Best Mountain Bike Trails in Takaka

Advanced

11.1m

386m

-430m

84h 15m

This is a very scenic and fun recreational ride that suits a variety of riders. While the main track is recreational in grade, there are lots of side loops, ramps, drops and log rides to keep more advanced riders happy too. About 1.5 - 2 hours of riding that does require a little bit of fitness and endurance at times.The Abel Tasman National Park encompasses this area, and the surroundings are picturesque and stunning with awesome views, native bush, caves and sink holes. If making the venture this far in, its well worth the short walk down to Harwoods Hole. The ride starts with a climb up to the start of the Rameka Track which branches off to the left, then carries on through a slightly rougher section to Wainui Saddle. Here the track breaks away to the right and follows the contour of the valley around and down through some clever creek crossings and fun flowy track. Eventually there is another climb to the top of the hill and a fun decent back to the road, and then back around to the carpark.

OPEN

Intermediate

9.4m

771m

-769m

69h 51m

Loop: Wainui – Gibbs Hill – Tōtaranui – Road back to WainuiDistance: 23 km Time: 5 hr (walking); 2 hr 30 min (biking)The circuit is easier to do in a clockwise direction to take advantage of the gentler uphill from Wainui to Gibbs Hill. From Wainui car park follow the Coast Track to the saddle and then turn right up the ridge towards Gibbs Hill. Continue south along the ridge and turn left towards Tōtaranui at the next intersection.Some sections of this track are steep and slippery in wet weather. It’s 10 km of track from Wainui to Tōtaranui. If biking use the Tōtaranui road for the 13km return to Wainui, walkers can return to Wainui via the Abel Tasman Coast Track.Tōtaranui - Gibbs Hill returnDistance: 9 kmFrom the Tōtaranui camp office, follow the avenue road and then Abel Tasman Coast Track past the Ngarata Homestead north towards Anapai. At 1.4 km just past the concrete bridge turn left at the start of the Gibbs Hill track. The track crosses a ford before a 3 km long uphill section begins which has steep sections. At the ridge and next intersection, turn right to Gibbs Hill. From the saddle you can follow a narrow track to the summit a few minutes walk away. Great views. Return the same way.

OPEN

Easy

4.5m

84m

-84m

44h 6m

This is an easy grade "Family" orientated loop. Not exactly a beginner loop, but still on the easy side with some great descending through some nice native stretches. There are two river crossings, so expect to come back with wet feet.Starting at the Harwood Carpark, start by following the track clockwise taking the left hand track when you go through the gate. The climb is up through grassy farm paddocks, and then around to the first creek crossing. you then follow down a farm road for a while before turning right into the bush and over the creek again.At this point you climb up a meandering trail through some pristine naive bush and come out onto a grassy top.A fast ride across the top and into the native bush again for a fun and windy ride back down to the carpark.

OPEN

Intermediate

2.9m

201m

-377m

16h 42m

This great addition to the Rameka Experience has been built by the volunteers and helpers of Project Rameka in conjunction with the Golden Bay MTB Club. This is the start of a planned network of trails in the area. Great Expectations takes you down to Rameka Creek 3.5km's from Pack Track.

