangapurua Landing section is slightly harder with sections of Grade 3 during a 7 kilometer descent to the Mangapurua Stream where there are multiple swing bridges to cross and a few stream crossings.

The Kaiwhakauka Track is being upgraded and intended to be completed by March 2012 - this is the last section of the mountain bike trail under construction.The trail is currently able to be used as a tramping track but cyclists are asked to ride just during spring and summer.

The Mountain to Sea Trail travels some of the best parts of the North Island and offers a fantastic array of cycling for beginner to intermediate cyclists.