Archives des New Zealand - Destinations Gravel https://www.destinations-gravel.com/en/tag/new-zealand/ Wed, 06 May 2026 12:38:37 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.3 https://www.destinations-gravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/android-chrome-512x512-1.png Archives des New Zealand - Destinations Gravel https://www.destinations-gravel.com/en/tag/new-zealand/ 32 32 Exploring New Zealand: Our Detailed Travel Itinerary https://www.destinations-gravel.com/en/2025/05/12/exploring-new-zealand-our-detailed-travel-itinerary/ https://www.destinations-gravel.com/en/2025/05/12/exploring-new-zealand-our-detailed-travel-itinerary/#respond Mon, 12 May 2025 16:25:13 +0000 https://www.destinations-gravel.com/?p=11195 Looking for the ultimate gravel and outdoor adventures in New Zealand? From epic gravel routes to stunning mountain landscapes, our trip had it all.At the start of the year, my partner…

L’article Exploring New Zealand: Our Detailed Travel Itinerary est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

]]>

Looking for the ultimate gravel and outdoor adventures in New Zealand? From epic gravel routes to stunning mountain landscapes, our trip had it all.
At the start of the year, my partner Kilian and I set off on a road trip across New Zealand, from February to April. We explored breathtaking landscapes from the North Island to the South Island, riding incredible routes along the way. I brought my gravel bike, and Kilian took his mountain bike. In this article, we share the highlights of our adventure—complete with practical tips and must-ride itineraries.

1. Rotorua : Adventure in the Whakarewarewa Forest 🌲

Rotorua gravel forest loop new zealand
Rotorua gravel forest loop new zealand
Rotorua gravel forest loop new zealand vtt

📍Rotorua / North Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: Varies

Our adventure kicked off in Rotorua, a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. We explored the Whakarewarewa Forest Bike Park—an ideal spot for both gravel and MTB rides. The trails through the forest felt incredibly immersive, like riding through a jungle 🏞️. We wrapped up the day with a refreshing swim in a nearby lake.

👉 Good to know:

  • Gravel: Great for less technical riding—check out the Forest Loop (35 km), a perfect route for gravel bikes.
  • MTB: The guys loved the enduro trails 🚵, though note there are no chairlifts here.
🔗 Useful resources: 

🌟 Things to do in and around Rotorua:

  • Go swimming in the local lakes 🏖️
  • Visit Rotorua’s geothermal areas 🌋
  • Explore Te Puia and Māori culture 🌀
  • Relax in the hot pools at Polynesian Spa 💆‍♀️
  • Grab an ice cream at Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour 🍦

2. Maunga Kākaramea : Rainbow Mountain 🌈

Rainbow mountain Maunga Kākaramea rotorua new zealand
Rainbow mountain rotorua new zealand
Rainbow mountain rotorua new zealand

📍Rotorua / North Island

Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance: 2.5 km

After Rotorua, we headed to Maunga Kākaramea—also known as Rainbow Mountain. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t a great spot for gravel, so I ended up pushing my bike quite a bit. That said, it’s a great place for mountain biking, with some solid technical trails. We also enjoyed incredible views over crater lakes and a beautiful hike to the summit.

👉 Good to know:

  • Gravel : not recommended

  • VTT : fairly technical, but with some fun downhill sections

  • Rando/Trail : The best way to explore this area!

🔗 Useful resources: 

3. Te Iringa Track 🌿

Te Iringa Track Taupo Trail VTT
Te Iringa Track Taupo Trail VTT
Te Iringa Track Taupo Trail

📍Taupo District / North Island

Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies / 8 km with 400 m elevation gain

Later that same day, we hit the Te Iringa Trail. I tackled it on foot as a trail run—and it was absolutely amazing! While the track is also accessible by mountain bike, it’s definitely on the technical side. We loved being immersed in nature, surrounded by forest and the exotic songs of native birds 🦜.

