Roll through Ruapehu’s diverse landscapes on two Great Rides, classic backcountry tracks, or leisure trails to suit everyone including beginners and kids.

Mountains to Sea

This epic mountain biking adventure traverses the alpine majesty of Mount Ruapehu, historic roads, massive viaducts and the legendary Bridge to Nowhere in the wilds of Whanganui National Park.

Ruapehu
Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, Ruapehu

Take in epic views on the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail

Highlights

  • Volcanic Tongariro National Park
  • Deep forest Whanganui National Park
  • Rich Māori & pioneer history

Proximity

  • by car:

    1hr 45mins from Taupo

  • by car:

    5mins from Ohakune

GRADE

Easy - Advanced

Ohakune Old Coach Road

The Mountains to Sea can be broken into shorter rides to suit different riders, the most popular of which is the half-day Ohakune Old Coach Road. With glorious forest, flinty history, a twinset of viaducts and long-range views, it’s an adventure that will be enjoyed by riders of most ages and abilities.

Ruapehu
Ohakune Old Coach Road, Ruapehu

Cycle across the impressive Hapuawhenua Viaduct on this track, part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

Highlights

  • Tongariro World Heritage Area
  • Colourful pioneer stories
  • Elegant viaducts

Proximity

  • by car:

    5mins from Ohakune

  • by car:

    1hr 45mins from Taupo

GRADE

Easy

The Timber Trail

Ruapehu’s second Great Ride is the Timber Trail, a truly spectacular two-day adventure through Pureora Forest Park. Showcasing ancient forest, native birdlife, graceful suspension bridges and intriguing timber history, it’s also a chance to savour an overnight stay in a wilderness lodge or campsite.

 

Ruapehu
The Timber Trail, Ruapehu

Following old logging roads and tramlines, The Timber Trail traverses an exotic forest in the heart of the North Island.

Highlights

  • Ancient forests
  • Rich culture & heritage
  • Thrilling suspension bridges

Proximity

GRADE

Easy - Intermediate

Bridge to Nowhere

The stuff of legends and a must-do for experienced mountain bikers, this Mountain to Sea day ride ventures deep into the remote Mangapurua Valley where Mother Nature runs riot across long-gone farms while dramatic bluffs loom large overhead. From the Bridge to Nowhere, a scenic jet boat trip along the Whanganui River returns riders to civilisation at Pipiriki.

Ruapehu
Bridge to Nowhere, Whanganui National Park, Ruapehu

The iconic Bridge to Nowhere

Highlights

  • Whanganui National Park
  • Whanganui River jetboat or kayak
  • Rich Māori & settler history

Proximity

Grade

Intermediate

42 Traverse

This challenging day ride is an old-school Kiwi MTB classic, with plenty of ruts, rocks and river crossings to test your fitness and skill. But it’s not all about the bike. Traversing a State Forest on the edge of Tongariro National Park, it offers some pretty awesome views across to the trio of volcanoes.

Ruapehu
42 Traverse mountain biking track, Ruapehu

Check out the volcano views on the 42 Traverse mountain biking track

Highlights

  • Strange volcanic scenery
  • Long, fun downhills
  • Babbling rivers & native bush

Proximity

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