Great Ride updates – Spring 2022
Published 2022-09-14
Here’s the latest news from the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand. Read on for even more reasons to get riding this spring and summer – including trail improvements, and some great new accommodation and trail services.
The Great Lake Trails just got greater
Extensive work on Taupō's Great Lake Trails over the winter months, and a fab new boat service, mean there's never been a better time to experience this Great Ride that winds around the northwestern corner of New Zealand's largest lake.
New Zealand Cycle Trails board member, and bike-mad Taupō local, Pete Masters says, 'the trails are riding brilliantly this spring.' Even better, the Great Lake Trails' free-draining pumice singletrack makes this a memorable Great Ride for all seasons.
Three of the trails' four sections can be accessed from the pretty lakeside village of Kinloch, while the spectacular Waihaha section requires a shuttle drop-off and and boat pick-up. New official partner Taxicat Adventures, have turned their boat transfer from this remote section into a scenic boat cruise that's as much fun as the ride itself! Put the Waihaha on your biking bucket list and chase waterfalls with the Taxicat crew!
Chasing Lake Taupō waterfalls with Taxicat Adventures.
New Great Rides signage showing the way
At the start and end of your Great Rides you'll notice some bright new signage that's being rolled out across the cycle trails network. There's info on what you're going to see plus inspiration for your next Great Ride, whether you're looking for something nearby, a similar ride, or up for a new challenge. Scan the signs QR codes to discover the trails' hidden secrets and to give us some feedback about your experience.
Trail champions, Jackie Gurden and Tania Gibson, in Greymouth at the northern end of the West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Charming historic accommodation, and awesome art, on the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail
Riverside Villa, in Horeke, is a fantastic new addition to Northland's Great Ride. This beautifully restored kauri villa overlooks peaceful Hokianga Harbour and makes a beautiful base for exploring the western end of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Locally owned and operated through the Utakura 7 Incorporation, their vision is to 'uplift the mana of each and every guest through the provision of exceptional customer service.'
Be hosted by people whose ties to the whenua (land) and moana (sea) extend all the way back to Kupe, Nukutāwhiti and Ruanui, and hear the stories that make this corner of Aotearoa so special. Find out more and book your stay here.
This sensationally restored kauri villa dates back to 1871 (Riverside Villa).
Eat in style in the Riverside Villa's beautiful dining room (Riverside Villa).
Visitors to the Horeke/Hokianga Harbour end of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail can also enjoy some fantastic on-trail artwork created by a local collective.
Sixteen murals were painted by 35 artists of all ages and abilities who came together to explore their artistic talent while sharing the stories of their connection to this precious place. Waka, manu, maunga and te moana are just some of the motifs that surface in the works, which speak to the wellspring of creativity that brought this community project to life. QR codes have also been added to the murals so you can discover more about the artworks.
Find out more in this heartwarming article, and the the official trail website.
Murals project by Nga Mahi Toi o Horeke on the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
Remote, rewarding riding in the Baton Valley
The new section of trail through the historic Baton Valley is not just a fabulous addition to the Tasman's Great Taste Trail, it's also helping connect local communities with its new walking and cycling suspension bridge across the River.
Discover more about this beautiful, remote valley nestled up against Kahurangi National Park, and its resourceful residents, in this fascinating New Zealand Geographic article.
The suspension bridge across the Baton River – improving access to this precious valley for locals and visitors (Chocolate Dog Photography).
Beautiful bridge and lodging on the Waikato River Trails
The Waikato River Trails have got themselves a brand new suspension bridge at Atiamuri, meaning riders now get to avoid the highway and immerse themselves in more riverside riding.
The newly spruced Lake Maraetai Lodge at Mangakino is a fine addition to this Great Ride, making it easier to stay awhile, in comfort with great hospitality, in this precious part of Heartland Aotearoa New Zealand.
There's more Waikato River Trails' inspiration in our Joys of Spring Cycling blog, including fun tours and an illuminating glowworm outing with local official partner Riverside Adventures.
The grand opening of the Atiamuri suspension bridge (Waka Kotahi)
More great riding on the horizon for the Queenstown Trail
Queenstown Trails have been given the green light for a super-scenic new section from Arrowtown to Arthurs Point, where you can pause for a pint or jump into jetboat, before carrying on to Tuckers Beach. Most of the trail, bridge and tunnel design work is in the bag, and there should be some new sections to ride by next year. Keep reading our newsletter for the latest updates.
The famous Shotover jetboat tours run from Arthurs Point.
For more spring cycling inspiration check out these blogs:
The joys of spring cycling on the Great Rides
Spring deals and news from our National Partners
