7-Day Heaphy & The Ghost MTB Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch to Nelson

Stop At: INNBetween Lodge & Backpackers, 335 Trafalgar Square, East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
Today we load the supplies into the Bus and make our way up to Nelson via the Lewis Pass to the very comfortable and bike-friendly Innbetween Lodge & Backpackers.
Once in Nelson we will meet up with any other tour members joining us and go over the tour brief and kit checks to ensure we have everything we need to complete the journey.
After we have gone through all the important checks, we don’t even need to go far at all for a feed as the Lodge has a fantastic Bar and Restaurant (not included) to cater for all our carb loading requirements for the journey ahead.

Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Innbetween Lodge & Backpackers

Day 2: Nelson to James Mackay Hut

Stop At: James Mackay Hut, Kahurangi National Park 7073, New Zealand
The early bird gets the worm and so do we, waking up before sunrise to a coffee, continental breakfast and some last-minute checks before loading up the bus and heading to Brown Hut and the entrance to the Heaphy Track.
At Brown Hut we unload the bikes and start the gradual climb to the Perry Saddle, stopping at the Aorere Shelter for a quick rest and snack. From the Perry saddle, it’s mainly a downhill ride to Gouland Downs on a wide, well-formed track. Initially, the track is quite steep with technical stony sections and deep streams. On the Gouland Downs you may even be lucky enough to spot the Takahe, New Zealand’s large flightless bird.
Continuing, you will pass through the enchanted forest where the Weta and Kaka live before the short climb to Saxon Hut. Then it’s a beautiful single-track crossing over mountain streams, flowing through the native bush before arriving at the rest stop for the evening, James Mackay Hut.
Sitting pretty, high in the mountains James Mackay Hut offers views of the Tasman Sea and the Heaphy River, a stunning sight to witness at sunset and dawn. That makes for an epic first day!
TRAIL INFO
Distance: 42km
Ride time: 6 – 7 hrs
Grade: 3- 4

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: continental
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: James Mackay Hut

Day 3: James Mackay Hut to Karamea

Stop At: Bazil's Hostel And surf School, 54/56 Russell St, Westport 7825, New Zealand
Waking up in possibly the most magical place in New Zealand, we start with some breakfast and stunning views.
We start the morning with a descent through the Beech trees that slowly gives way to Nikau palms as you arrive at the Lewis Hut. Here we are at the bottom of the Mountains, but the fun isn’t over yet. Going with the flow of the Heaphy River, we continue to the river mouth (crossing several suspension bridges including the longest suspension bridge the Department of Conservation have ever built), before arriving at the Heaphy Hut for a quick rest break and a snack.
In the distance, you will see the Heaphy River pouring into the Tasman Sea and an array of bird life such as the Whio (Rare Blue Duck). After a few photo snaps at the Heaphy Hut we start traversing the coastline towards the beach, cycling through the palm trees with only a few small climbs before finishing up at Kohaihai, where the transport will be waiting to take you to Westport for the option of a well-earned feed and a few beers (this meal is not included so if you prefer to keep the budget low you can grab supplies in Westport and cook at the accommodation).
After refuelling, we make our way to our comfortable accommodation for the next 2 nights to fully rest the body and refuel the body for the next adventurous ride that awaits.
TRAIL INFO
Distance: 37km
Ride Time: 5 – 6 hrs
Grade: 3 – 4
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Bazils in Westport

Day 4: REST DAY - Westport

Stop At: Bazil's Hostel And surf School, 54/56 Russell St, Westport 7825, New Zealand
Today we rest the legs in preparation for the Old Ghost Road. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is all sorted for you, so all you need to do is chill out!
This is also a great day to wash/prep your kit, tinker with the bikes and restock supplies for a quick exit on Day 5.
We all gather at the dinner table in the evening for a good carb loading feast and ride brief, detailing what to expect for the next couple of days in the saddle.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bazils in Westport

Day 5: Lyell Camping Ground to Stern Valley Hut

Stop At: Stern Valley Hut, West Coast 7891, New Zealand
Today we follow in the historical steps of the Gold Miners of the 1870s, but we have the luxury of pedal power and an incredible trail to assist us on our journey.
Another early morning waking before the crack of dawn to ensure we get the riding completed during daylight hours. We fuel ourselves with breakfast and load the bus, heading to the start of the Old Ghost Road at the Lyell Camping Ground. Once at the entrance to the trail we will start the gradual climb to the Rocky Tor and the highest point on the trail sitting at 1456 metres above sea level. During the climb up to the summit, there are several stopping points and fantastic photo opportunities with the odd sighting of the inquisitive South Island Grey Robin.
Arriving at Bald Hill, (1385m) we start the epic traverse across the Lyell Range to Mount Montgomery (1332m), Rocky Tor (1456m), Heaven’s Door, and then stopping for lunch at the Ghost Lake Hut. This ridge ride is world-class but also very technical, so we take our time to get through it safely while ensuring we get those hero shots to fill your social media.
After lunch, it’s back on the bike for a tight switchback descent and another ridge climb to the Skyline Steps. The Skyline Steps is the only section of the ride that isn't a trail, but steps (approx 100m) due to the unstable ground that cannot support a trail, but it is only a short section of steps that lead to probably the best flow trail that New Zealand has to offer. It feels endless and is guaranteed to put a huge grin on your face we finish at the Stern Valley Hut; our shelter for the night.
TRAIL INFO
Distance: 43km
Ride Time: 6 – 7 hrs
Grade: 3-5
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stern Valley Hut

Day 6: Stern Valley Hut to Murchison

Stop At: The Lazy Cow Accommodation, 37 Waller St, Murchison 7007, New Zealand
This epic location, accompanied by the sound of the water flowing down the Stern Creek and birdsong, will be one of the most incredible places to wake for one last adventurous ride.
Once we have a feed and a good stretch the ride will start with a journey through the Stern Valley, leading to a climb through the Boneyard to the Solemn Saddle and then down the Hanging Judge to the Goat Creek Hut. This is an incredible section of trail that always leaves you wanting more.
We stop at the Goat Creek Hut for a quick rest and snack before meeting with the Mokihinui River. Here we follow the flow of the river for roughly 25 kilometres, visiting Specimen Point Hut and traversing the base of Mount Glasgow, crossing several suspension bridges high in the gorge all the way to the Seddonville and the end of the Old Ghost Road. At the finish line we can enjoy a drink and some pizza at the Rough & Tumble lodge, reminiscing over the incredible journey that has been achieved, before loading the bikes and kit into the bus that will transport your tired legs to the Lazy Cow Backpackers in Murchison for a well-deserved rest.
TRAIL INFO
Distance: 42km
Ride Time: 5 – 6 hrs
Grade: 3 -4
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lazy Cow Backpackers

Day 7: Murchison to Christchurch

Stop At: Haka Lodge Christchurch, 518 Linwood Ave, Woolston, Christchurch 8062, New Zealand
Waking up a little later this morning, around 8am, we will have one last breakfast as a team before heading back to Christchurch, taking in some of the incredible scenery of the Lewis Pass.
We arrive back in Christchurch in the afternoon where we will unload the bus for the final time and say our final farewells. “Mā te wā” (Bye for now).

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Last nights accommodation is not included: You can extend your stay at the Haka Lodge in Christchurch