West Coast Wilderness Trail

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is much more than just a bike trail…….The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a journey through some of New Zealand’s most diverse and beautiful scenery. But it is not the scenery that is remarkable, the trail takes you through a land rich with history and heroic stories of the achievements and the hardships endured by those who first settled here and those that followed in their footsteps.

Greymouth to Kumara 29kms

The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail runs between Greymouth and Ross and the majority of the trail is a grade 2 (easy) bike ride catering for all levels of cycling abilities, including families. The cycle trail starts opposite the Greymouth i-SITE at the Railway Station and follows the Grey River stop bank out to the coastline. The trail continues south with views of the ocean to the historic gold mining town of Kumara. This first section is flat and 29kms long and offers stunning scenery of the ocean, beach and coastline.

Side trip: Shantytown is an authentic replica of a gold rush era town complete with its own working steam train and bush railway. It has an interactive sawmill and foundry, gold panning and over 30 historical buildings to explore. It is sign posted from the main road opposite the Paroa Hotel and is an easy 4km ride on a sealed road. Discounted entry to Shantytown is available from the Greymouth i-SITE.

Kumara to Cowboys Paradise 34km

From Kumara the West Coast Wilderness Trail gradually climbs to Kawhaka Pass. Cyclists pass through native forests, skirt around lakes and follow rushing water races before passing through the Maori owned Mahwera Reserve and crossing a stunning gorge to a replica western town called Cowboys Paradise. This section is 34km long and quite remote with breath-taking scenery.

Options to bike onto Lake Kaniere extra 16 km for the days ride. 

Cowboys Paradise to Hokitika 36km

From Cowboy Paradise there is a gentle downhill ride to the Arahura River and a slight climb to Lake Kaniere, a popular boating and picnic destination.

Side Trip: Allow time to explore the walks around Lake Kaniere

The trail then follows the Kaniere Water Race, a very popular section of the trail. The trail follow the water race for about 2.5km. Another popular section is the “Pipeline” which weaves through podocarp forest and manuka and then the trail follows the main road for a short distance before branching left down the Hokitika Kaniere Tramway following the Hokitika river before reaching the Wild Food capital of New Zealand, Hokitika.

Hokitika to Ross 33km

The final section, Hokitika to Ross is a mix of new trail and historic tram line to the West Coast Treetops Walk, where you can enjoy a coffee and stretch your legs while enjoying the views amongst the tree tops, entry fees apply to West Coast Tree Top Walkway and discounts are available from the Greymouth i-SITE. After a break you will head further on to Ross, a historic gold mining town, laying claim to NZ’s largest gold nugget found in 1909.

The West Coast Wilderness cycle trail is 3-4 days long and bike hire, bag, bike and car transfers, accommodation and extra activities can all be arranged through the Greymouth i-SITE.

Bookings are essential during Summer Season Nov- March 

Contact The Team at Greymouth i-SITE

Email: info@westcoasttravel.co.nz

Phone: 0800 GREYMOUTH

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