Step back in time by exploring the This beautiful remote backcountry track.
Originally a six-foot horse and cart track, then a tramping track, the Kaiwhakauka Track is a rewarding adventure ride amongst our connected pathways of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono. The twin valleys – Kaiwhakauka and Mangapurua – share fascinating and ultimately sorrowful WWI settler history, with the iconic Bridge to Nowhere a fittingly forlorn finale to the story. A significant feature of this valley and connecting Mangapurua is the papa geology. Towering bluffs constantly shed their edges, the bluey grey surface of Depot Road reminds us of its origin in the wet (it’s soft and slippery), and the unique papa drives are testament to humans trying to tame this wild place.
- Reference from the Offical Mountains to Sea website, click here to continue reading more about the Kaiwhakauka on the official Mountains to Sea NZ website.
Quick Facts about cycling Kaiwhakauka Track
Grade 4 MTB Trail in remote backcountry environment.
- The Kaiwhakauka Track is a Grade 4 trail located in a remote backcountry area of Whanganui National Park.
- Suitable for experienced intermediate riders.
- Unsure if this is the right trail for you? Talk to us! We're happy to talk more about cycling the Kaiwhakauka Track.
Trail Distance & Ride Timeframe
- The trail has a distance of 17km.
- The trail can take between 5 to 7 hours to complete. Timeframe varies based on rider's ability levels and speed you're moving.
- Please allow extra time if you're riding the trail in wet conditions.
Shuttles & Jet Boat Bookings for Kaiwhakauka, Mangapurua + Bridge to Nowhere Tracks
- TCB can organize your shuttle and jet boat bookings.
- Shuttles are available from TCB/Ohakune in the morning to the start of the track in Ruatiti and pick up from Pipiriki back to TCB/Ohakune at the end of the day.
- Shuttle and Jet boat packages are available and the most popular option for riders.
- Shuttles & jet boat must be booked in advance.
- Discounted group rates are available for bookings of 10+ riders.
- Contact us to make your shuttle and jet boat booking!
TCB Mountain Bike Hire for Kaiwhakauka Track
Need to hire a mountain bike for your ride along Kaiwhakauka Track? We can help you out! We have a massive fleet of mountain bikes for hire in a range of frame sizes.
Our hire fleet has Electric Full Suspension Mountain Bikes, Full Suspension Mountain Bikes and Front Suspension Mountain Bikes.
For cycling the Kaiwhakauka Track and Mangapurua + Bridge to Nowhere Track, we encourage and recommend riders to hire either an Electric Full Suspension MTB or Full Suspension MTB.
Book your MTB hire online today by clicking here, alternatively contact us by phone or email to reserve your mountain bike hire.
What is Papa Rock?
Papa rock is a soft mudstone that is found in many places along the Mangapurua Track and bluffs. It has a distinctive blue-grey colour and when wet the Papa rock/clay surface becomes very slippery and sticky.
If you're riding the Mangapurua Track in wet conditions - whether it's during rain or after recent wet weather, it is important to ride with caution and be aware of the slippery papa rock surface sections of the track. This fine, sticky mud can easily build up and stick to a bikes drivetrain and brakes. If this occurs then try to carefully remove the mud build up.
Visit M2SNZ's website to learn more about the Papa Rock that is found along the Mangapurua Track.
Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono
The Kaiwhakauka Track is part of the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono network of trails.
To learn more about Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono and the trail network, including up to date trail conditions, please visit the official website.
