The latest addition to the New Zealand Cycle Trail was fully opened for business just before Christmas.

Located on the west coast of the South Island, the Old Ghost Road offers 85km of rugged riding, making it New Zealand’s longest continuous single track.

The trail follows a once-forgotten gold miner’s road, connecting the historic mining settlement of Lyell in the south to Seddonville in the north. Along its route it passes through magnificent native forest, five ghost towns, open river valleys and stunning lakes and tarns.

The Old Ghost Road is a Grade 4 (advanced) mountain biking trail, which means it’s really only suitable for skilled and experienced backcountry riders.

For most fit and competent riders, the trail will typically be ridden over two to four days. A south to north route (Lyell to Seddonville) is recommended due to the technical nature and gradient of some parts of the track.

There are four hut sites managed by the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust along the trail (all with additional summer sleepouts from October to April), and two Department of Conservation huts at the Mokihinui Forks and Goat Creek.

Those who’ve ridden the trail already are raving. Time to train harder and pop this one on your must-do list?

Have a great week,
Andrew Hunt

P.S. There are 22 other rides in the New Zealand Cycle Trail Network. Some are easy-going, leisurely affairs, others are tough and demanding. All offer exceptional riding through some of the very best scenery New Zealand has to offer. Check them all out here: https://www.naturalhigh.co.nz/nz-cycle-trail/

Video: The Old Ghost Road – Official Video