🔗 Useful resources: 

4. Marlborough : Wakamarina Track and Mont Royal 🏞️

Wakamarina Track Hike New Zealand
Wakamarina Track Hike New Zealand
Wakamarina Track Hike New Zealand
  • 📍Marlborough / South Island

Type of activity : Trail Running / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: Varies / 24 km round trip with 2,000 m elevation gain (including a short detour)

We explored the Wakamarina Track, a trail that is great on foot but even better with a mountain bike. After that, we climbed part of Mount Royal, making it a big day with over 2,000 meters of elevation gain. It was exhausting—but the 360 views at the top made it all worthwhile!

👉 Good to know:

  • You can refill water from streams along the way—a filter is recommended
  • Car access is possible at the trailhead, with several parking spots available
  • MTB: Easy riding up to the start of the Mount Royal climb
🔗 Useful resources 

5. Kirwans Hut : Our biggest adventure🏔️

Kirwans hut reefton new zealand
Kirwans hut reefton new zealand
Kirwans hut reefton new zealand

📍Near Reefton / South Island

Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: 18 km ascent from Capleston with 1,200 m elevation gain + 10 km descent through Waitahu Valley (check trail status before heading out)

Our first big adventure was the ascent to Kirwans Hut. I biked 8 km on gravel, then hiked the remaining 18 km to the hut. The climb was challenging, with 1,200 meters of elevation gain, but the incredible hut at the end made it all worth it 🏡.

👉 Good to know:

  • Book the hut for the night: 12 bunks available
  • The hut is well-equipped and very comfortable
  • It’s a bit long to reach from Capleston, so be prepared for a tough day
🔗 Useful resources: 
Kirwans hut reefton new zealand
Kirwans hut reefton new zealand
Kirwans hut reefton new zealand

6. Alexandra : Lake Dunstan Trail 🌅

Dunstan Lake Trail New Zealand
Dunstan Lake Trail New Zealand
Dunstan Lake Trail New Zealand

📍Alexandra / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel Biking
Distance covered: 100 km + 1,400 m (round trip)

An incredible route along the Lake Dunstan Trail. This gravel path follows the lake, offering stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. It was an unforgettable experience and a must-do for any gravel biking enthusiast 🚴‍♀️

Find the full article here

🔗 Ressources utiles : 

7. Queenstown : Hiking and Gravel 🏞️

Ben Lommond Queenstown hike

📍Queenstown / South Island

Upon arriving in Queenstown, I focused mainly on hiking but also explored a few amazing gravel trails:

  • Ben Lomond: A must-do hike for stunning views!
  • Queenstown Hill: Another fantastic hike with great scenery.
  • Skippers Road: An iconic gravel trail that shouldn’t be missed.
  • Moke Lake: Gorgeous on gravel, but avoid the Moonlight Track—it’s too technical.

  • Rude Rock: Perfect for a short enduro ride!

Download Ben Lommond Hike
Download Queenstown Hill Hike
Download Moke Lake Ride
Skippers Road Queenstown gravel
Ben Lommond Queenstown hike
Skippers Road Queenstown gravel

8. Porters Lodge : Magical getaway ⛺

From Porters Lodge Castle Hille New Zealand

📍Castle Hill / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies

We spent two days at Porters Lodge, an awesome staffed hut accessible by car, with flow trails just outside the door. I also enjoyed a fantastic gravel ride around the area before heading to the famous Castle Hill. It was the perfect place to unwind after several active days!

