West Coast Wilderness Trail

Pedal through ancient rainforests, past wild rivers and historic gold-mining settlements on the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a 132 km cycling journey that captures the raw, untamed spirit of New Zealand's South Island. This four-day, Grade 2-3 ride (mostly off-road) winds from Greymouth to Ross, with a detour to the dramatic Hokitika Gorge. With purpose-built trails, swingbridges, and tunnels, it's a world-class adventure that combines natural beauty with frontier history.

Highlights & What to See

• Hokitika Gorge – A short side trip to a turquoise river flowing through a narrow gorge, with a swingbridge offering postcard views.
• Kaniere Water Race – Ride beside this hand-dug 19th-century gold-mining water race, now lined with lush ferns and moss.
• Lake Kaniere – Crystal-clear lake surrounded by native bush, perfect for a swim or picnic.
• Trev's Track to Cowboy Paradise – A fun, winding section with boardwalks and a quirky stop at a historic pub.
• Ross Goldfields – Explore the historic gold town of Ross, where you can try your hand at gold panning.
• Kumara – A former gold-rush town with a restored railway station and the famous 'Billion Dollar Hole'.
• Greymouth to Kumara section – Coastal views and native bush, with the longest swingbridge on the trail.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most riders complete the full trail in 3 to 4 days, cycling 30–50 km per day. This allows time for side trips, photo stops, and soaking in the history. If you're short on time, the 31 km section from Kumara to Hokitika (including the gorge) can be done as a day ride. The trail is well-signed with accommodation and bike shuttles available at each town.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hokitika – Base yourself in this artsy coastal town for a day before or after the ride; don't miss the glowworm dell and local pounamu (greenstone) galleries.
• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – An hour's drive south, these glaciers offer heli-hikes and ice walks.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – North of Greymouth, these dramatic limestone formations and blowholes are a must-see.
• Arthur's Pass National Park – A scenic mountain route east of the coast, with alpine walks and kea parrots.

Please check official sources for current details.