Places to go and things to do
West Coast Wilderness Trail is a leisurely exploration of 19th century gold prospector’s mining trails. The wide well maintained trail passed water races, logging bushtram tracks and relics of a bygone era wrapped around glorious scenery.
Embrace everything the West Coast has to offer:
- Lush original rainforest only accessible to participants on the Coast Wilderness Trail
- Enjoy scenery from bubbling creeks and and mountain rivers
- Wetlands with birdlife, open to sweeping views of mountain ranges
- Heritage corners where 19th century mining relics quietly rust
- Heritage listed bridges repurposed as trail crossings, Totara Bridge (built in 1908)
- Towns and villages with accommodation ranging from historic pubs to comfortable camping grounds
WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL – KEY FACTS
- Cycle trail is 120 km in length, start/finish Greymouth to historic gold mining town of Ross (further expansions are in the pipeline)
- Multiple days 3 – 4 to complete the entire trail
- Grade 2, easy to intermediate, mostly off-road on dedicated cycling trails
- Steep section Kumara to Milltown
BEST TIME TO GO?
mid-November to mid-March
The West Coast is one of the wettest parts of New Zealand yet it has a mild climate with plenty of sunshine between the showers. There is low humidity creating ideal biking weather. While it undoubtedly rains in winter. The ride in winter sunshine is beautiful with the snow dusting the Southern Alps. Always check the daily weather forecasts and ask about washouts as they do occur. Any alerts are notified on the homepage of the trail website.
The peak season (December to March). The downside of winter is the possibility of rain events with pouring rain for several days in a row.
TRANSPORT ON THE WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL
Tour operators operate south to north (Ross to Hokitika) or north to south (Greymouth to Hokitika). The best direction on a hard-tail mountain bike (your own pedal power) is south to north with the prevailing wind behind you and gradient. Most cyclists are now opting for E-bikes. Bike hire, shuttle services, and bag transfers are available on the trail. Three reputable companies Cycle Journeys, Wilderness Trail Shuttle and Trail Transport offer similar services and prices.
NOTE
The official West Coast Wilderness Trail website describes the trail with the official starting point in Greymouth.
WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you walk the trail?
Yes, however you will be pushing / wheeling your bicycle
Can you do only one section?
Definitely
How many sections and how long is each section?
The West Coast Wilderness Trail has four sections at present (plans to expand).
Greymouth—Kumara
31 km, Grade 2/easy, 2–4 hours
Setting off from Greymouth’s picturesque Victorian railway station, the trail starts with a flourish along the Grey River floodwall where a photo-stop is part of the fun at the floodwall official start/finish gate.
Kumara—Milltown
36km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–6 hours
Kumara is a charming historic gold mining stop with the award winning Theatre Royal Hotel, galleries and quirky caravan / shops. There is an interesting cemetery to visit, the Londonderry Rock…
Milltown—Hokitika
36km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–5 hours
Milltown provides an opportunity to visit Shantytown, a fun way to absorb the atmosphere of a 19th century gold mining town with its replica main street, tents, whares and stagecoach.
Hokitika the cool little town showcases all the West Coast has to offer visitors. Scenic highlights include Hokitika Gorge glacial blue waters, suspension bridge, Lake Kaniere … and shopping in Hokitika for souvenirs of the ride, pounamu and local artwork are great finds in Hokitika.
ARE THERE ANY DAY RIDES?
Yes, every section has the option of exploring the area further. In fact some of the trip highlights are found in the day rides, for instance in Hokitika, the West Coast Scenic Waterways runs boat cruises and kayak trips on Lake Mahinapua as part of the day trip. Visitors enjoy the wetlands meandering channels, prolific bird life and stunning coastal scenery. Then the day finishes on a high note with a stop at West Coast treetops canopy walk.
ARE DOGS AND HORSES ALLOWED ON THE TRAIL?
No, as the trail passes through Department of Conservation areas or reserves
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Yes, these have been constructed as well; the trail passes through small settlements with public facilities.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE WHILE ON THE TRAIL?
Check out West Coast guide, things to do sections for kiwi towns as well as guide to Greymouth and Hokitika for holiday inspiration.
WHAT IS THE BEST DIRECTION TO START?
As Hokitika Cycles & Sportsworld locals who know their district commented, you ride South to North (Ross to Greymouth.) Less time is spent riding uphill. Although with an E-bike pedal power is not much of an issue.
HOW TO FIND OUT THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAIL?
For up to date information about trail conditions, check West Coast Wilderness Trail.
For more information about walking tracks check out West Coast walks and hikes, places to go and lace up the hiking boots.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.
Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.
