The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail — Ngā Ara Tūhono — is one of New Zealand’s 23 official Great Rides, stretching 217km from the volcanic slopes of Mount Ruapehu all the way to Castlecliff Beach in Whanganui. The trail takes 3 to 5 days to complete and passes through some of the most dramatic and culturally significant landscapes in the central North Island: alpine tussock descents, the old coaching road through Ohakune forest, remote valleys of Whanganui National Park, the Bridge to Nowhere, and the historic Whanganui River corridor. A jet boat section on the Whanganui River — from Whakahoro down to Pipiriki — is built into the trail, making it one of New Zealand’s most adventurous multi-day rides. For visitors based in Whanganui, the final sections — the River Road from Pipiriki to the city and the sealed pathway to Castlecliff — are rideable as a rewarding stand-alone day trip.
Practical Information
| Start | Turoa Ski Field or Ohakune, Mount Ruapehu |
| End | Castlecliff Beach, Whanganui |
| Total distance | 217km (including approx 32km jet boat on the Whanganui River) |
| Duration | 3–5 days |
| Grade | Grade 3–4 overall; some Grade 2 sections |
| Surface | Mix of singletrack, gravel road, sealed road, and forest track |
| Jet boat transfer | Whakahoro to Pipiriki — booking required |
| Bike type | Hardtail or gravel bike recommended |
| Best months | November–April |
| Cost | Trail free; jet boat and accommodation are separate costs |
About the Trail
The trail begins above the treeline on Mount Ruapehu and drops through technically varied terrain before reaching the Whanganui River system. The Ohakune Old Coach Road — a smooth forest track through regenerating bush — is an early highlight, passing old viaducts and remnants of the original roadway. From National Park village, the trail heads south via forest tracks into Whanganui National Park backcountry.
The most remote section runs through the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka valleys, where DOC huts and basic campsites are the only facilities. This is genuine wilderness cycling with no food, no phone coverage, and no bail-out options once committed. The Bridge to Nowhere — a concrete bridge built in the 1930s for a farming settlement that was abandoned after WWII — sits deep in the bush here, with no road on either side.
The Whanganui River jet boat from Whakahoro to Pipiriki threads through the gorge and stops at historic sites including Jerusalem (Hiruharama), where a Catholic mission established in the 1850s still operates. From Pipiriki, the trail continues along the Whanganui River Road — mix of sealed and gravel — down to Whanganui city, then out along the shared pathway to Castlecliff Beach.
Food and accommodation are available in Ohakune, National Park village, and Whanganui, but much of the middle section of the trail passes through remote country with no resupply. Most riders book shuttle and accommodation packages through operators based in Ohakune or Whanganui.
Where to Learn More
mountainstosea.nz — Official Trail Website — route maps, GPS downloads, accommodation listings, shuttle operators, and day-by-day itinerary planning for the full trail.
New Zealand Cycle Trail — Mountains to Sea — the official NZ Cycle Trail listing with overview information, grade ratings, and links to operators and transport options.
DOC — Whanganui National Park — Department of Conservation information on the national park sections, including hut bookings and track conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail?
217km in total, including a 32km jet boat section on the Whanganui River from Whakahoro to Pipiriki.
How many days does it take?
Most riders complete it in 3 to 5 days. A 4-day itinerary is most common; a more relaxed 5-day option is also available.
What grade is the trail?
Grade 3–4 overall, with some easier Grade 2 sections. It includes technical singletrack, remote backcountry riding, and gravel road.
Do I need to book the jet boat in advance?
Yes — the jet boat from Whakahoro to Pipiriki should be booked ahead, especially in summer. Check mountainstosea.nz for approved operators.
What bike should I use?
A hardtail mountain bike or gravel bike is recommended. Full suspension is not required but some riders prefer it for the technical backcountry sections.
Can I ride just part of the trail?
Yes. The Whanganui River Road section and the City to North Mole pathway to Castlecliff are both rideable as stand-alone day trips from Whanganui.
Is there food and accommodation along the trail?
In towns — yes. In the remote backcountry sections — no. Plan food carefully and book DOC huts in advance for the national park sections.
When is the best time to ride?
November to April. The alpine start is affected by snow in winter, and heavy rain can make gravel sections difficult at any time of year.
For more cycling in the Whanganui area, see Cycling Tracks in Whanganui. The Whanganui River Road Cycle Route covers the final river section of the trail in detail.
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