Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail 2 Day Itinerary - Self Guided

Fast Facts

Start: Turoa Ski Field, MT RUAPEHU
Start time:​ 9am @ The Mountain Bike Station 
Finish: Pipiriki with transfer back to Ohakune)
Finish time: Approx 6pm (Ohakune)
Distance: 142 km (includes jet boat ride)
Canoe: 8km - self guided - Grade 2  (Optional)
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Riding distances per day: 38- 74km
Minimum group size: 2
​Maximum group size: 12
Fitness level: Moderate to high  level of fitness required
Grade: 2-3
Riding Season: November - April 

What's Included

Support Level by the Mountain Bike Station 
  • Logistics support,
  • Daily luggage transfer,
  • Transport to the start of the trail from Ohakune  and return transfer to Ohakune on the final day. 
  • Jet Boat transfer from Mangapurua Landing to Pipiriki (compulsory)
  • 2 hour self guided canoe experience on the Whanganui River (Optional, less $30 on tour price if you opt out)
Accommodation: 1 Night - Ruatiti Hunting Lodge, or Ruatiti Backpackers
Meals: 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast, 1 packed lunch (only in Lodge)

What's Not included

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (breakfast/lunch day 1)
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Bike hire (including helmet) Click here for our rental rates
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • If a rider prefers their own room (if available), a single room supplement of $50pp per night is payable

Group size of 2 - 5

$629.00 per person (Ruatiti Hunting Lodge)
$439.00 per person (Ruatiti Backpackers, NO meals included)

Group size of 6 or more

$579.00 per person (Ruatiti Hunting Lodge)
$389.00 per person (Ruatiti Backpackers, NO meals included)

DAY ONE
Riding distance: ​ 74km

Ohakune Mountain Road - Grade 2: 17KM

Descending 1000m in just 17km, the Ohakune Mountain Road is a fantastic downhill stretch with stunning views over the Ruapehu district and out over the Whanganui National Park. The road begins at Turoa car park, 1620m above sea level, and winds down amidst the barren volcanic fields, past the sites of previous lahars and finally into the lush forest of the lower slopes.​

Ohakune Old Coach Road - Grade 2: 15km

Step back in time and explore some of New Zealand’s oldest railway history. The 15km stretch of trail follows the historic Ohakune Old Coach Road between what were formerly the railheads of the main trunk railway line, before the line was completed in 1909. It offers a fantastic  ride through some spectacular scenery, and link trails to Hapuawhenua and Taonui viaducts, with interactive signboards along the trail giving you insight into era and hardships of the times.

Horopito to Ruatiti Valley - Grade 2: 42km

The road from Ruatiti to Waterfall Mountain is a journey through the heartland of the North Island. After the initial 15km descent from Middle Road near Horopito to Ruatiti Domain into the valley below, the road meanders through some of the most remote farmland in New Zealand. This is a real chance to experience a true New Zealand farming community with rolling countryside giving way to splendid views of Mount Ruapehu.
This, coupled with the serenity of the Manganui A Te Ao River, makes it a pleasant day’s cycle that ends deep in the Ruatiti Valley

Accommodation 

Ruatiti Hunting Lodge or Backpackers
Picture
Photo supplied by: Bennett & Slater
Picture
Photo supplied by: Bennett & Slater

Day Two
Riding distance 38km + Jet boat transfer + 2 hrs Canoeing

Mangapurua / Bridge to Nowhere Trail - Grade 3: 38km 


Through the forest, over the rolling hills, along the sheer bluff face and across the majestic river, the Mangapurua / Bridge to Nowhere trail offers a fascinating glimpse into post-war life in the central North Island.

Quickly gaining a reputation as one of New Zealand’s best day rides, the variety it offers makes it a great experience for riders of all levels.
​
Stand on the bridge and take in the same views that the pioneers did, but trade the steam boats for a high powered jet vessel for your journey to your nights accommodation.

If you would like to enjoy the Whanganui River a little longer, you can take a self guided canoe trip (Optional)  You will be drop off the jet boat approx 10km up the river from Pipiriki at Ngapro campsite where you will canoe two hours back downstream to the  settlement of Pipiriki.


Late afternoon transport back to Ohakune

We can also offer the option of a second night of accommodation at Bridge to Nowhere Lodge and have a half day of canoeing to Pipiriki on the majestic Whanganui River if you would like to extend your Central Plateau adventure.
Please contact us for details.