Mountain Bike Trails in Whanganui National Park

Kaiwhakauka Track

Whakahoro to Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Track junction Whakahoro to Whanganui National Park Boundary Time: 2 hr walking, 1 hr cycling Distance: 5.5 km Follow the Kaiwhakauka Track along a farm road through Rētaruke Station (private land), following the true right of the Kaiwhakauka Stream to the large stock and pedestrian bridge. Off to the right is the original depot where deliveries from riverboats were stored for the settlers. The track leads up the valley through a mixture of regenerating bush and farmland to the Whanganui National Park boundary. Care should be taken to leave gates as found and not to disturb stock. Whakahoro Campsite Whakahoro Campsite Category: Great Walk Facilities: 36 non-powered / tent sites, boat launching, non-powered/tent sites, shelter for cooking, toilets - non-flush, water from tap - not treated, boil before use, wheelchair accessible with assistance Bookings required Whanganui National Park boundary to Mosley’sTime:1 hr 30 min walking,45 min cycling Distance: 4.4 km Walking from the park boundary you come to the old Mosley homestead site near the Waione Stream. The open clearing here lends itself well to camping. A shelter with water and a toilet is located here. Mosley’s to Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka junction Time: 2 hr 30 min walking, 1 hr 15 min cycling Distance: 5.7 km The track continues towards Cootes’ homestead (private land), crossing many small bridged side streams with only a few small open flats. The old Tobin homestead, which is marked by an old chimney stack, can be seen on the right of the track. From here the steep climb to the junction passes through relatively undisturbed mixed tawa/podocarp forest for about 3.2 km to reach the junction of the old Kaiwhakauka and Mangapurua roads. Ruatītī Road end to Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka junction Time: 4 hr 30 min walking, 2 hr cycling Distance: 10.8 km Accessed from Ruatītī Road, the track climbs gently from the gate at the road end through private farmland, regenerating scrub and pockets of native bush. As you climb into hill country there are stunning views of the Tongariro National Park to the east. A carved tōtara pou has been erected at the track junction to symbolise the ngahere (forest) and provide spiritual and cultural safety for visitors. The pou also pays tribute to the settlers of the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Valleys. Source: Department Of Conservation This old tramping track has been upgraded as part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, and now provides a stunning alternative route to the Bridge to Nowhere ride. Consists of 50% old 4WD tracks and 50% single track after you pass into the Whanganui National Park.

Mangapurua Track (Bridge To Nowhere Walk)

Classic NZ wilderness ride. The Mangapurua track is actually very straightforward - the first approx 25km is 4wd/ATV road with a steady gradient. Remainder of the track is undemanding Grade 3 singletrack. Bluff areas have been widened with safety fences (although the nature of the papa bluffs means there will from time to time be areas of rock fall and fritter) However, if the trail is wet, the papa mud can be very slippery. E-bike users should note that the narrow bridges require you to be able to lift your bike, as does the transfer onto the jetboats at the Mangapurua Landing. Can be ridden in 3 hours at pace, or 4.5 hours if stopping to enjoy views and read interpretations (non-ebike, includes lunch stop at the summit). Total climb finishing at the Bridge to Nowhere end is only 600m. Out and back in the same day is totally doable in the dry. Times will be considerably longer in the wet due to the clay surface. Only cell reception is at the summit. Consider taking a PLB.This is a section of the Mountains to Sea - Nga Ara Tūhono trails. Full information including trail status updates, trail guide and connections to be found at https://www.mountainstosea.nz/mangapurua-track/.