Wild Coast Track Mountain Bike Trail

The Wild Coast Track is part of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, one of the national cycle trails. The track may be cycled and traverses the rugged Turakirae coast between Ocean Beach and the Orongorongo River.The track is more suited to mountain bike or expedition style touring cycles. It crosses numerous rough or sandy sections. Expect to walk some sections especially if carrying loaded panniers.From the campsite at Corner Creek, continue south following the unsealed coastal road. After 1 km the road starts to climb to traverse a number of steep slip faces and becomes unsuitable for motorised vehicles.Walkers and cycle trail users may proceed, taking caution to keep to the inside of the road and keeping away from washed out edges.After approximately 1 km the old road drops back to the beach, passes though a gate and enters private land at Mukamuka. Note that this is a working farm and you must keep to the trail. Stock and farm vehicles may be present. Shortly after the gate you round a headland and reach the Mukamuka Stream valley. Ford the steam (do not cross if in flood) and continue south across the terrace. Approximately 500 m south of the stream, the old road drops back to the beach. At this point the trail veers right and follows the blue marker poles higher up the grassy slope.After 1 km the trail drops to beach level again and there are a number of pleasant areas for camping. Open fires are not permitted, so bring a camping stove for cooking. Stock graze here so water should be treated.From here to Windy Point the trail crosses sections of beach and bikes may have to be pushed especially if carrying loaded panniers.Continue south, fording the MukaMukaiti (Little Mukamuka) stream. There are more informal camping spots on the terraces on the southern side of the stream, back from the beach. This is the last opportunity for camping before the end of the Wild Coast Trail. At Windy Point the trail enters another section of private land and bikes need to be passed through a large metal gate. Approximately 1 km south of Windy Point the trail crosses three large stream shingle fans.These fans are quite dynamic and the marked trail may have numerous washouts at the stream crossings. Take care crossing this area, if in doubt walk rough sections and do not attempt to cross if streams are in flood. Once over the shingle fans, pass through the cycle grate and continue south on the farm track. Once again be aware you are in a working farm, stock and farm vehicles may be present and stay to the marked track.From here the riding is easier and after another 1 km on you pass Barny's whare (private) on the right. Continue south for approximately another 2 km to a marked junction. Here the trail leaves the main farm track and heads toward the coast into Turakirae Scientific Reserve. Follow the blue marker poles through the reserve.Further on you will pass a marked junction pointing to the seal colony at Turakirae Head. The main trail continues on to the reserve boundary. Pass through the grate and follow the trail on the seaward side of the farm fence until you reach the Orongorongo River car park and the Coast Road.Know before you go:The track crosses a number of working farms where stock and farm vehicles may be present.Some sections of the track across the Katomu Stream fan may be too rough to ride. There are also sandy sections around Mukamukaiti stream. If biking, expect to walk short sections.The area is remote and exposed to the weather with little or no cell phone coverage. Take suitable clothing, spare parts for the bike and a first aid kit.