Mountains to sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono

Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono is a 315 km network of connected pathways linking Mt Ruapehu with the Tasman Sea. The 231 km Classic journey combines approximately 199 km of riding with a 32 km journey along the Whanganui River, travelling through volcanic landscapes, native forest, rural countryside and riverside trails.

Beginning around the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the network offers everything from accessible day rides to remote backcountry adventures and a multi-day journey to the Tasman Sea. Highlights include the Ohakune Old Coach Road, Te Ara Mangawhero, Te Hangāruru, Fishers Track, Mangapurua Track and Bridge to Nowhere, Whanganui River Road and the final ride through Whanganui city to the coast. 

Ride experience

The network offers everything from half-day and day rides to multi-day journeys across the Ruapehu and Whanganui regions. The 231 km Classic journey, comprising approximately 199 km of riding and a 32 km river journey, is usually completed over 4–6 days. Fit and experienced riders may complete it in fewer days.

At the Ruapehu end of the network, Te Ara Mangawhero adds a new off-road riding experience near Ohakune. Phase I is open, with further stages being developed towards Tūroa. Mountain Road continues to provide a connection from the mountain.

Nearby, the Ohakune Old Coach Road follows a historic route between Ohakune and Horopito through native forest and past railway heritage, including the Hapuawhenua Viaduct.

Te Hangāruru is a Grade 2 section currently offering a 9.1 km two-way forest ride from Horopito. Extensions are underway to strengthen connections towards Waimarino and the wider trail network.

Other established sections include Marton Sash and Door, Fishers Track and Kaiwhakauka, together with connecting routes through the central North Island. Fishers Track and Kaiwhakauka are both Grade 3 – Intermediate following substantial trail upgrades. Kaiwhakauka remains a remote backcountry ride best suited to experienced, well-equipped riders and can become more challenging in wet conditions.

The Mangapurua Track is another remote backcountry section, travelling through Whanganui National Park past abandoned farm sites, high bluffs and the Bridge to Nowhere before reaching Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River.

From Mangapurua Landing, the Classic journey includes a 32 km river journey to Pīpīriki by jet boat or kayak. In 2017, Te Awa Tupua was recognised as an indivisible and living whole and declared a legal person under landmark New Zealand legislation.

From Pīpīriki, Whanganui River Road follows the river through landscapes rich in Māori and settler history, with marae, historic sites and small settlements along the route.

The Upokongaro to the Tasman Sea section continues beside the Whanganui River and through Whanganui, New Zealand’s UNESCO City of Design, before finishing at North Mole on the Tasman Sea. This easier section can also be enjoyed as a standalone day ride.

Need to know

• Sections of Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono range from Grade 2 to Grade 3. Some remote sections can become significantly more difficult in wet weather or other adverse conditions, so always check current trail conditions before setting out.
• A well-maintained mountain bike or e-MTB is strongly recommended for the network and essential for remote backcountry sections. Hybrids, touring bikes and other suitable cycles may be appropriate for some easier road and urban sections.
• Riding the multi-day Classic journey is a challenging and often remote adventure requiring off-road experience, fitness, careful planning and favourable weather. Some sections pass through alpine environments and high rainfall areas making warm clothing and wet weather gear essential. Always check the forecast and trail status(opens in new window) before setting off. 
• Local advice, bike hire and shuttles are readily available for a variety of day ride and multi-day options taking in must-see sights, suitable for most riding abilities. 
• Ohakune, Waimarino, Raetihi and Whanganui city all make excellent bases for adventure. Food, toilets and other services are available from these and other settlements, but riders should carry ample provisions on remoter sections.
• Both Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks offer many more adventures including hiking, canoeing and waterfall-watching. 

Transport & tours

Whether you’re looking for a short ride or the full, multi-day adventure, there are plenty of tour companies offering everything from bike hire and shuttles to fully packaged tours with everything included. These include Mountain Bike Station(opens in new window), Whanganui Tours(opens in new window) and Kune Shuttles(opens in new window). 

Jetboat trips for the river section should be organised in advanced with Bridge To Nowhere Lodge(opens in new window) or Whanganui River Adventures(opens in new window). 

Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono’s official partners can be found on the Great Rides of New Zealand(opens in new window) and official trail(opens in new window) websites. 

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options in the main trail towns of Ohakune, Waimarino (formerly National Park Village) and Whanganui, with more dotted along and around the network.

Accommodation providers partnered with the trail are listed on the Great Rides of New Zealand(opens in new window) and Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono(opens in new window) websites. 

Useful links

Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails(opens in new window) 

Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono (opens in new window)

Visit Ruapehu (opens in new window)

Discover Whanganui(opens in new window)

Great Rides app - Mountains to Sea - Ngā  Ara Tūhono (opens in new window)