5 Day MTB Trip- Old Ghost Road
Mountain Bike the breathtaking New Zealand backcountry. Explore the world famous Old Ghost Road 85km of backcountry riding!
Mountain Bike The Old Ghost Road
Experience the Old Ghost Road, 85km of purpose built alpine singletrack.
A perfect blend of big mountain, backcountry and alpine riding.
Ride with local, professional guides on their favourite trails as preparation for the backcountry.
Overview
- $3395 NZD
- 5 Days / 4 nights
- Up to 40km/day with 1400m of elevation gain
- All logistics taken care of ( shuttles, lift passes, accom)
Itinerary
Day 1- Christchurch
Start your ride on our local trails in the Christchurch’s Port Hills. Flowing single-track along the crater rim gives incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps. Then we head into the Christchurch Adventure Park to get some sweet berms and free descents. After lunch we jump in our private bus and head through the Canterbury plains and into the mountains. Where we stay in a remote mountain lodge, ready to start tomorrows ride.
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- Craigieburns
Watch the sunrise through the forest as we cook a hearty breakfast before we ride out of our door and onto the trails. The Craigieburns is another local favourite. They boast two sections of the NZ Enduro so picture tight, rooty trails in native beech forest. We will tailor the rides to the group and conditions but can guarantee world class riding. Back at the trailhead, we jump in the bus to sweep across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass to Westport, a rugged West Coast gem and our welcome haven for the night. We’ll relax with a meal and a well deserved beer in the local pub. Time to relax as the next three days will be spectacular!
Cycling distance: Up to 40km 1350m Climb / 1350m Descent
Meals: B,D
Day 3- Old Ghost Road
We start at the gold-rush ghost town of Lyell before joining the Old Ghost Road. We savour a 765m ascent through lush beech forest, crossing streams and landslips to get to sweeping open ridges. After lunch, a dramatic, rocky track then skirts the face of Mt Montgomery, passing through the iconic ‘Heaven’s Door’ before descending through enchanted alpine forest to Ghost Lake Hut. At 1200m above sea level, this spectacular sanctuary is truly unbeatable. Savor a peaceful evening sunset at our backcountry hut, overlooking the serene Ghost Lake as your guides prepare dinner.
Riding Distance: 30km Approx. Time: 6-8 hours 1440m Climb / 350m Descent
Meals: B,D
Day 4- Old Ghost Road
Today, we plunge from Ghost Lake through thrilling rock gardens and tight turns to reach the legendary Skyline Ridge. Next, we enjoy hitting the fast, sweeping single-track into Stern Valley. The trail weaves through the majestic Earnest Valley and zigzags up the dramatic Boneyard boulder field to Solemn Saddle. From here, we charge down to the Mokihinui River confluence. We’ll then wind through towering, ancient podocarp forest to the Mokihinui ‘Forks’ and on to our stunning Specimen Point site. Relax as your guides whip up another delicious meal overlooking the mighty river gorge.
Riding Distance: 38km | Approx. time: 6–9 hours
720m Climb / 1750m Descent
Meals: B, D
Day 5- Old Ghost Road
Leaving Specimen Point we follow the mighty Mokihinui, squeezing into a dramatic gorge with rushing emerald waters and crystal-clear pools. We’ll ride across narrow swing bridges over the river before rejoining the historic miners’ road. The final push through the spectacular gorge to the triumphant finish of the Old Ghost Road. At Seddonville, we’ll meet our transport and load up before enjoying a rejuvenating shower and celebratory refreshments at the iconic Rough & Tumble Lodge. We then journey over the scenic Lewis Pass, returning to Christchurch by 6pm. For those heading home, you can dismantle and box your bikes back at the Adventure South NZ depot.
Riding Distance: 17km Approx. time: 2-4 hours 150m Climb / 200m Descent
Meals: B,L
Testimonials
FAQ
Is there a maximum number of customers on each trip?
Yes, we limit all of our trips to 10 Customers to give the best ratio of guides to riders. All trips will have two professional guides.
What bike should I bring?
130-150mm travel front and back would be optimum but personal choice will be factored in. All bikes should have hydraulic modern brakes and be recently fully serviced before the trip. You don’t want mechanicals to ruin your dream trip!
Can I bring an Ebike?
Not on this itinerary but please get in touch as we are making new E-bike trips as we speak!