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Sweeping singletrack along the tops - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Sweeping singletrack along the tops  | Alain Goerens
ADS UGC TA - Old Ghost Road2 - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
ADS UGC TA - Old Ghost Road2
The Lyell Saddle Hut with sweeping views across the ranges - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
The Lyell Saddle Hut with sweeping views across the ranges  | Janet Oldham
ADS UGC TA - Old Ghost Road - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
ADS UGC TA - Old Ghost Road
Impressive singletrack near Old Ghost Hut - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Impressive singletrack near Old Ghost Hut  | Sandra Appleby
ADS UGC TA - Old Ghost Road - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
ADS UGC TA - Old Ghost Road
Track crosses the Lyell Ranges affording wonderful views - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Track crosses the Lyell Ranges affording wonderful views  | Sandra Appleby
Swingbridge on the Old Ghost Road, West Coast, New Zealand. - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Swingbridge on the Old Ghost Road, West Coast, New Zealand.  | Liam Stroud
A great little spot to sit, relax and reflect in the Lyell Saddle Hut - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
A great little spot to sit, relax and reflect in the Lyell Saddle Hut  | Janet Oldham
Historic ski lodge nestled under the towering Craigieburn mountains - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Historic ski lodge nestled under the towering Craigieburn mountains  | Forest Lodge
Riding the ridgeline on the Old Ghost Road - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Riding the ridgeline on the Old Ghost Road  | Reiner Schuster
Flowing singletrack through west coast bush - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Flowing singletrack through west coast bush  | Sandra Appleby
Lyell Saddle to Ghost Lake Hut - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Lyell Saddle to Ghost Lake Hut  | bennettandslater.co.nz
It's easy to see where the trail goes - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
It's easy to see where the trail goes  | Janet Oldham
Heavens Door view point along the Old Ghost Road - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Heavens Door view point along the Old Ghost Road  | Sandra Appleby
Warm up ride in the Craigieburn Ranges of Canterbury - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Warm up ride in the Craigieburn Ranges of Canterbury  | Mike Smith
Flowing singletrack through west coast bush - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Flowing singletrack through west coast bush  | Sandra Appleby
Skyline Steps on the Old Ghost Road - Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure, New Zealand
Skyline Steps on the Old Ghost Road  | bennettandslater.co.nz

Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure

Mountain bike the iconic Old Ghost Road

New Zealand

 5 reviews

5 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: OGR
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 5 Days
Activities
  • 5 day mountain bike
Accommodation
  • 2 nights back country hut
  • 1 night lodge
  • 1 night motel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 2 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 5

challenging

Carbon Footprint  

25kg of CO2-e PP per day

(102kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Warm up on Christchurch’s Port Hills with stunning ocean views
  • Ride the trails of Christchurch’s Adventure Park – lift assisted
  • Explore the local Craigieburn Trails in Castle Hill Basin
  • Test your skills on the Old Ghost Road’s enviable single-track
  • Stay overnight in the remote Ghost Lake and Specimen Point Huts
  • Take in incredible views from the Skyline Ridge and Lyell Tops
  • Learn new riding tips and a receive a skill session with your experienced mountain bike guides
  • Enjoy local hospitality in small townships along the way

Overview

Experience some of the South Island’s best mountain biking on our fully guided and supported Old Ghost Road Mountain Bike Adventure.

We kick things off by exploring the abundant network of trails in Christchurch’s Port Hills and Adventure Park, before heading west to take on Canterbury’s hidden gem that is the Craigieburn Trails.

Get excited, the iconic Old Ghost Road is up next. From Lyell, we follow the 85km trail through thick beach forest, along rocky ridges, down the infamous Skyline staircase and out through the Mohikinui River Gorge to Seddonville.

The 19th century trail was once created to connect gold fields between the Buller Gorge and the Mohikinui Valley, although it was never finished as the trail was deemed too rugged!