Advanced

45.7m

6823m

-7240m

599h 3m

You can mountain bike the the Heaphy Track in the winter season from 1 May to 31 November.Most people ride the trail from east to west as the Mackay-Lewis downhill is more fun. See Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides (South Island) by the Kennett Brothers for a good mountain bikers description of the trail and what to expect.There are plenty of shuttle options for either end of the trail. To find them, a quick internet search or contact the Nelson, Golden Bay or Westport Information Centres. Some will no doubt be listed below in the links section. The Heaphy Track is a tough ride and you need to be prepared. See the Department of Conservations Heaphy Track webpage for more info: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/kahurangi-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/heaphy-track/BROWN HUT TO PERRY SADDLE HUT:Time: 2 hr 30 min–3 hr 30 minDistance: 17.5 kmThe ride starts with a gentle steady climb, passing Aorere Shelter and winding up to 890 metres through beech forest to Perry Saddle Hut.PERRY SADDLE HUT TO SAXON HUT:Time: 2–3 hrDistance: 12.4 kmA mainly downhill ride to Gouland Downs on a wide, well formed track. Initially the track is quite steep with technical stony sections and deep streams.Roughly halfway is Gouland Downs Hut; from here it’s 5.4 km to Saxon Hut.SAXON HUT TO JAMES MACKAY HUT:Time: 2–3 hrDistance: 11.8 kmBoardwalks and a well formed single track climb to James Mackay Hut with its spectacular view of the Heaphy River and West Coast. Look out for Powelliphanta snails on this section.JAMES MACKAY HUT TO LEWIS HUT:Time: 1–2 hrDistance: 12.5 kmThis section is technical but an invigorating descent to Lewis Hut.The track is rocky, rutted and soft in places; get off your bike and walk these soft, muddy sections to avoid damage to the track or yourself.Control your speed and be aware of people approaching.LEWIS HUT TO HEAPHY HUT:Time: 1.5 hr–2.5 hrDistance: 8 kmThere are a number of suspension and swing bridges on this section.The suspension bridges are ride-able, or alternatively use the approved MTB swing bridge crossing method: flip your bike on its back with the rear wheel angled away from you at 45 degrees; with the stem in one hand move yourself by gripping the top wire with your other hand.Flooding occurs over the track in the lower Heaphy Valley and can reach up to 1.5 m depth. Be prepared to wait or return to Lewis Hut until it’s safe to continue.Avoid further damage to this part of the track by walking your bike through the muddy sections.Look out for Powelliphanta snails in the Heaphy Valley and around Heaphy Hut.HEAPHY HUT TO KOHAIHAI SHELTER:Time: 3–4 hrDistance: 16.2 kmThis spectacular coastal section of track weaves in and out of nīkau palms and native bush on one side and the roaring Tasman Sea on the other; it’s a highlight of the Heaphy Track and a great way to finish the ride.Look out for Powelliphanta snails on the track around Katipo Creek.

Very difficult

8.2m

74m

-809m

110h 49m

This challenging single track in Golden Bay is one of the region's best. The epic 44 km return track has a whopping 58 switchbacks with an overall climb of 1,820 metres - it's certainly a challenge, but those who conquer it give it rave reviews.The Kill Devil Track is signposted from the Uruwhenua Road. You'll follow a gravel road along with the cows through some farmland before entering a forestry block. Sign the intention book at the start of the track and get ready for an epic ride. The farm road turns to single track and the real Kill Devil Track begins.Without a doubt, the most challenging aspect of this ride is the climb up Kill Devil Spur. Don't say we didn't warn you - you'll face 58 (or is it 57?) switchbacks over 800 metres of climbing. The miners who build the track knew what they were doing and the track is quite well graded. You'll climb along a grassy terrace before entering the bush. The beech forest thickens about the same time the grade gets a bit more challenging.The switchbacks range from smooth, to rocky, to erosion prone with large rocks. Your balance will certainly be tested over the course of the climb. Many of the tight corners are smooth in the approach so you can get a bit of momentum. Inevitably you'll be off the saddle (some more than others) - especially in the last half of the climb where the switchbacks are quite eroded. Expect the climb to the ridge to take between 1.5 - 2.5 hours.Just before you reach the summit, you'll reach a signposted stream. Fill up your water bottle or CamelBack as this is one of two reliable water sources on the track. Just past the stream the view opens up and there is a great spot for a refuel. The vies are superb - stretching all the way from Abel Tasman National Park to Devil River Peak and the Devil Range.The ride along the ridge is fantastic - a mix of technical sections with fast, smooth and open sections make for a great 6 km ride. A couple gnarly, rocky descents down a tight ridge will ultimately drop you at the turnoff to Riordans Hut. You'll have to hop off your bike for the first 100 or so metres but after this it's all rideable. The hut has been refurbished, has big open fireplace and offers up some fantastic views. It's a great place to stay for the night.After passing Riordans Hut you enter the Kahurangi National Park. While this is typically out-of-bounds as far as mountain bikes go, DOC has allowed a three year trial period and you can ride all the way to Waingaro Forks Hut. The ride to the Waingaro Forks Hut is fast and downhill with more rocky and technical switchbacks.Be prepared for weather to come in quickly as much of the ridge is quite exposed. The ride down is an absolute rush though and just as challenging in reverse on the 58 switchbacks.

Very difficult

6.6m

620m

-220m

146h

On the Lockett Range the track is characterised by rough rocky sections mixed with short lengths of smooth packed dirt. The track is generally well drained and follows a mixture of moderate to steep gradient along the ridge top. It's a technically challenging ride for an experienced mountain biker with a high level of fitness.Mountain bikes ares not allowed into any huts or shelters, beyond the Waingaro Forks Hut, or off the formed and designated route. E-bikes are not permitted on the trail.Be courteous to other trail users, and respect the mountain bikers code.