Starting the Trail from Ohakune
The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail offers an adventurous journey through the heart of New Zealand's North Island. One of the starting points is Ohakune Mountain Road, with a downhill to Ohakune.
From there, it is a 14-kilometre ride uphill to Horopito. This section follows the historic Old Coach Road, which winds through a scenic part of Tongariro National Park. Along the way, you'll encounter abandoned rail viaducts and a tunnel, adding a touch of history to your ride. Just outside Horopito, you'll find Smash Palace, New Zealand's most famous car wreck yard.
Exploring the Trail from Horopito
From Horopito, the trail continues along the gravelled Middle Road before transitioning to the sealed and then unsealed Rautiti Road. As you progress, the trail becomes increasingly remote, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature. After covering 48 kilometres, the path merges with the very remote Mangapurua Track. Shortly thereafter, you'll come across the intersection with the Kaiwhakauka Track. This heads north to Whakahoro and is part of the alternative route from Waimarino.
Continuing past the intersection takes you to the Bridge to Nowhere, then to Mangaparua Landing. From there, you need to book a jetboat ride on the Whanganui River to the next stage, which starts at Pipiriki.
How to Begin Your Journey
To start the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, head to Ohakune, which is on State Highway 49 on the southwest side of Mt Ruapehu. Arrange a drop off at the top of Ohakune Mountain Road from the Turoa Skifield Car Park.
After this section, the trail continues from Pipiriki, following the Whanganui River Road to Upokongaro.
