West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail
Now's the time to discover the last of the wild places and spin a yarn or two of your own, with one of the country's smoothest and most accessible cycle trails.
The Trail
The West Coast Wilderness Trail showcases some of the most outstanding scenery on the South Island’s West Coast with a diversity of landscapes second to none. Vast driftwood strewn beaches, virgin rain forests, snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers, lakes and wetlands, and scenic reserves home to special flora and fauna. Riders will journey through historic gold mining sites, along early bush tram tracks and over former railway bridges. Enjoy some classic West Coast hospitality, visitor attractions, cafés, accommodation and shopping along the way.
One of the premier Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Rides, this 132km trail can be ridden in either direction starting in Greymouth or Ross. Rated Grade 2 Easy, people of all ages and abilities enjoy the trail. Immerse yourself in the full four day experience or choose from one of the stunning half or full day rides. With the West Coast’s moderate climate this trail is suitable for winter riding with an extra layer of clothing.
Flanked by the stunning panoramas of the Southern Alps to the East and the Tasman Sea to the West, the West Coast Wilderness Trail is a unique and memorable experience.
For more information to help with planning your ride and for booking assistance please check out the following:
The official website: www.westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nz
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastWildernessTrail
Official Guide Book: https://www.westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nz/merchandise
Riding the Trail
Greymouth to Kumara - 29km - allow 3 hour
An easy ride packed with plenty of history and variety. Starting on the Greymouth floodwall, riders are introduced to features and relics of the town’s industrial history, an historic “S” railway bridge span, restored Signal Box, clocktower and wharf cranes. The trail leads around the picturesque fishing lagoon until it reaches the Tasman Sea. Riders can pause at the mouth of the mighty Grey River, scene of many tragic shipwrecks, before following the dramatic coastline south passing through old gold mining and timber milling sites and towns. Take an extra couple of hours and visit Shantytown. The trail then follows an historic bush tramway through impressive bush to the thriving former goldmining town of Kumara.
Kumara to Cowboy Paradise - 34km – allow 6 hours
The most challenging section but with views to die for, it’s well worth it! Ride beneath the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Southern Alps, pass through old goldfields and follow historic reservoirs, water races and old stage coach roads. Enjoy the stunning scenery. This day has it all.
Cowboy Paradise to Hokitika – 36km – allow 4 hours
Relaxed riding with plenty of highlights along the way. Ride through a spectacular mountain ringed valley and cruise through magnificent native forest. Discover one of New Zealand’s most picturesque lakes – Kaniere. Linger here and take in the stunning natural beauty of the lake’s setting before heading down the historic Kaniere Water Race and Tramline finally into Hokitika, a town well worth exploring with its many art, craft and pounamu shops, heritage buildings and sites, industrial heritage park, museum and driftwood strewn beach.
Hokitika to Ross – 33km – allow 4 hours
Easy riding with surprises around every corner. Experience the charm of the old gold mining towns of Hokitika and Ross, cross amazing historic railway bridges and cycle through some of the country’s most exceptional wetlands, home to rare native kotuku (white heron). Experience all this with New Zealand’s highest mountains forming a stunning backdrop.