33km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–5 hours.
If you're doing the whole shebang, sheesh, bloody good job - you're on the home stretch!
Start the day by crossing the Hokitika Bridge (yep - a very snazzy little view). Then meander along Mahinapua Creek, past the Hokitika Golf Links, until you join the state highway. Stay on this for 3 km, then turn off onto the historic Mahinapua Tramline.
This'll take you through wetlands, native forest and old mill sites, and give you some cracking views of Lake Mahinapua. You'll then follow a rural road past the West Coast Treetop Walkway (well worth a looksie), before taking the State Highway west to Ruatapu.
Fittingly, the final section of the trail is a little corker! You'll get a look at Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. As the Totara Bridge is closed you then have the option of riding down the historic Ross rail route to the Totara Bridge (built in 1908) and back. Alternatively you can head from the Rimu Ruatapu Road down State Highway 6 to Ross.
In the historic goldfields of Ross, where you can jump up and down and give yourself a good pat on the back. Or you can hobble off for a nice cold beverage.
Today's cycling is an easy journey, suitable for cyclists of all ages.
One of New Zealand’s most iconic and beloved historic hotels tucked between the beach and serene Lake Mahinapua. Stay, enjoy direct beach and lake access, lockable bike racks and our onsite Bar & Eating House. Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Unwind in our shared spa pool & outdoor shower facility.
Escape Adventures has been operating since 1999 both in New Zealand and many amazing countries around the world.
All our cycle tours are led by our own wonderful Escape leaders who each bring their own unique characteristics but share our philosophies and understand your needs.Our personalized groups are small enough to integrate into local communities without taking over.
New Zealand’s premier cycle tour company offering premium quality all-inclusive cycle tours with the best bikes, accommodation and restaurants, full vehicle-support and personal service. We aim to exceed your expectations and provide the best possible experience of the trails.
Pacific Cycle Tours is a family-owned and operated New Zealand tour company, providing outstanding cycling tours for the past 25 years. We specialise in small group, quality, multi-day, multi-trail E bike tours. An unforgettable adventure, designed for you.
The only mobile app designed for the NZ Great Rides and a national partner of the NZ Cycle Trail.
Working offline it offers GPS tracking, over 1,500+ pages of maps, photos and trail section descriptions
The app includes the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Download it free today!
App Store - https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/great-rides/id1181203029?mt=8%20
Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app906&hl=en%20
A stunning renovation of Hokitika Fire Station has created five spacious apartments. Beautifully finished with luxury touches, each has a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom, access to an outdoor area with fireplace, full laundry facilities & bike storage.
Our team know the trail and the West Coast thoroughly. We can provide advice and book your entire trip and experience from accommodation and transportation to bike hire, shuttles and activities.
Opened in January 2019, just a 15-minute walk to Hokitika's town centre and beach, we offer self-catering and serviced accommodation options, spacious grounds and modern, large facilities. With a bike washing station, secure bike lock-up, help arranging bike repairs we are the place to base yourself for your Wilderness and wider West Coast holiday.
This old authentic Kiwi country pub with bar and restaurant is only a 5 minute drive from Hokitika township. Open from 3:30 till late most nights, 7 days. Happy Hour and Jam Music Night on Thursdays. Sunday Roast. Twin, queen and bunk rooms available at very reasonable prices. Free Wifi for guests and customers in the bar.
Kiwi Journeys are your trusted cycle tour operator specialising in self-guided and supported tours on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. We offer everything you need to enjoy these top Great Rides – from bike hire, transport and accommodation, to personal advice and insider tips.
'History . . . With a Touch of Class' – Originally the home and medical rooms of renowned mountaineer, photographer and conservationist Dr Ebenezer Teichelmann, this beautifully restored heritage building in the heart of the Hokitika CBD offers comfortable boutique accommodation with delightfully appointed ensuite rooms, including a spa bath ensuite Garden Cottage. Experienced kiwi hosts Frances and Brian offer friendly, informal hospitality with a substantial breakfast all at a moderate tariff.
Located in the heart of Hokitika, all our yummy food is baked in a traditional big stone oven. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea served with great coffee, tea, milkshakes and a large variety of chilled drinks including beer and wine. Order a packed lunch to take on your ride. You'll be greeted by friendly staff and a great menu.