Our expert mountain biking guides will drive you from A to B, muster up a homecooked meal and even treat you to a skills session. You’ll also enjoy classic Kiwi hospitality in a mix of alpine lodges and remote huts with unbeatable views.

Bring your friends and ask us about group discounts and flexible dates, groups of 8-12 can easily be accommodated.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Your mountain biking adventure begins with a warm up in Christchurch’s Port Hills. Flowing single-track along the crater rim gives us panoramic views in all directions, the peaks of the Southern Alps to the west and the vivid blue waters of Lyttelton Harbour to the east. Our adventure continues with a few runs in Christchurch’s Adventure Park using their state-of-the-art lift. We then enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant before getting ready for the 1.5 hour drive towards the mountains. The journey takes us across the vast Canterbury Plains and over Porters Pass which is a fitting introduction to the Craigieburn Mountains where our next adventure awaits. We stay the night at Forest Lodge where we enjoy a home cooked dinner and a hot shower. Note: If you are bringing your own bike, please make sure you have it assembled and ready when we pick you up. If you are hiring a mountain bike, there will be a chance to test and fit your hire bike. Cycling distance: Up to 40km 350m Climb / 1300m Descent

Meals: L,D

Today’s adventure starts right outside our doorstep. After a hearty breakfast we set loose in the Craigieburn forest. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over the surrounding valleys and mountains from the many trail options including the Hog’s Back, Luge, the Edge, Dracophyllum flat and Dicksons Downhill tracks. Returning to the trailhead, we then drive across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass to Westport, the charming West Coast town that’s our stopping point for the night. We enjoy an evening meal and a well-deserved beer in one the town’s historic pubs. Rest up as the next three days will be huge! Cycling distance: Up to 40km 1350m Climb / 1350m Descent

Meals: B,D

A short drive takes us to the gold rush ghost town of Lyell and the start of the Old Ghost Road. The trail starts with a 765m climb through beach forest along an old dray road to the open tops of the saddle, offering dramatic views across the valley in all directions. A narrow and rocky track then sidles across the face of Mt Montgomery and past ‘Heaven’s Door’ before descending through stunted alpine forest to Ghost Lake Hut and our accommodation for the night. At 1200m above sea level, we think you’ll agree this is the perfect place to stop. We’ll enjoy a relaxed evening at the back country hut, overlooking Ghost Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges where your guides will prepare your evening meal. Riding Distance: 30km Approx. Time: 6-8 hours 1440m Climb / 350m Descent

Meals: B,D

Today our ride descends rapidly from Ghost Lake through rock gardens with tight turns to reach the spectacular Skyline Ridge. We carry our bikes down the Skyline Steps before some fun, fast and sweeping single-track into the Stern Valley. The trail continues to meander on through the Earnest Valley and zigzags up through a large bolder field named the Boneyard to Solemn Saddle. From here it’s on down to the confluence with the Mokihinui River South Branch and the old Goat Creek Hut. From Goat Creek, we will wind our way through towering podocarp forest to the Mokihinui ‘Forks’ and then on to the Specimen Point Hut site 3km downstream towards at the head of Mokihinui River Gorge. Our guides will cook up another tasty meal and we will relax enjoying views of the river nearby. Riding Distance: 38km Approx. time: 6-9 hours 720m Climb / 1750m Descent

Meals: B,D

From Specimen Point, the Mokihinui squeezes into a tight gorge and below us are rushing green waters and deep clear pools. Narrow swing bridges overhang massive drops and the old miners’ road is re-joined for the undulating ride through the spectacular Mokihinui River gorge to the end of the trail and the end of the Old Ghost Road. At Seddonville we meet up with our transport, load up the bikes before we enjoy a shower and refreshments at the Rough & Tumble lodge. We then set off on our journey over the Lewis Pass back to Christchurch. We can expect to arrive in Christchurch around 6pm, dropping back in the central city. Those who would like to dismantle and box their mountain bikes can return to the Adventure South NZ depot. Riding Distance: 17km Approx. time: 2-4 hours 150m Climb / 200m Descent

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

2 scheduled departures between 19 Mar 2027 and 25 Feb 2028.

