Mountain to Sea set to get even mightier!

Published 2020-10-05

The Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail is destined to become one of the world's greatest biking adventures with a massive investment of $6.6 million.

The vision of truly connected pathways from Mountains (Tūroa) to the Tasman Sea (Whanganui) is set to become a reality thanks to the announcement by the Minister for Regional Development, Shane Jones, that the Ruapehu's trail sections will receive $4.6 million in funding from the Provincial Growth Fund. Existing funding held over means a whopping total investment of $6.6M!

The Mountains to Sea – part of Ngā Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail – will expand with spectacular new additions making this Great Ride even more fabulous.

Watch this video, featuring Ruapehu District Mayor Don Cameron and local bike-business owner Ben Wiggins, to find out more.


New sections of trail will include:

Te Ara Mangawhero (19km)

The start of the Mountains to Sea will kick off in style with an awesome off-road trail from Tūroa to Ohakune that will take cyclists and walkers along the spectacular flanks of Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. Instead of travelling down the Ohakune Mountain Road, cyclists and walkers will descend via a new purpose-built cycle trail befitting of this Great Ride. The proposed trail will utilise sections of the Old Blyth Track, wind through Rimu Hill and make the most of the old Bennett and Punch tramline.
 
Mangawhero Link track (11km)

Providing an alternative way down the maunga, this trail will connect riders and walkers from part-way down the Te Ara Mangawhero across to Horopito.
 
Missing Link (working title!)

Connecting Horopito (and the end of the Ohakune Old Coach Road) with National Park Village via the Pōkākā and Makatote valleys, this section of new trail will utilise existing old State highway paths and the popular Marton Sash and Door Tramway trails.



Some sections will be ready by next summer, with a target of mid-2023 set for the completion of all the trails – we can't wait!
 
Jo Kennedy of Visit Ruapehu is pretty excited too – 'These extensions will continue to cement the changing dynamic for domestic and future international tourism in the region, and underscore the growing trend for visitors to come and experience the best of our outdoors.'

These developments, coupled with the significant work being completed on the Whanganui National Park sections (Mangapurua – Bridge to Nowhere) and Kaiwhakauka this summer, will help confirm the Mountains to Sea as a must-do multi-day adventure ride.



The Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono is one of New Zealand’s 23 Great rides, navigating a journey from Tūroa to the Tasman Sea via the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks. Its connected pathways create memories from adventures through some of New Zealand’s most special places.

Visit the Mountains to Sea trail page on our website to find out more about this Great Ride, and start planning your next biking adventure!

The original press release can be viewed here