Mountains To Sea Cycle Trail

Stretching from the volcanic heart of the North Island to the Tasman Sea, the Mountains To Sea Cycle Trail is a multi-day epic that drops you through native forest, along the mighty Whanganui River, and into the historic river city of Whanganui. This 317-kilometre journey – part of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail – offers a rare chance to pedal through working farms, remote Māori settlements, and the spectacular Whanganui National Park. Whether you tackle it over four to six days or piecemeal on shorter rides, the trail rewards with ever-changing landscapes and a genuine sense of adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Whanganui River Road – Wind along the only sealed road beside the river, passing historic settlements like Pipiriki and Jerusalem (Hiruhārama), with their poignant church and convent.
• Whanganui National Park – The trail hugs the river’s edge through lush podocarp forest; keep an eye out for blue ducks and native pigeons.
• Bridge to Nowhere – A short side-trip (or main detour) to this iconic concrete arch, a relic of a failed farming settlement deep in the bush.
• Whanganui – The finish line is a vibrant heritage city with a strong arts scene, great cafés, and the excellent Whanganui Regional Museum.
• Ohakune – The trail’s start (or finish) at the base of Mount Ruapehu; fuel up at the Big Carrot before heading south.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow five to six days for the full trail, riding 50–70 km per day. Most cyclists go north to south (Ohakune to Whanganui) to enjoy a gradual descent, but the trail is well-marked in both directions. If you’re short on time, the most scenic section is the 86 km from Ohakune to Whanganui River Road – a two-day ride through the national park. Alternatively, the final 34 km from Pipiriki to Whanganui is a lovely day ride with river views and a café stop at Atene.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tongariro National Park – A short drive from Ohakune; add a day for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or ski in winter.
• Whanganui – Spend a day exploring the city’s galleries, the Durie Hill Elevator, and the riverboat centre.
• Palmerston North – An hour’s drive east, with the Te Manawa museum and the Manawatū Gorge walk.
• New Plymouth – Two hours west, for the coastal walkway and Mount Taranaki views.

Please check official sources for current details.