Read 5 reviews
ON SALE
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Share this trip
Experience some of the South Island’s best mountain biking on our fully guided and supported Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure.
We kick things off by exploring the abundant network of trails in Christchurch’s Port Hills and Adventure Park, before heading west to take on Canterbury’s hidden gem that is the Craigieburn Trails.
Get excited, the iconic Old Ghost Road is up next. From Lyell, we follow the 85km trail through thick beach forest, along rocky ridges, down the infamous Skyline staircase and out through the Mohikinui River Gorge to Seddonville.
The 19th century trail was once created to connect gold fields between the Buller Gorge and the Mohikinui Valley, although it was never finished as the trail was deemed too rugged!
Our expert mountain biking guides will drive you from A to B, muster up a homecooked meal and even treat you to a skills session. You’ll also enjoy classic Kiwi hospitality in a mix of alpine lodges and remote huts with unbeatable views.
Bring your friends and ask us about group discounts and flexible dates, groups of 8-12 can easily be accommodated.
25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(102kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Port Hills and Christchurch Adventure Park - Cycle up to 40km
Your mountain biking adventure begins with a warm up in Christchurch’s Port Hills. Flowing single-track along the crater rim gives us panoramic views in all directions, the peaks of the Southern Alps to the west and the vivid blue waters of Lyttelton Harbour to the east. Our adventure continues with a few runs in Christchurch’s Adventure Park using their state-of-the-art lift. We then enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant before getting ready for the 1.5 hour drive towards the mountains. The journey takes us across the vast Canterbury Plains and over Porters Pass which is a fitting introduction to the Craigieburn Mountains where our next adventure awaits. We stay the night at Forest Lodge where we enjoy a home cooked dinner and a hot shower. Note: If you are bringing your own bike, please make sure you have it assembled and ready when we pick you up. If you are hiring a mountain bike, there will be a chance to test and fit your hire bike. Cycling distance: Up to 40km 350m Climb / 1300m Descent
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Craigieburn Ranges to West Coast - Cycle up to 40km
Today’s adventure starts right outside our doorstep. After a hearty breakfast we set loose in the Craigieburn forest. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over the surrounding valleys and mountains from the many trail options including the Hog’s Back, Luge, the Edge, Dracophyllum flat and Dicksons Downhill tracks. Returning to the trailhead, we then drive across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass to Westport, the charming West Coast town that’s our stopping point for the night. We enjoy an evening meal and a well-deserved beer in one the town’s historic pubs. Rest up as the next three days will be huge! Cycling distance: Up to 40km 1350m Climb / 1350m Descent
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Lyell to Ghost Lake Hut (Old Ghost Road Day 1) - Cycle 30km
A short drive takes us to the gold rush ghost town of Lyell and the start of the Old Ghost Road. The trail starts with a 765m climb through beach forest along an old dray road to the open tops of the saddle, offering dramatic views across the valley in all directions. A narrow and rocky track then sidles across the face of Mt Montgomery and past ‘Heaven’s Door’ before descending through stunted alpine forest to Ghost Lake Hut and our accommodation for the night. At 1200m above sea level, we think you’ll agree this is the perfect place to stop. We’ll enjoy a relaxed evening at the back country hut, overlooking Ghost Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges where your guides will prepare your evening meal. Riding Distance: 30km Approx. Time: 6-8 hours 1440m Climb / 350m Descent
Day 4
Ghost Lake to Specimen Point Hut (Old Ghost Road Day 2) - Cycle 38km
Today our ride descends rapidly from Ghost Lake through rock gardens with tight turns to reach the spectacular Skyline Ridge. We carry our bikes down the Skyline Steps before some fun, fast and sweeping single-track into the Stern Valley. The trail continues to meander on through the Earnest Valley and zigzags up through a large bolder field named the Boneyard to Solemn Saddle. From here it’s on down to the confluence with the Mokihinui River South Branch and the old Goat Creek Hut. From Goat Creek, we will wind our way through towering podocarp forest to the Mokihinui ‘Forks’ and then on to the Specimen Point Hut site 3km downstream towards at the head of Mokihinui River Gorge. Our guides will cook up another tasty meal and we will relax enjoying views of the river nearby. Riding Distance: 38km Approx. time: 6-9 hours 720m Climb / 1750m Descent
Day 5
Specimen Point to Christchurch (Old Ghost Road Day 3) Cycle 17km
From Specimen Point, the Mokihinui squeezes into a tight gorge and below us are rushing green waters and deep clear pools. Narrow swing bridges overhang massive drops and the old miners’ road is re-joined for the undulating ride through the spectacular Mokihinui River gorge to the end of the trail and the end of the Old Ghost Road. At Seddonville we meet up with our transport, load up the bikes before we enjoy a shower and refreshments at the Rough & Tumble lodge. We then set off on our journey over the Lewis Pass back to Christchurch. We can expect to arrive in Christchurch around 6pm, dropping back in the central city. Those who would like to dismantle and box their mountain bikes can return to the Adventure South NZ depot. Riding Distance: 17km Approx. time: 2-4 hours 150m Climb / 200m Descent
Meals: B,L
What's included
What's not included
Our Guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two experienced mountain bike guides, who will be able to share their mountain bike knowledge with you and give you some riding tips out on the trail. All our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many are trained bike mechanics.
Historic ski lodge nestled in beech forest and under the towering grey peaks of the Craigieburn Mountains, Forest Lodge is the perfect place to rest up after a day in the saddle riding the local trails. The rooms are dormitory style, there is a large self catering kitchen, living room, shared bathrooms and hot showers.
Experience the real New Zealand and spend two nights in the purpose built Old Ghost Road back country huts. These huts are fitted with bunk beds in small dormitorys, with a communal kitchen and seating area, and outdoor long-drop toilets.
Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.
Most riders choose to bring their own bikes on this trip. We recommend a full suspension bike with 140mm of travel, robust all-condition tyres and a seat dropper. Bikes need to be in good shape and have been recently serviced. Talk to us about arranging a good quality mountain bike for hire.
The Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure is graded challenging. You will need a very good level of fitness and technical mountain bike skills both ascending and descending. Although the tour is fully supported there are 3 days of the tour where there is no vehicle access and you must be comfortable riding 6-10 hours per day in all weather conditions. We are not looking for skills in jumping gaps, drops or features but you do need to be comfortable riding single track which will be rocky, sandy, muddy, rooty or a combination.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
6Days
Moderate
5Days
Introductory to Moderate