Follow in the footsteps of the old prospectors as you ride down historic stagecoach routes and alongside canals and reservoirs that are a legacy from the days when gold fever struck and the area teemed with fortune seekers. Scene of New Zealand's last big gold rush in the 1870s, the area is dotted with mining relics and traces of old workings. At the historic town of Kumara you can partake in fine fare at the grand Theatre Royal Hotel before setting off once again to wind along the old Kumara Tramway over 'The Chasm' swing bridge and on through to the Taramakau River. Its relaxed riding from here as you pass through the small settlement of Paroa and then take the coastal route alongside the wild Tasman Sea all the way into Greymouth. The final stretch of trail turns inland along the mighty Grey River taking in many town sights including the famous Flood Wall.
Optional side trips
Detour: SHANTYTOWN
One of the Coast's must-see attractions and a great way to learn about the region's colourful history, Shantytown is a replica gold-rush era town around 15km from Greymouth. It is a highly recommended side-trip off the West Coast Wilderness Trail between Greymouth and Kumara, and makes an excellent coffee or lunch stop.
3.5 km off the trail at Paroa. Allow 1 ½ hours one way from Greymouth.
Immerse yourself in some of the most spectacular landscapes along the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Create truly memorable experiences as you ride amidst majestic native forest, pedal through a stunning mountain-ringed valley, cross crystal-clear rivers and then discover one of New Zealand's most picturesque lakes, Kaniere. The trail then plunges back into the bush for a fun cruise along an historic water race and then down the sweeping tree-lined pathway known as the Pipeline. Take a breath while you meander down peaceful Kaniere Road towards Hokitika before the final leg along the historic Kaniere Tramway and the banks of the Hokitika River.
Optional side trips
Detour: THE CESSPOOL
Don't be fooled by the name – the Cesspool is a beautiful, dramatic place where the crystal clear waters of the Arahura River surge through a narrow gorge. A spectacular old-fashioned wire swingbridge spans the river, providing a great vantage for photrographs. Under the bridge you can swim in the pool, or just relax riverside and take in the views.
5km return off the trail. Allow 2 hours in all.
This ride down the old Ross Railway Line conjures a bygone era when the railway was vital to the district's economy. Touted as one of the most scenic in New Zealand, the railway line cuts a cross-country path between the mountains and sea, passing unique wetland habitats and crossing many fine bridges constructed in the early 1900s. The ride finishes at Ross, an authentic old gold town with character in spades. This ride can be enjoyed in either direction, and is also a great extension to the Mahinapua Magic ride for those with a few more hours to spare.
Optional side trips
It's hard to imagine a ride with so much diversity and beautiful scenery being right on your doorstep but this Mahinapua trip certainly delivers. Just a few easy kilometres from Hokitika the trail joins the Mahinapua Walkway before crossing an elevated board walk through stunning wetlands, home to many species of waterfowl and other birdlife. You may even spy the graceful kotuku (white heron), a particularly special treat for nature lovers. Leaving the wetlands the trail then connects with the historic Mananui Tramway through the Mahinapua Scenic Reserve with its remnant forest giants that once grew in abundance on the West Coast. A 15-minute walking detour leads to Picnic Point where there are great views of beautiful Lake Mahinapua. The short, final leg along Woodstock–Rimu Road leads to the West Coast Treetop Walkway & Café from where riders can be collected by shuttle, return the same way, or return via Rimu, Woodstock and Kaniere.
Optional side trips
Detour: TREETOP WALKWAY
An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Situated only a few hundred metres off the trail the Treetop Walkway is a great place for a coffee stop or lunch. (Allow 1 hour to do the walkway)
Ridden either way, or return, this section of the trail is jam-packed with jaw-dropping scenery and a fantastic ride for those looking for an easy cruise with plenty of opportunity to soak it all in and take photographs. Beginning at picturesque Kaniere, one of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes., the ride takes in the bush along the historic Kaniere Water Race before encountering the even more fun Pipeline track. The trail then meanders down peaceful Kaniere Road on to the historic Kaniere Tramway and the banks of the Hokitika River to reach Hokitika town.
Optional side trips at Lake Kaniere
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