The 80km Old Ghost Road Trail will pass by numerous ghost towns and old gold mining sites. Riders and walkers won’t even need to leave the trail to connect with a major part of the West Coast’s history. Much of the heritage is lying where it was abandoned more than a century ago. The Old Ghost Road Trail is generally a grade three mountain biking trail suitable for intermediate and advanced riders. Much of the Lyell section of the trail has already been largely completed.
Cycle route directions
The first 17km of the trail from Lyell Campground to Lyell Saddle is open and ready to ride. Mountain bikers and trampers will find this section a fine day outing, and it provides a good taste of what is to come.
Park at the Department of Conservation’s Lyell Campground, which is beside State Highway 6 in the Buller Gorge. Then cross the newly-constructed foot and cycle bridge across the Lyell River and turn right up a well-graded historic mining trail all the way to the saddle. It’s well signposted.
Beyond the Lyell Saddle, the track is under construction. The alpine section will be officially opened in early 2012. Turn around and enjoy the downhill back to Lyell Campground.
Best time to ride
The Old Ghost Road Trail can be traversed throughout the year. The section between the Lyell Saddle and Stern Creek (yet to be built) features exposed sub alpine areas and occasional snowfall should be expected. Caution is advised regarding weather conditions. On average the wettest season is spring (September – November) and the most settled weather is late summer – early winter (February – June), although, as with weather conditions throughout New Zealand, the weather can vary throughout the year.
Getting there
The Old Ghost Road starts at the Department of Conservation’s Lyell Campground, State Highway 6, Upper Buller Gorge. On completion in 2013 it will end at Seddonville, 50km north of Westport. Mountain bike rental and repair services are available in Westport, as are all the standard services you would expect from a rural service centre. The Lyell entrance is four hour drive from Christchurch or a two hour drive from Nelson.
From Nelson/Murchison
Take State Highway 6. The Lyell Campground is 35km/25 minutes drive beyond Murchison.
From Christchurch
Take the Lewis Pass Highway. At Reefton turn right onto SH69. At Inangahua Junction turn right onto SH6; Lyell campground is 15 km/10 minutes drive beyond Inangahua.
From Westport
Take SH6 up the Buller Gorge. At Inangahua Junction turn right staying on SH6; Lyell campground is 15 km/10 minutes drive beyond Inangahua.
Trail partners
This trail is an initiative of the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust supported by a number of key project partners including the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project, Development West Coast, Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd, and the Gough Group.
