West Coast Wilderness Trail - Mountain Biking - Walking Access NZ
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4/27/2021 West Coast Wilderness Trail — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
West Coast Wilderness Trail
Mountain Biking
Dif culties
Easy , Medium
Length
119 km
Journey Time
2-4 days
Region
West Coast
Sub-Region
Buller
Part of the Collection
Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/west-coast-wilderness-trail/pdfPreview 1/5
4/27/2021 West Coast Wilderness Trail — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
Vast driftwood strewn beaches, virgin rainforests, snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers, lakes
and wetlands, and scenic reserves home to special ora and fauna.
Riders will journey through historic gold mining sites, along early bush tram tracks and over
former railway bridges.
Enjoy some classic West Coast hospitality, visitor attractions, cafés, accommodation and
shopping along the way.
One of the premier Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Rides, this 132km trail can be
ridden in either direction starting in Greymouth or Ross.
Rated Grade 2 Easy, people of all ages and abilities enjoy the trail. Immerse yourself in the full
four-day experience or choose from one of the stunning half or full day rides.
With the West Coast’s moderate climate this trail is suitable for winter riding with an extra layer
of clothing.
Can be enjoyed equalled riding either way.
Flanked by the stunning panoramas of the Southern Alps to the East and the Tasman Sea to the
West, the West Coast Wilderness Trail is a unique and memorable experience.
Riding the Trail
Greymouth to Kumara: 29km - allow 3 hours
An easy ride packed with plenty of history and variety. Starting on the Greymouth oodwall,
riders are introduced to features and relics of the town’s industrial history, an historic “S”
railway bridge span, restored Signal Box, clocktower and wharf cranes.
The trail leads around the picturesque shing lagoon until it reaches the Tasman Sea. Riders can
pause at the mouth of the mighty Grey River, scene of many tragic shipwrecks, before following
the dramatic coastline south passing through old gold mining and timber milling sites and
towns.
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Take an extra couple of hours and visit Shantytown. The trail then follows an historic bush
tramway through impressive bush to the thriving former goldmining town of Kumara.
Kumara to Cowboy Paradise: 34km – allow 6 hours
The most challenging section but with views to die for, it’s well worth it! Ride beneath the
dramatic mountain landscapes of the Southern Alps, pass through old gold elds and follow
historic reservoirs, water races and old stage coach roads.
Enjoy the stunning scenery. This day has it all.
Cowboy Paradise to Hokitika: 36km – allow 4 hours
Relaxed riding with plenty of highlights along the way. Ride through a spectacular mountain
ringed valley and cruise through magni cent native forest. Discover one of New Zealand’s most
picturesque lakes – Kaniere. Linger here and take in the stunning natural beauty of the lake’s
setting before heading down the historic Kaniere Water Race and Tramline nally into Hokitika,
a town well worth exploring with its many art, craft and pounamu shops, heritage buildings and
sites, industrial heritage park, museum and driftwood strewn beach.
Hokitika to Ross: 33km – allow 4 hours
Easy riding with surprises around every corner. Experience the charm of the old gold mining
towns of Hokitika and Ross, cross amazing historic railway bridges and cycle through some of the
country’s most exceptional wetlands, home to rare native kotuku (white heron).
Experience all this with New Zealand’s highest mountains forming a stunning backdrop.
For more information visit the West Coast Wilderness Trail website .
Donations can be made directly into the Wilderness Trail Bank Account:
ANZ Account: 06 0845 0203192 00
Or via the Givealittle page: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/westcoastwildernesstrailtrust
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/west-coast-wilderness-trail/pdfPreview 3/54/27/2021 West Coast Wilderness Trail — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
Conditions:
Note: The West Coast is famous for its rain as well as its rainforest, but it does enjoy long ne
spells that are ideal for cycling, especially in Autumn and Winter. It’s best to check the
weather forecast before your trip and dress accordingly. During times of high rainfall there
are some fords between Kumara and Lake Kaniere that may not be safe to cross. These can
rise quickly and shouldn’t be crossed if they’re owing high and the alternative, marked, high
water route must be ridden.
MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: There are many areas of the trail where there is limited mobile
phone coverage, or none at all.
DRINKING WATER: Take a drink bottle with you as there are plenty of places to ll it up. You
can buy water at any of the overnight locations.
How to get here
State Highway 6 connects the West Coast from Nelson, through Westport, Greymouth, and
Hokitika onto the glaciers and through the Haast Pass to Otago.
State Highway 7 through the Lewis Pass and State Highway 73 through the Arthur's Pass provide
the east/west routes through the Southern Alps.
By road it is just 3 hours to Christchurch Airport.
The TranzAlpine Express train runs daily between Christchurch and Greymouth and takes
approximately four and a half hours.
Air, bus and rental car transport are also widely available.
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/west-coast-wilderness-trail/pdfPreview 4/54/27/2021 West Coast Wilderness Trail — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
Track Elevation and Map
Page last updated: Sep 8, 2020, 3:41 PM
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