Last updated October 2026
The last leg of the Mountains to Sea Great Ride starts in the river village of Upokongaro and ends 19 km later on the black sand at North Mole.
Upokongaro to the Tasman Sea is graded 3 (intermediate) by Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail, takes about 1 to 2 hours, and the trail’s own site says it suits most abilities and fitness levels, including family groups.
From the village you duck through the road underpass, cross the curved 130 m cycle and walking bridge over the Whanganui River, and follow the Papaiti Road cycle path beside the river to the Dublin Street Bridge, before a riverside path, boardwalk and backstreets take you through the city to Castlecliff. It is mostly off-road on paved cycle paths, with some urban streets.
Practical Information
- Start
- Upokongaro village, via the road underpass and cycle bridge
- Finish
- North Mole, Castlecliff
- Length
- 19 km one way
- Riding time
- 1 to 2 hours
- Grade
- Grade 3 (intermediate)
- Surface
- Mostly paved off-road cycle paths and boardwalk, with some urban streets and a short state highway section
- Bikes
- Mountain bikes, hybrids, touring bikes and e-bikes all suitable
- Toilets
- Several in Whanganui, including at the i-SITE
- Access
- Free, public cycle trail
- Status
- Check the Mountains to Sea trail status page for current closures before you ride
About Upokongaro to the Tasman Sea
For riders finishing the whole Great Ride, this is the victory lap after days in the backcountry. For everyone else, it is the easiest way to ride a piece of Mountains to Sea from town. The trail joins the Whanganui River Road at Upokongaro, so it is also where the river road riders reach the end of their long day.
The section owes its shape to the Upokongaro cycle bridge. Whanganui District Council said in 2018 that the purpose-built cycle and walking bridge would move riders “off the busiest part of the current route” onto quieter trails across the river, and create “an easily accessible, flat, cycle-friendly day ride to Upokongaro”.
The bridge and the off-road cycleway that continues to the 50 km/h limit on the Aramoho side were projected to cost $2.54 million, with NZTA paying half, $600,000 from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the rest from the council. The bridge opened in December 2020.
Along the way you pass rural land and quiet neighbourhoods on Papaiti Road, and the trail’s site points to the city’s galleries, specialty glass workshops, cafés and heritage architecture.
The Route
Upokongaro to the Dublin Street Bridge
From Upokongaro, take the road underpass and cross the cycle bridge, then follow the Papaiti Road cycle path along the river. The trail’s site warns there is a short state highway section where you need to take extra care. The Dublin Street Bridge is one of three road bridges joining the two sides of the city.
Through the City
Cross to the city side and ride through the city centre, where the trail uses a boardwalk and urban streets. The Whanganui i-SITE visitor centre is one of the places with public toilets.
Out to North Mole
From the city centre, the route follows salt-tinged backstreets out to Castlecliff, finishing at North Mole, a driftwood-strewn black-sand beach on the north side of the river breakwater. The trail’s site says the route is well signposted, and staying close to the river helps you keep on track.
When to Ride
It can be ridden all year. In summer, the trail’s site suggests starting early: an onshore breeze often picks up in the afternoon, and an early start gives you a better chance of a tailwind back into the city.
Where to Learn More
Mountains to Sea: Upokongaro to the Tasman Sea: route notes, facilities and tips for this section.
Mountains to Sea: Trail status: check this section and the rest of the Great Ride before you go.
Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail: Mountains to Sea: distances, grades and times for every section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Upokongaro to the Tasman Sea?
19 km from Upokongaro to North Mole, about 1 to 2 hours of riding.
Is it suitable for families?
The trail’s site says it suits most abilities and fitness levels, including family groups. NZ Cycle Trail grades it 3 (intermediate), and there is some road riding, including a short state highway section.
When did the Upokongaro cycle bridge open?
In December 2020. It is 130 m long and curved.
Do I need a mountain bike?
No. Mountain bikes, hybrids, touring bikes and e-bikes are all suitable.
Is any of it on the road?
Yes: a short state highway section, plus urban streets and backstreets through the city to Castlecliff.
Where are the toilets?
There are several public toilets in Whanganui, including at the i-SITE.
Is there a shuttle?
The trail’s site says shuttle transport is available from Whanganui. If you only want the coastal end, NZ Cycle Trail suggests an easy 14 km return ride from the CBD to North Mole.
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