Mountains To Sea Cycle Trail

New Zealand's Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail is a spectacular multi-day journey that takes you from the alpine heights of the Southern Alps down to the rugged Kaikōura coastline. This 175 km trail offers an unforgettable blend of mountain scenery, native forest, river valleys, and ocean vistas, making it one of the country's Great Rides. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or an adventurous beginner, the trail delivers a genuine Kiwi backcountry experience with rewarding challenges and breathtaking rewards at every turn.

Highlights & What to See

• Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway – A short detour from the trail offers stunning coastal views and the chance to see fur seals, seabirds, and maybe even whales from the shore.
• Whale Watching – Kaikōura is world-famous for sperm whale sightings, and the cycle trail provides easy access to the town's whale-watching tours.
• Mountain Passes & Native Forests – The trail climbs through beech forests and over alpine passes, with panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikōura Range.
• River Valleys – Follow the Clarence and Waiau Toa rivers through dramatic gorges and open farmland, with plenty of birdlife and wildflowers.
• Coastal Ride – The final section hugs the Kaikōura coast, with sparkling turquoise waters and the chance to spot dolphins and seals from your bike.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most cyclists take 3 to 5 days to complete the full trail, allowing time to soak in the scenery and make side trips. A common pace is 4 days, with stops at the trail's huts or nearby accommodation. If you're short on time, you can ride the lower coastal section from Kaikōura to the Clarence River mouth as a day trip (about 40 km one way). The trail is well-marked and suitable for mountain bikes or hybrid bikes; electric bikes are also an option for tackling the climbs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kaikōura Town – Base yourself here before or after the ride; enjoy fresh seafood, especially crayfish, and relax at the hot pools.
• Marlborough Wine Region – A scenic drive north leads to New Zealand's premier wine region, perfect for a post-ride wine tour.
• Hanmer Springs – Head inland to soak in thermal pools and explore forest trails, a great way to recover tired muscles.
• Whale Watching – Combine the trail with a boat tour to see giant sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and albatross.

Please check official sources for current details.