  • Departs 19 Mar 2027 – ends 23 Mar 2027 (5 days)
  • Departs 25 Feb 2028 – ends 29 Feb 2028 (5 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Tasty breakfasts (x4), picnic style or cafe lunches (x2), hearty dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 1 night comfortable motel ensuite accommodation on a twin share basis
  • 1 night back country lodge with shared facilities
  • 2 nights in remote backcountry hut with shared facilities and sleeping bags
  • Experienced qualified mountain bike guides/drivers who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories
  • Private vehicle transport with trailer for bikes and luggage
  • Lift rides in the Christchurch Adventure Park
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • Mountain bike hire (including helmet) - Quality full suspension bikes can be hired from NZ$130-$270 per day
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (There will be time to purchase lunch food along the way when needed)
  • All alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own standard bike drink bottle or hydration system)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Visa (if required)

About your guide

Our Guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two experienced mountain bike guides, who will be able to share their mountain bike knowledge with you and give you some riding tips out on the trail. All our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many are trained bike mechanics.

Reviews (5)

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My second trip with Adventure South and another great one. Our guides Will and Lewis were fantastic. Highly recommend.

Michael Doma|Calgary Alberta, Canada
18 Mar 2024
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My twelfth trip with Adventure South lived up to the superb precedent set by previous eleven. Superb guides, great itinerary (Port Hills, Craigieburn, and Old Ghost Road Trails), great accommodation and meals. I brought my own bike, securely transported on their trailer and on ride tuning for a minor mechanical was appreciated. They even organised superb weather (perhaps that was a bit of luck...) for an unforgettable experience.

Robin Capper|Auckland, New Zealand
14 Mar 2024
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Just magic. A bucket list trip that did not disappoint. Will and Lewis were amazing guides. They took all the worry from what could be a daunting trip but somehow managed to make it feel like we were just a bunch of mates off cycling together. Amazing scenery, great single track and best shower ever at the end!

Helen Johnston|New Zealand
9 Mar 2024
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I had a great time. The scenery was magic and the riding was fun. Our guides Erin and Leah were absolutely fantastic - great riders, knowledgeable bike mechanics, very supportive, lots of fun and always looked after us and found the best places to eat after a long day of riding. We couldn't have asked for better guides.

Catherine S|Wahroonga, Australia
19 Mar 2019
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Outstanding trip, spectacular scenery and awesome riding. Made all the better by the Adventure South Guides Erin and Leigh. You two rock!

Hamish A|Auckland, New Zealand
19 Mar 2019

Extra trip info

AccommodationBikesWill My Trip Run?
Historic ski lodge nestled under the towering Craigieburn mountains | Forest Lodge

Forest Lodge

Historic ski lodge nestled in beech forest and under the towering grey peaks of the Craigieburn Mountains, Forest Lodge is the perfect place to rest up after a day in the saddle riding the local trails. The rooms are dormitory style, there is a large self catering kitchen, living room, shared bathrooms and hot showers.

Old Ghost Hut | Sandra Appleby

Back Country Hut

Experience the real New Zealand and spend two nights in the purpose built Old Ghost Road back country huts. These huts are fitted with bunk beds in small dormitorys, with a communal kitchen and seating area, and outdoor long-drop toilets.

Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motel

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Stunning scenery on the Craigieburn Ranges, Canterbury, New Zealand. | Mike Smith

Mountain Bike

Most riders choose to bring their own bikes on this trip. We recommend a full suspension bike with 140mm of travel, robust all-condition tyres and a seat dropper. Bikes need to be in good shape and have been recently serviced. Talk to us about arranging a good quality mountain bike for hire.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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