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Archives For 30/11/1999

Photo of the week: Heaphy Track reopens

Department of Conservation —  07/05/2014

The Heaphy Track, closed since Easter due to storm damage, reopened on Monday.

The recent storm caused extensive tree windfall forcing the closure of the track and delaying the start of its winter mountain biking season.

Riding along the coast on the Heaphy Track. Photo: Jono/Squid faced boy.

A big effort has gone in over the past two weeks to clear fallen trees on the Heaphy Track with extra staff being brought in to speed up the clean-up.

With the reopening of the track the mountain bike season is now underway and runs until the 30 September.

Hut bookings can be made and more information found on what to expect and what to take when biking the Heaphy Track on the DOC website.

Photo by Jono | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

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Autumn biking

Department of Conservation —  05/05/2014

By Chrissy Wickes, Ranger – Biodiversity in Te Anau

It’s that time of the year when the world turns bright orange and yellow.

Shannon biking along amongst the leaves near Clutha River.

My son Shannon enjoying some autumn riding near the Clutha River

A perfect occasion to put on your helmet and explore the brilliant bike trails in all their autumn glory while it lasts.

There are many trails in the Wanaka area that are golden with fallen leaves. A favourite of mine is the Upper Clutha River track, this follows the Clutha River all the way from the Wanaka lake outlet, under the Albert town bridge and on to Luggate. This track is classified as “intermediate” for mountain bikers.

Three riders getting ready for some autumn riding. Photo: Annette Grieve.

The golden leaves of autumn

You can go as far as you want, lie amongst the autumn leaves, or just take a picnic and sit on the banks of the impressive Mata-Au/Clutha River. The entire track is 21.5 km long, one way.

On the other side of the river are two other great tracks; the Newcastle and Deans Bank for a slightly more challenging ride. These trails were made possible through the partnership of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, Bike Wanaka and DOC.

Shannon riding amongst the golden trees near Wanaka.

Shannon amongst the gold and red leaves of autumn

So what are you waiting for? Go plan your ride on the DOC website and find out more information about some fantastic tracks in your area.

Get out there, get amongst it!

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Photo of the week: Biking the Heaphy Track

Department of Conservation —  23/10/2013

Today’s photo of the week is from the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park.

A three year trial of winter mountain biking on the Heaphy Track has recently finished. The subsequent Kahurangi National Park mountain biking trial 2011-2013 report supports mountain biking continuing.

Biking on the Heaphy Track.

The Heaphy Track passes through diverse landscapes, from beautiful beech forest to expansive tussock grasslands, to lush forests, nikau palms and roaring seas.

It’s a tough ride, and not to be underestimated. It requires advanced mountain biking skills, being ranked Grade 4 rising to Grade 5/expert in wet or otherwise difficult riding conditions.

It takes 2 – 3 days to ride (4 – 6 days to walk) depending on fitness, skills and conditions.

This photo was taken by Jono B.

Related links:

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Experiencing the Rimutaka Incline

Department of Conservation —  21/05/2013

By Chrissy Wickes, Biodiversity Ranger, Te Anau

Over two days my partner, our child and I biked the Rimutaka Incline outside of Wellington and camped at Cross Creek. DOC and the Wellington Regional Council jointly manage the incline as the Rimutaka Rail Trail.

Phil riding along the Rimutaka Rail Trail with the chariot.

Riding along the Rimutaka Rail Trail

A tunnel on the Rimutaka Rail Trail.

A tunnel along the way

It was fabulous and the surface of the track was excellent for our two and a half year old son Shannon in the chariot. The only rough bit was coming down from the summit where there had been a washout. This was the only section that we had to push the bike and the rest of the way could be easily ridden. The incline was an easy grade as it was originally used by a train.

Camping was great and we were treated to the wonderful call of a passing morepork.

It was an easy trip and you could do a day trip to the summit and back. The western side is the better track.

Chrissy and Shannon outside their tent.

Setting up camp.

There are lots of cool tunnels so take torches to explore and make sure you check out all the neat interpretation signs along the way as there is heaps of historic stuff to look at.

There were quite a few people out there enjoying it, providing plenty of folk to chat with along the way.

Riding along the Rimutaka Rail Trail.

There is lots to explore along the way

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Biking the Queen Charlotte Track

Department of Conservation —  09/05/2013

By Chrissy Wickes, Biodiversity Ranger, Te Anau

My partner, our child and I recently biked the Queen Charlotte Track.

Chrissy and her family by the DOC Queen Charlotte Track sign.

Setting out on the Queen Charlotte Track

It was a challenging but fun adventure with our two and a half year old son Shannon. It was obvious that Shannon enjoyed the camping experience and being in the bush.

Chrissy's son Shannon in his chariot.

Shannon in his chariot

The Queen Charlotte track was good enough for Shannon’s chariot to be attached to our bikes and we only had to push the chariot for around one tenth of the track. The rest of the track is ridable if you are fit, which luckily my partner is and he was even able to pull the chariot up some small sharp steep hills that I had to walk.

Chrissy's partner and son biking along the track.

Along the track

We took it pretty slow along the track to make it more comfy over the more rough terrain. Some sections were gorgeous and smooth, others were rocky and a bit rooty.

Chrissy and her son on the Queen Charlotte Track.

A spot of dancing?

We chose to take the road from Cowshed Bay to Mistletoe turnoff just to avoid a big hill that we would have most likely just pushed up rather than ride. This was a great decision!

Shannon being pushed along the track on the bike.

Give me a push

We got all our gear water taxied to our next camp spot which was so great. We met some lovely people on the way. The tops were gorgeous with some stunning views of the sounds.

Stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.

Stunning views

I would recommend this adventure only in really good weather which we were lucky to have. The clay surface of this track would mean that a bit of rain could make it quite yucky!

A view along the Queen Charlotte Track.

How about that view?

Experience the Queen Charlotte Track

In the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track stretches 71 km.The track is suitable for both walkers and mountain bike riders, taking 3-5 days to complete walking, or 2-3 days for mountain bikers. You can find more information on the DOC website.

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