🗺️ A Must-Do Legendary Trail
Located in the remote northwest of New Zealand’s South Island, The Old Ghost Road is one of the country’s most iconic backcountry trails. Stretching 85 kilometers through dense rainforest, alpine ridgelines, swing bridges and historic gold-mining routes, it’s known as New Zealand’s longest continuous singletrack — and a bucket-list ride for mountain bikers and hikers.
🚵🏻♀️ My Experience: Riding It in 2 Days on a Gravel Bike
In March, I set out to ride the trail with my gravel bike, a slightly unconventional choice compared to the typical mountain bike. Before committing, I asked around — and the feedback was mixed. Some said it was impossible, others claimed I’d love it. So I decided to see for myself.
We completed the route over two days, spending the night at Ghost Lake Hut, the trail’s highest point at around 1,280 meters elevation. Though challenging in parts, the ride was absolutely doable with the right gear and experience — and one of the most rewarding gravel adventures I’ve ever done.
🏕️ Huts Along the Trail
The Old Ghost Road features a series of well-maintained backcountry huts, managed by the trail trust. Some must be booked online in advanced. They’re equipped with mattresses, compost toilets, water tanks, gas stoves:
Lyell Saddle Hut (17 km)
Ghost Lake Hut (35 km) – ⚠️ highest point with epic views
Stern Valley Hut
Goat Creek Hut
Specimen Point Hut
📝 Book here oldghostroad.org.nz
⚠️ Difficulty and Terrain
While sections are flowy and rideable, the trail includes:
Steep climbs and long descents
Rocky and rooty technical sections
Narrow ridgelines with exposure
Occasional hike-a-bike segments
- Riders need to be fit, self-sufficient, and confident on technical terrain.
🌀 Weather: Check Before You Go
Weather can shift dramatically, especially on alpine sections. Always check forecasts before heading out:
MetVUW : www.metvuw.com
New Zealand Metservice’s : mountains forecast and rural forecast
- Trail status : the old ghost road official website
You must check the official website prior to hit the trail: https://oldghostroad.org.nz/.
🧳 Recommended Gear
- Gravel bike or MTB with minimum 40 mm tires — for more comfort, go with 45–50 mm
- Headlamp + power bank
- Repair kit: tubeless plugs, inner tubes, multi-tool, pump, etc.
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Bikepacking bags
- I used a 3L frame bag and a 11L saddle bag. I also had a 15L hydration bag, but I’d rather recommend a handlebar bag
- Warm and waterproof clothing — the weather changes quickly
- Food for the entire route + extra
- We brought freeze-dried meals along with bars, cookies, and other snacks.
- GPS with GPX track to download — even though the trail is well marked
📸 Why Ride the Old Ghost Road?
This trail offers everything:
- Wild nature and solitude
- True backcountry immersion
- World-class hut system
- Physical challenge and reward
🔗 Useful Resources
🎥 COMING SOON MAY 16TH, 6:00PM ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
🎬 Check out how our 2-day gravel ride on the Old Ghost Road went
🗺️ The Map
If you have some questions about our experience on the trail, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments 🙂
