The Old Ghost Road

The Old Ghost Road is a must-do challenge for confident mountain bikers and fit walkers. As impressive as the 85km purpose-built trail are the West Coast landscapes it traverses: sheer-sided valleys cloaked in misty forest, roaring rivers and vast views.

Trailside mining relics and ghost towns punctuate the long climb on day one, but eerie silences are less common thanks to the native birdlife flourishing off the track. A predator control programme started during the build means many species, including great spotted kiwi/roroa, now inhabit the dense green bush.

In winter, you might feel the crunch of snow under your feet or tires as you climb up to the Lyell Range, dramatic mountain views from all angles. Even in low visibility the ridge sections are still thrilling, as you make your way through the mist to Ghost Lake Hut, where a roaring fire awaits (as well as cooking facilities, bucket showers and private sleepouts).

From here, there’s a snaking singletrack punctuated by a gnarly rock garden and the infamous Skyline Steps, an engineering marvel mountain bikers will need to master carrying their bike for. Then, both riders and hikers can relax into their stride over the next day or two and enjoy the vastness of the Earnest Valley, towering forests, and the last leg of the original gold miners’ trail that follows the roaring Mokihinui River.