BUDGET - Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail 
​3, 4 or 5 Day Itinerary 
Self Guided

Fast Facts

Start: Turoa Ski Field, MT RUAPEHU
Start time:​ 8am or 12pm @ The Mountain Bike Station 
Finish: Castlecliff Beach, Whanganui (or Upokongaro for 3-day programmes)
Finish time: Approx 6pm (Ohakune)
Distance: 226 km (includes jet boat ride)
Canoe: 8km - self guided - Grade 2  (Optional)
Duration: 3 - 5 days
Riding distances per day: 32- 84km
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, transport to Horopito (5 day only)  and return transfer to Ohakune on the final day
  • "LIVE" GPS Tracking with SOS Function
  • Jet Boat transfer from Mangapurua Landing to Pipiriki (Compulsory)
  • 2 hour self guided canoe experience on the Whanganui River (Optional, less $50pp on tour price if you opt out (or less $30pp for 3-day trips))
  • PS Wairua paddle steamer (4 and 5 day programmes only)
  • Accommodation: Twin share (LKNZ Lodge, Ruatiti Hunting Lodge, Bridge to Nowhere Lodge, Flying Fox)

What's Not Included

  • NO Meals (we will transport your food along with the bags, MUST BE PRE ORGANISED)
  • 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

$1,099.00 per person NO Meals                           5 days /4 nights programme
$999.00 per person NO Meals                           4 days /3 nights programme
$749.00 per person NO Meals                           3 days /2 nights programme
Larger groups please inquire!

3 day 'Bare Bones' programme (minimum 2 riders)   
This programme has no meals and one bag/food drop to your Pipiriki accommodation
$699.00 per person (minimum 2 riders)  NO Meals                           3 days /2 nights programme

Day One
Riding distance: 32km

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.  You are transport out to Horopito where you will cycle the 15km stretch of 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.

Accommodation

LKNZ Lodge and Backpackers

Day Two
Total distance: 42km

Horopito to Ruatiti Valley - Grade 2: 

The road from Horopito to Ruatiti Valley 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 (the track is partly gravel, partly sealed road). 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 O Te Ao River, makes it a pleasant day’s cycle that ends deep in the Ruatiti Valley.

Accommodation

Ruatiti Backpackers

Day Three
Total distance: 38km + jet boat transfer

Mangapurua / Bridge to Nowhere Trail - Grade 3: 

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.

Accommodation

Pipiriki Campground - Cabin

Day Four
Total distance: 32km

Whanganui River National Park and the Whanganui River Road to Koriniti - Grade 1:  Plus optional canoeing (Grade 2 river) 

From Pipiriki, if you would like to enjoy the Whanganui River a little longer, you can take a self guided canoe trip (optional). You will be jet boated back up the river from Pipiriki to Ngaporo campsite from where you will canoe approx. two hours back downstream to the  settlement of Pipiriki.

​From here it’s back in the saddle for a meandering cycle through the stunning canyons, thick forest and rolling farmland that border the Whanganui (sealed road).

Accommodation

The Flying Fox (the Gypsy Cart)

Day Five
Riding distance: 53km

Whanganui River Road to Castle Cliff Beach / North Mole. Grade 1: 53km

From Koriniti, continue the trail down the Whanganui River Road, discovering further natural and cultural riches of Maori and early European settlers. Engage with locals, absorb the serenity and history as you cycle alongside the Whanganui River, and over ‘Gentle Annie’ to Upokongaro.  

From Upokongaro you can jump aboard the Historic Wairua river boat and cruise from Upokongaro to the Whanganui I-site (alternatively you will cycle the Highway, until you meet up with the cyclepath along the Whanganui River into the Whanganui I-site). From the I-site you get back in the saddle and continue the final stage of your journey along the cycle path to  North Mole in Castlecliff.
 
Late afternoon transport back to Ohakune.