Friendly, comfortable, relaxing accommodation. Just one block from the Wilderness Trail and a short walk from Hokitika's restaurants, shops and other attractions. With 12 modern spacious ground floor units, all with full cooking facilities, Sky Guest Select 50+ channels and free unlimited wifi, we are the ideal base for your Wilderness Trail experience.
Discover more of the Coast while on your Wilderness Trail experience. The Hokitika Gorge, Punakaiki, the Glaciers – whatever you want to see and do. We will pick-up and deliver back to your location. Pick-up and drop-off anywhere within the Hokitika or Greymouth area is also available by arrangement. Group discounts available and we hold a DOC concession.
Located just 3 minutes from Hokitika township and set on an historical, elevated terrace amid pristine countryside. Stations Inn offers luxury accommodation and an award winning restaurant offering a la carte dining complemented by an exclusive range of quality wine & beer. Surrounded by majestic views of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, capturing breathtaking sunsets.
Bike Storage shed available.
Seriously good coffee and a wide variety of food for all dietary needs prepared daily on our premises. Packed lunches on request. NZ craft wine, beer and ciders available. A dedicated cheese room has a boutique selection of New Zealand cheeses and gourmet foods. Live bee display with honey for sale.
... our cycling tours are designed for women, guided by women, loved by women Cycling with a twist - our tours are truly special! After three days of cycling, we take you to one of the last little secret spots on the coast for an unforgettable kayaking and walking experience. Our accommodation is all about comfort and charm. Our prices are all-inclusive.
Cycle Journeys provides you with a one stop service when planning your ride on the Wilderness Trail. Choose your bike hire from our fleet of over 200 bikes (including more than 30 E-Bikes), luggage transfer, accommodation bookings, shuttle to the start and finish of the trail. We can even arrange group transport from Christchurch.
If you're interested in early engineering, and things mechanical, a visit to this attraction is a must. View the park's large collection of historic industrial equipment, including early engines, fire appliances, horse drawn vehicles, tractors, trucks, large range of old chainsaws and other logging equipment, historic wooden boats, printing presses, photographic equipment and much much more. Large operational Ruston Hornsby engines, a giant Blackstone engine, a Mirrlees diesel engine and one of New Zealand's last stage coaches to be used in regular service are amongst the features. A narrow gauge railway is also under construction. Meet and chat with the members as they undertake their restoration work.
Open: Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Wednesday 10 am to 5 pm. Other days opened by request.
At Natural High we believe exploring New Zealand by bicycle is the best way to truly experience this remarkable country.
Whether you're looking for bike rental for a weekend or a grand cycle tour of the whole country, someone in our Auckland or Christchurch branches will talk you through all your options, and give you the best possible advice. Contact us for all your bike hire, accessories, touring and group tour needs nationwide.
Roughan Chiropractic offers modern chiropractic and advanced natural wellness care for all cyclists. Don't let joint restriction or pain prevent you from getting the most enjoyment from cycling the trail. Make the most of your time on the saddle, with healthy spinal function and hip and knee flexibility. Roughan Chiropractic also stock a wide range of nutritional supplements, and vitamins, minerals and homeopathics.
Enjoy freedom kayaking or a cruise aboard the Eco Adventurer. Capture the picturesque beauty of the Mahinapua waterways along the original route used by pioneers, gold diggers and early explorers travelling between Hokitika and the rich goldfields of Ross. Experience majestic views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps and outstanding West Coast wetlands flora, fauna and native rainforests.
Self-contained B&B open now $125/night.
An exhilarating tree top adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a 20 metre high steel platform. Try the Tower Zipline. A breathtaking 40 second, 425 metres ride exceeding 60 km/hr through the canopy.
Shining Star provides quality Hokitika beachfront accommodation with views of the Tasman Sea and impressive West Coast sunsets. We offer a variety of holiday accommodation to suit your budget and group size – choose from Beachfront Motels and Apartments or affordable Cabins. There is also a spa /sauna complex. Nestled in native gardens with an exclusive walkway direct to the beach our accommodation is an ideal destination after a long ride. Situated 1.5km North of central Hokitika. We offer free car parking whilst you are away on the trail.
Located in Christchurch Tuatara Tours runs 4 day fully guided and catered tours on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Let us take care of the details, leaving you more time to relax and explore. We can collect you from Christchurch or Greymouth.
