1-2 Days 36 Km

Highlights

  • Whanganui National Park
  • Whanganui River jetboat or kayak
  • Rich Māori & settler history

Proximity

Cross Country/Enduro

Grade 3|Intermediate

This remote mountain biking adventure winds through the heart of mystical Whanganui National Park to a striking bridge that literally leads to nowhere.

Two cyclists crossing over the Bridge to Nowhere
Cyclists on the Bridge to Nowhere, New Zealand

Riding the trail

Forming part of the multi-day Mountains to Sea cycle trail, the Bridge to Nowhere Mountain Biking Trail takes riders back in time, around a hundred years or so, when soldiers returning from World War One were given plots of remote wilderness to farm. Ultimately, the land’s location and rugged terrain thwarted their attempts to tame it, but their enduring legacy is the trail into this hinterland, and the unexpected bridge originally intended to connect them to the outside world.

The trail begins on the historic Mangapurua Trail through Whanganui National Park, 30 km northwest of Raetihi town close to another national park, Tongariro. This mountain biking ride begins with a climb up to the junction with the equally historic Kaiwhakauka Trail – a more gnarly alternative start, accessed from the welcoming Blue Duck Station. Just beyond is the high point of the ride (661m), from where there are endless views across ridges blanketed in dense forest.

Plan your mountain biking holiday

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Key Mountain Biking Tours Operators

Enjoy the freedom of riding without the hassle of logistics by taking a guided or self-guided mountain bike tour.

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New Zealand Mountain Biking Tips & FAQs

Few countries in the world serve up such diverse riding – from urban forest trails to rugged, remote mountaintop tracks. Plan to stay safe and savour them.

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New Zealand Travel Guide

Planning a biking holiday to New Zealand? Read our practical travel advice before you depart.

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