Te Ara Mangawhero Trail Cycling Guide
- Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's heartland, where history and natural beauty converge.
- The Old Coach Road offers a diverse landscape,transitioning from smooth paths to "shaky surfaces," and from lush bushland to historic train tracks.
- the Taonui Viaduct stands out as a highlight, its "burnt red" hue strikingly contrasting with the surrounding greenery.
Exploring the Historic Old Coach Road and Scenic Te Ara Mangawhero Trail
Table of Contents
- Exploring the Historic Old Coach Road and Scenic Te Ara Mangawhero Trail
- Discovering the Newly Opened Te Ara Mangawhero Extension
- Exploring the Old Coach Road & Te ara Mangawhero Trails: Your Thorough Guide
- Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero Trails: Swift Answers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Old coach road and Te Ara Mangawhero Trails?
- Where do the Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero trails start?
- What are the main highlights of the Old Coach Road?
- Are e-bikes recommended for the Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero?
- What kind of terrain can I expect on these trails?
- How long is the Te ara Mangawhero trail?
- What can I expect to see on the Te Ara Mangawhero trail?
- Where can I go after completing the Old Coach Road?
- What economic impact is expected from the completed Te Ara Mangawhero trail?
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s heartland, where history and natural beauty converge. The adventure begins at the Horopito end of the track, courtesy of a convenient shuttle service, setting the stage for a remarkable one-way trip towards town and the gateway to the Te Ara Mangawhero trail.
The Old Coach Road offers a diverse landscape,transitioning from smooth paths to “shaky surfaces,” and from lush bushland to historic train tracks. This route provides a rich taste of history interwoven with impressive infrastructure.
Marveling at the Viaducts
the Taonui Viaduct stands out as a highlight, its “burnt red” hue strikingly contrasting with the surrounding greenery. This landmark is a favorite, offering a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate the engineering marvel.
Further along the trail, the Hāpuawhenua Viaduct awaits, an “impressive 45m high” structure that visitors can walk across. This experience provides breathtaking views and a sense of awe.
exploring Historical Features
The trail is dotted with features such as an old railway tunnel and informative placards, allowing for a customized experience. These elements cater to both those seeking a swift ride and those interested in delving into the area’s history.
The original cobbled road, constructed in the 1880s from sett stones, forms a important part of the trail.These stones provide a unique, albeit bumpy, ride, “esting your bike’s suspension and your brain’s durability.”
The Horopito end of the Old Coach Road sits at a higher altitude, specifically “170m higher altitude than Ohakune,” resulting in a predominantly downhill journey with some uphill challenges.
For those looking for an easier ride, consider using e-bikes.As noted, “e-bikes which were a lifesaver and allowed me to ride a trail I genuinely would have struggled to complete with a standard bike.” The added power assists on inclines,turning potential struggles into enjoyable ascents.
Key Points:
- Start at Horopito for a mostly downhill ride.
- Explore historic viaducts and railway tunnels.
- Consider e-bikes for an easier experience.
Concluding the Ride in Ohakune
The trail leads back into Ohakune, a short ride from local eateries such as The Powderkeg Restaurant and Franks Eatery & Bar.After a “15km ride,” a satisfying meal and refreshing cider provide the perfect reward.
A brief ride up the road leads to the start of the Te Ara Mangawhero trail, marked by a customary Māori archway.
Continuing onto Te Ara Mangawhero
The Te Ara Mangawhero trail offers a different experience, inviting further exploration of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. this trail complements the Old Coach Road, providing a comprehensive adventure through diverse landscapes and historical landmarks.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, the Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero trails promise an enriching and memorable experience.
Discovering the Newly Opened Te Ara Mangawhero Extension
The Te Ara Mangawhero extension of the renowned Mountains to Sea trail offers a refreshing experience for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail’s surface was notably smoother compared to the Old Coach Road. With the exception of a road crossing and a few sharp bends, the route provides a relatively easy ride, making it accessible to a range of skill levels.
Riding the trail towards the end of summer meant enjoying dry and stable track conditions. However, given the alpine environment’s unpredictable weather patterns, it’s crucial for riders to exercise caution and verify the trail’s status before embarking on thier journey. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
One of the unique aspects of Te Ara Mangawhero is its historical significance. The trail winds through areas that hold remnants of an old village, a logging field, and a tramway, offering glimpses into the region’s past.
The trail boasts stunning bush paths and,on a clear day,offers iconic views of Mt Ruapehu. Sadly, cloud coverage obscured the mountain view during this particular ride.
Currently, only half of the trail has been completed. This meant reaching an abrupt end and having to cycle back, eagerly anticipating the completion of the full route.
The second phase of the Te Ara Mangawhero track is planned to extend up Mt Ruapehu, reaching the Massey University Alpine Club hut (MUAC), located just below the Tūroa ski field. Once both sections are complete, the trail will span a total distance of 29.5km.
The current section of the track was remarkably clean, showing minimal signs of use with very few tire marks, trail-wear, and absolutely no rubbish. This pristine condition reflects its newness and the ambition to establish the track as an eco-tourism destination.
