Adventure Magazine Issue 220

Old Coach Road Trail - Image compliments of Visit Ruapehu
Bikers on the Mountain to Sea Trail - Image compliments of Visit Ruapehu
From Ohakune:
11. Lakes Reserve (1.6km loop)
Grade 1 (great for families)
An easy loop ride that takes you
around Lakes Reserve a short ride from
Ohakune.
12. Old Coach Road (15km one way)
Grade 2
2-4 hours one way
Follow the old coach road that joins the
two railheads of the never completed
Northern Trunk Line in the 1900’s. The
trail goes through farmland, native
forest and across historic viaducts and
tunnels. See the information centre in
Ohakune for shuttle services to the start
and you'll be able to bike back to the
centre of Ohakune. The trail is varied
and scenic with plenty of historical
landmarks to break up the journey.
You'll can finish off at the famed
Powderkeg, a great place to reward
yourself with a drink for your efforts.
13. Rangataua Loop Track (18.7km)
Grade 2-3
Beautiful views of Ohakune and some
beautiful New Zealand farms including
great views of Mt Ruapehu along most
of Ratamaire Road! The ride uses
sealed roads and unsealed farm roads.
14. Ruatiti Road and Middle Road
(45km)
Grade 3
3-5 hours one way
This gravel road is the link between
the Ohakune Old Coach Road at
Horopito and the Mangapurua Track
which leads to the Whanganui
National Park. Start at Horopito, just
out from Ohakune, and follow the road
alongside the Manganu-o-te-ao River
to a great free camping and picnic
spot in the Ruatiti Domain. Usually
completed as part of the Mountains
to Sea track but can be done alone.
Mainly downhill, however there are
some steep climbs towards the end.
Multi Day Trips:
15. Mountains to Sea (297km)
Grade 2-3 (easy to intermediate) Plus
one section of advanced terrain.
1-6 days
This trail takes you from the fringes
of Mt Ruapehu to the coastal town of
Whanganui, through alpine mountains
and native forest. The track uses local
biking tails, public roads and even a
jet boat ride. You can choose to do
sections of the track or the whole trail.
There is plenty to see and great places
to stop along the way.
14
15
2
7
8
9
10
12
11
13
Grading system:
Grade 1-2 = Easy: Flat. Few obstacles.
Grade 2-3 = Intermediate: Moderately
steep. Uneven terrain with some
obstacles.
Grade 3-4 = Advanced: Some technical
terrain and limited alternate lines.
Grade 4-5 = Expert: Mostly technical
terrain. Advanced features with no
alternate routes
Terrain Park: With multiple rides and
trails.
5
3
4
1
6
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