Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure

Your mountain biking adventure begins with a warm up in Christchurch’s Port Hills. Flowing single-track along the crater rim gives us panoramic views in all directions, the peaks of the Southern Alps to the west and the vivid blue waters of Lyttelton Harbour to the east. Our adventure continues with a few runs in Christchurch’s Adventure Park using their state-of-the-art lift. We then enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant before getting ready for the 1.5 hour drive towards the mountains. The journey takes us across the vast Canterbury Plains and over Porters Pass which is a fitting introduction to the Craigieburn Mountains where our next adventure awaits. We stay the night at Forest Lodge where we enjoy a home cooked dinner and a hot shower. Note: If you are bringing your own bike, please make sure you have it assembled and ready when we pick you up. If you are hiring a mountain bike, there will be a chance to test and fit your hire bike. Cycling distance: Up to 40km 350m Climb / 1300m Descent

Meals:  L,D

Today’s adventure starts right outside our doorstep. After a hearty breakfast we set loose in the Craigieburn forest. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over the surrounding valleys and mountains from the many trail options including the Hog’s Back, Luge, the Edge, Dracophyllum flat and Dicksons Downhill tracks. Returning to the trailhead, we then drive across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass to Westport, the charming West Coast town that’s our stopping point for the night. We enjoy an evening meal and a well-deserved beer in one the town’s historic pubs. Rest up as the next three days will be huge! Cycling distance: Up to 40km 1350m Climb / 1350m Descent

Meals:  B,D

A short drive takes us to the gold rush ghost town of Lyell and the start of the Old Ghost Road. The trail starts with a 765m climb through beach forest along an old dray road to the open tops of the saddle, offering dramatic views across the valley in all directions. A narrow and rocky track then sidles across the face of Mt Montgomery and past ‘Heaven’s Door’ before descending through stunted alpine forest to Ghost Lake Hut and our accommodation for the night. At 1200m above sea level, we think you’ll agree this is the perfect place to stop. We’ll enjoy a relaxed evening at the back country hut, overlooking Ghost Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges where your guides will prepare your evening meal. Riding Distance: 30km Approx. Time: 6-8 hours 1440m Climb / 350m Descent

Meals:  B,D

Today our ride descends rapidly from Ghost Lake through rock gardens with tight turns to reach the spectacular Skyline Ridge. We carry our bikes down the Skyline Steps before some fun, fast and sweeping single-track into the Stern Valley. The trail continues to meander on through the Earnest Valley and zigzags up through a large bolder field named the Boneyard to Solemn Saddle. From here it’s on down to the confluence with the Mokihinui River South Branch and the old Goat Creek Hut. From Goat Creek, we will wind our way through towering podocarp forest to the Mokihinui ‘Forks’ and then on to the Specimen Point Hut site 3km downstream towards at the head of Mokihinui River Gorge. Our guides will cook up another tasty meal and we will relax enjoying views of the river nearby. Riding Distance: 38km Approx. time: 6-9 hours 720m Climb / 1750m Descent

Meals:  B,D

From Specimen Point, the Mokihinui squeezes into a tight gorge and below us are rushing green waters and deep clear pools. Narrow swing bridges overhang massive drops and the old miners’ road is re-joined for the undulating ride through the spectacular Mokihinui River gorge to the end of the trail and the end of the Old Ghost Road. At Seddonville we meet up with our transport, load up the bikes before we enjoy a shower and refreshments at the Rough & Tumble lodge. We then set off on our journey over the Lewis Pass back to Christchurch. We can expect to arrive in Christchurch around 6pm, dropping back in the central city. Those who would like to dismantle and box their mountain bikes can return to the Adventure South NZ depot. Riding Distance: 17km Approx. time: 2-4 hours 150m Climb / 200m Descent

Meals:  B,L