Trail Transport is a shuttle and bike hire service allowing you easy, convenient access to the West Coast Wilderness Trail between Greymouth and Ross. We are based in Greymouth at Colls Sports World, where we have the latest bikes, E bikes and accessories for hire or sale with an onsite bike mechanic. Owned and operated by Coasters with a wealth of cycling and local knowledge.
We operate a 6 day tour of the Wilderness Trail and beyond with full vehicle support, quality ensuite accommodation and wholesome meals. Venture beyond the Wilderness Trail to experience more of the West Coast region. Ebikes available. Start/finish from Christchurch.
Explore NZ's favourite cycle trails with the company that has helped pioneer fully supported cycling trips in New Zealand for over 20 years.
Our West Coast Wilderness Cycle includes transport from Christchurch, accommodation, a qualified guide, vehicle support, most meals, entry to the Treetops Walkway and TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch.
Visit our website for details
Westland Pharmacy is the only pharmacy between Hokitika and Wanaka. The pharmacy has a comprehensive range of travel essentials including insect repellant, vitamin supplements and medicines.
Hokitika is inspired by local landscapes and raw materials: jade, gold and other minerals, driftwood, timber, clay, shell, bone and fibres. It is, therefore, no coincidence that craft artists, sculptors, jewellers, painters and poets have chosen the Hokitika area as their home. Hokitika has a vibrant artisan community, and the area is now internationally renowned as a centre of creative arts.
The Hokitika Gorge is worth a visit. The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush looks amazing and it is only 33kms from Hokitika. Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including the exhilarating West Coast Treetop Walk, white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing, climbing, hiking and guided walks, scenic flights, helicopter flights and glacier landings. Hokitika also hosts the national Kiwi Centre, museums and theatre, and a choice of fine cafes, restaurants, and quality accommodation.
Right in the Hub of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, Hokitika Cycles & Sportsworld is the perfect place to hire your bikes & organise shuttle transport for one day or multi days on the trail.
Our quality bikes are carefully selected to be perfect for the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Our Authorised workshop and Shimano service centre keeps all our hire bikes fully serviced and exceptionally maintained.
With huge kilometres spent riding the trail, our expert advice will help you personalise your ride so you get an adventure of a lifetime.
We look forward to hearing from you.
A professionally run Hokitika based shuttle service that can transport you, your bike or luggage to all points on the trail. We have plenty of local knowledge and are keen to help you with all aspects of your planning. We can arrange bike hire.
The stunning Beachfront Hotel Hokitika is located in central Hokitika on New Zealand's West Coast and offers a wide range of quality accommodation, full dining and event facilities.
252 Beachside Motels and Holiday Park self-contained motel accommodation has ample parking for bikes, boats and trailers. Camper van Parks and budget cabins makes this a complex which caters for all.
Stumpers Bar, Cafe & Accommodation is in the heart of Hokitika with everything you need for a hassle free stay on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. They also offer a great option for dining in Hokitika with an onsite bar and cafe that has excellent value.
Bella Vista Hokitika is a modern 16 unit motel complex, offering 16 superior fully serviced motel units to accommodate corporates, couples, solo travellers and families. The motel is ideally located, with just a four minute flat walk to Hokitika's town centre.
Fitzherbert Court Motel welcomes you to Hokitika. It is a great base for your West coast adventure, cycling the Wilderness Trail or relaxing close to the beach. We have spacious comfortable studio, one and two bedroom units. Secure storage for bikes.
Ross Beach Top10 Holiday Park
Offers stunning, individually designed, quirky accommodation pods, all made from upcycled shipping containers!
Our powered and unpowered sites have great communal amenities and facilities pods. Located at Ross Beach, the head of the cycle trail.
We offer safe overnight cycle storage, car parking (free if accommodation is booked) whilst on the trail.
The perfect place to start or end your adventure.
Located at the south end of Aylmer Street, Ross, the Info Centre is either the start or end of the Wilderness Trail. We have beautiful park like grounds with picnic tables and clean toilets. Souvenirs, Gold Panning, Walks and Information.
Ross is an easy 25 minute drive south of Hokitika. Originally founded on gold, Ross has a colourful history, and local heritage guides love to introduce visitors to their town. View a working gold mine, pan for gold, just as the old miners did, or visit one of the many historic sites. Ross has a general store, and a service station for motoring needs.
Building the West Coast Wilderness Trail and keeping it clean and beautiful takes a lot, every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. See you on the trail!
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