Creating Your Dream Itinerary

Getting Started

So many trails to explore, and a variety of grades from relatively easy to more challenging - plus a vast area to cover - make the most of these tips to plan your ride ?

First up, consider the following:

How much time do you have to spend?
How are you travelling into the area and from where?
What level of riding are you at?
What kind of accomodation do you prefer?
Are you looking for a journey - or do you want to hub and spoke your rides with the same bed each night?
Do you need luggage transport support?
Are you a self sufficient planner or do you want a one stop shop organiser?

We've got lots of options here to help - and if you get stuck the team at our local i-Sites are always happy to assist.

Each trail is colour coded and kilometre markers help you navigate each section.

Getting Here

Stretching from the centre of Te Ika a Maui (The North Island), to the West gives a range of great choices.

Fly into Whanganui on Air Chatams - taking the hassle and stress out of escaping from the city.

Daily flights from Auckland connect you to a range of other regional hubs. Experience the personality and personal service that comes with this little airline that can.

The team from Whanganui Mail Tours or any of our other Shuttle partners can whisk you, your bikes and gear to Ruapehu if you are starting your journey there.

Take a train - three days a week, the Northern explorer offers services from Wellington and Auckland to National Park Village and Ohakune. Book your bike and you on board and sit back and relax.

Drive to your choice of start/hub location and let our great shuttle partners take care of the logistics from there.

Bike - the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono is part of the popular Tour Aotearoa bikepacking route. For those riding down the Timber Trail, you can connect via the Heartland ride to Oio Road and beyond.

Let the locals organise your trip

Our team at the i-Sites are local and pull together great itineraries for our trails regularly. Given them a brief of where you want to go, want you want to achieve and let them take care of you from beginning to finale such an easy way to plan your ride.

Make the most of our Official Partners

All our business partners can work together to make your journey complete. From shuttles, accomodation, support services and more - simply head to our organise page and go from there.

Itinerary Ideas and Tips

The Classic Experience (4 - 6 days)

Turoa to the Tasman via Ruatiti | 231kms

Section One

Consider the downhill ride from Tūroa down Ohakune Mountain Road – or head out and discover Ohakune Old Coach Road. (Shuttle options for both)

Depending on your timing, ride up the Ruatiti Valley and camp or lodge stay

(Alternatively get a shuttle from Ohakune to the start of the Mangapurua for a shorter trip.)

Section Two

Ride the Mangapurua, with pick up by jetboat and head towards Tieke or Pipiriki.

Alternatively keep heading down Whanganui River Road.

Section Three

Ride the Whanganui River Road from Pipiriki– and enjoy the history and mostly easy riding along the way. (a stop at Matahiwi café is definitely worth it)

Accommodation options along the river

Must stop places on the way include St Josephs Church and Convent at Hiruharama, the Kawana Flour Mill and Matahiwi Gallery and Café (only café on the river road)

Section Four

Final day – continue riding along Whanganui River Road and make the most of the views at the top of Gentle Annie.

Ride down the hill to the junction of SH4 (there are some great info panels here) and turn right onwards to Upokongaro.

There are two great café options at Upokongaro

Heading over the brand new cycle bridge into Whanganui, you are spoilt for choice for accommodation, cafes and Whanganui town fun as you ride to the final point on the trail at North Mole (Castlecliff)

Shuttle back to Ohakune if required – or Air Chatams offers direct flights to Auckland.

When you have completed your trip – we would love to hear your feedback (and this supports the trail too).

The Adventure Ride (4-6 Days )

Turoa or National Park Village to the Tasman Sea via the Kaiwhakauka | 296kms

Section One (One or two days)

Start at Ohakune and do the first two sections (Ohakune Mountain Road and Ohakune Old Coach Road) before getting a shuttle transfer to National Park Village or if you're short on time start your journey directly from National Park Village.

Ride Fishers Track to Kaitieke and head up to Whakahoro via Oio Road (a great gravel ride).

Stay at Blue Duck Station

Section Two (One Day)

Tackle the Kaiwhakauka and onto the Mangapurua. Don't forget to pre book your jetboat and check the Trail Status.

Pick up by jetboat and head towards Tieke or Pipiriki.
Alternatively keep heading down Whanganui River Road.

Section Three (Take your time one to two days)
Ride the Whanganui River Road from Pipiriki– and enjoy the history and mostly easy riding along the way. (a stop at Matahiwi café is definitely worth it)
Accommodation options along the river
Must stop places on the way include St Josephs Church and Convent at Hiruharama, the Kawana Flour Mill and Matahiwi Gallery and Café (only café on the river road)

Section Four
Final day – continue riding along Whanganui River Road and make the most of the views at the top of Gentle Annie.
Ride down the hill to the junction of SH4 (there are some great info panels here) and turn right onwards to Upokongaro.
There are two great café options at Upokongaro
Heading over the brand new cycle bridge into Whanganui, you are spoilt for choice for accommodation, cafes and Whanganui town fun as you ride to the final point on the trail at North Mole (Castlecliff)
Shuttle back to Ohakune if required – or Air Chatams offers direct flights to Auckland.
When you have completed your trip – we would love to hear your feedback (and this supports the trail too).