Government funding and consents are essential for the trail’s completion. According to Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton, the completed trail is projected to attract 50,000 users per section annually, generating $36 million a year.
the experience was a resounding success.The use of an e-bike facilitated completing two rides with ease, while the relatively wide and well-maintained paths alleviated any typical mountain biking anxieties.The ride also provided the opportunity to witness some truly unbelievable views.
The trails conveniently lead directly into Ohakune’s township, simplifying access to food, accommodation, and shuttle services.
These trails serve as an ideal introduction to the mountain to Sea trail, allowing individuals to assess their fitness and courage before committing to the full multi-day adventure in the future.
To discover more about these trails, visit mountainstosea.nz.
Exploring the Old Coach Road & Te ara Mangawhero Trails: Your Thorough Guide
This article provides a detailed Q&A-style guide to the Old Coach Road and te Ara Mangawhero trails in New Zealand. Learn about the trail features, highlights, and essential details for planning your adventure.
Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero Trails: Swift Answers
| Trail Feature | Description |
| ———————- | ——————————————————————————– |
| Old Coach Road | Historic trail with viaducts, tunnels, and varied terrain.|
| Te Ara Mangawhero | Newer trail with smoother surfaces,ancient remnants,and scenic views. |
| Starting Point | Horopito (Old Coach Road) or Ohakune (Te Ara Mangawhero) |
| Terrain | Varied,with smooth paths,cobblestones,bushland,and railway tracks. |
| E-bike Recommendation | Highly recommended, especially for the Old Coach Road’s inclines. |
| Completion | Part of Te Ara Mangawhero is under construction; Old Coach Road is complete. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Old coach road and Te Ara Mangawhero Trails?
The Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero are scenic trails in New Zealand that offer a blend of history,natural beauty,and outdoor adventure. These trails form part of the larger Mountains to Sea trail network.
Old Coach Road: This historic trail features extraordinary viaducts, an old railway tunnel, and varying terrain, including cobblestone road sections originally built in the 1880s.
Te ara Mangawhero: A newer trail known for its smoother surfaces, historical significance, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including (on a clear day) Mt. Ruapehu. It also offers glimpses into the region’s past, winding through remnants of an old village, logging field, and a tramway.
Where do the Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero trails start?
Old Coach Road: The recommended starting point is at the Horopito end of the track. A shuttle service is available to take you to the starting point for a one-way trip towards Ohakune. Starting at Horopito means the majority of the ride will be downhill.
Te Ara Mangawhero: The trail starts near Ohakune,marked by a customary Māori archway.
What are the main highlights of the Old Coach Road?
The Old Coach Road is renowned for its historical and architectural features. Its highlights are:
Taonui Viaduct: A visually striking viaduct with a “burnt red” hue contrasting with the surrounding greenery that makes for excellent photos.
Hāpuawhenua Viaduct: An impressive 45-meter high viaduct that you can walk across, offering breathtaking views.
Historical Features: An old railway tunnel and informative placards provide insights into the area’s history.
cobblestone Road: A section of the original cobbled road dating back to the 1880s that’s sure to test your bike’s suspension.
Are e-bikes recommended for the Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero?
Yes, e-bikes are highly recommended, especially for the Old Coach Road.
The Old Coach Road features varying elevations, and an e-bike makes the uphill sections much more manageable.
the source even calls e-bikes a ”lifesaver”, allowing riders to complete the trail who otherwise would have struggled.
The Te Ara Mangawhero is smoother, but an e-bike can still enhance the experience and allow you to travel further.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these trails?
The terrain varies depending on the trail:
Old Coach Road: Expect diverse landscapes, smooth paths, “shaky surfaces,” lush bushland, historic train tracks, and the original cobbled road from the 1880s.
Te Ara Mangawhero: The opened section is lauded for its smooth, user friendly surfaces, with the exception of a road crossing and a few sharp bends.
How long is the Te ara Mangawhero trail?
Currently, only half of the Te Ara Mangawhero trail is completed. Once both phases are complete, the trail will span a total distance of 29.5 kilometers. The second phase is planned to extend up Mt Ruapehu, reaching the Massey University Alpine Club hut (MUAC), located just below the Tūroa ski field.
What can I expect to see on the Te Ara Mangawhero trail?
Historical Remnants: The trail winds through areas that hold remnants of an old village, a logging field, and a tramway.
Scenic Views: Stunning bush paths and, on a clear day, iconic views of Mt Ruapehu.
Pristine Condition: The trail is remarkably clean reflecting its newness and ambition as an eco-tourism destination.
Where can I go after completing the Old Coach Road?
The Old Coach Road leads back into Ohakune, where you can find local eateries like The Powderkeg Restaurant and Franks Eatery & Bar. A short ride up the road leads to the start of the Te Ara Mangawhero trail.
What economic impact is expected from the completed Te Ara Mangawhero trail?
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton projects the completed trail will attract 50,000 users per section annually, generating $36 million a year.