From Porters Lodge Castle Hille New Zealand
From Porters Lodge Castle Hille New Zealand

9. Castle Hill : Gravel with amazing views 🏞️

Castle Hill gravel loop new zealand best gravel routes

📍Castle Hill / South Island

Distance: 35 km
Elevation gain: 1,000 m

Castle Hill is an impressive spot to explore by gravel bike. With its varied terrain and stunning panoramas, it was one of the highlights of our adventure. A perfect route for nature lovers and fans of the iconic Lord of the Rings landscapes! 🌄

Find more details about this route here

castle hill gravel
Castle Hill gravel loop new zealand best gravel routes

10. The Old Ghost Road: a must-do in New Zealand 🚵‍♂️

📍Reefton / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: 85 km + 2,200 m

The Old Ghost Road is a must-do for any hiking, MTB, or gravel biking enthusiast. This trail takes you through wild and spectacular landscapes, perfect for riders seeking a challenge. 🌟

Find more information about this route here. You can also watch our adventure during our trip live on May 16th at 6PM on my Youtube Channel

The Old Ghost Road New Zealand Gravel
The Old Ghost Road New Zealand Gravel

11. Kaiteriteri Bike Park 🏝️

kaiteriteri new zealand kayak
kaiteriteri new zealand kayak
kaiteriteri new zealand kayak
kaiteriteri new zealand kayak

📍Kaiteriteri / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies

A gravel-friendly bike park with lots of accessible trails. It’s a great place to improve your biking skills. It’s also ideal for mountain bikers, with trails suitable for all levels. Some trails are dedicated to hikers or trail runners.

Kaiteriteri is more famous for its stunning sunrises and sunsets from its pristine beaches. It’s also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, a must-visit if you’re near Nelson

🌟 Things to do in Kaiteriteri and nearby:

  • Rent a kayak and venture out to sea 🛶
  • Watch a breathtaking sunset or sunrise from Kaiteriteri Beach 🌅
  • Relax on the stunning beaches 🏝️
  • Book your stay at Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve: apartments, camping, and bungalows to suit all types of travelers
  •  

12. Coppermine Trail : A Challenge for Experienced Riders ⛰️

Coppermine Trail Nelson Gravel
Coppermine Trail Nelson Gravel

📍Nelson / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: 40 km + 950 m

The Coppermine Trail was another challenge, especially on gravel, but it’s accessible for those familiar with technical trails. It’s a great route for testing your skills and enjoying stunning views!

🌟 Things to do in Nelson and nearby:

  • Swim and relax at Cable Bay 🏝️
  • Try the best coffee shops/brunch spots in town (all three are delicious):
    • Victus Coffee & Eatery
    • DeVille
    • Bobby Franks Café
  • Explore Abel Tasman National Park (starting from Nelson) ride the  Great Taste Trail with your gravel
Download Gravel GPX
Coppermine Trail Nelson Gravel
Coppermine Trail Nelson Gravel
Coppermine Trail Nelson Gravel

To conclude✨

This trip to New Zealand was an unforgettable adventure, filled with challenges, discoveries, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, or other outdoor activities, New Zealand is truly a paradise! I hope this article has inspired you for your own travels or simply introduced you to some of the hidden gems of this remote part of the world.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment 🚴‍♀️🌄

L’article Exploring New Zealand: Our Detailed Travel Itinerary est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

]]> https://www.destinations-gravel.com/en/2025/05/12/exploring-new-zealand-our-detailed-travel-itinerary/feed/ 0 The Old Ghost Road: Everything You Need To Know https://www.destinations-gravel.com/en/2025/05/08/the-old-ghost-road-everything-you-need-to-know/ https://www.destinations-gravel.com/en/2025/05/08/the-old-ghost-road-everything-you-need-to-know/#comments Thu, 08 May 2025 11:49:17 +0000 https://www.destinations-gravel.com/?p=11086 Ride The Old Ghost Road: 85 km of gravel biking through New Zealand’s wild landscapes. Tips, huts, and practical info included.

L’article The Old Ghost Road: Everything You Need To Know est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

]]>
fiches techniques Old ghost road

🗺️ 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:

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
  • 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

🎥 WATCH OUR ADVENTURE

🗺️ The Map

If you have some questions about our experience on the trail, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments 🙂 

L’article The Old Ghost Road: Everything You Need To Know est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

]]> https://www.destinations-gravel.com/en/2025/05/08/the-old-ghost-road-everything-you-need-to-know/feed/ 2