Explore the ancient rainforest, hear the old stories and spin a yarn or two of your own!
On this trail, your trusty bike will take you from the 'big smoke' of Greymouth to the historic gold town of Ross and lets you immerse yourself in the West Coast's world-famous scenery and fascinating history. Not only will you marvel at the breathtaking views, but you will feel like you are journeying back in time as you ride along old packhorse tracks, tramlines, old settlements, railways and water races.
The West Coast Wilderness Trail has been created as part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. The entire trail is 132 kilometres long and can be ridden in three or four days. The first section from Greymouth to Hokitika was opened by John Key on 23 November 2013 at the Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara. This historic hotel dates back to 1876, and the opening of the trail coincided with the first anniversary of its restoration and re-opening. It is now one of the most popular stops on the track. The entire trail was then completed in 2015 and finishes in Ross, which allows for a side trip to the West Coast Treetop Walk near Lake Mahinapua. Among other highlights, it also includes the picturesque 200m rail bridge over the Totara River.
Of course, you won’t miss out on the Treetop Walk as this amazing walk is included in our tour.
After the Pike River Mine disaster the West Coast was facing hard economic pressures with effects felt right across many towns and businesses. One of the main goals of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project was to "breathe new life into dying towns" and offer better access to natural and historical treasures - which turned out to be the best decision ever.
As luck would have it, the official opening of the trail coincided with other events that put attention - even international attention - on the West Coast. Eleanor Catton's book The Luminaries, set on the West Coast during the time of the gold rush, won the 2013 Man Booker Prize. Then, Lonely Planet included the West Coast as one of the world's top 10 regions for tourists the following year.
When the trail opened soon after, international media once again picked up on this. They included the West Coast Wilderness Trail in its reporting, giving it an unexpected boost.
Interest in the trail and number of visitors have steadily been growing ever since - what more reason do you need to put this trail on your bucket list?
Due to its remoteness, this is one track where a guide will truly make your life easier and remove all the stress of tricky organisation. Compare us, join us, and whether you are solo or with a group, let us worry about the logistics, bike hire, accommodation, transport and shuttles, while you make new memories and enjoy new adventures.
Sidetracks Women is an official partner of the West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Which is your date to explore the West Coast Wilderness Trail on a guided tour with us?
Season 2022/23
24.10.2022 - 29.10.2022 WWT 2410 22
13.12.2022 - 18.12.2022 WWT 1312 22
06.01.2023 - 11.01.2023 WWT 0601 23
10.02.2023 - 15.02.2023 WWT 1002 23
01.04.2023 - 06.04.2023 WWT 0104 23
20.04.2023 - 25.04.2023 WWT 2004 23
Book now to save your space!
Don't see a date that suits you?
We offer all our tours for private groups (families, friends, teams) on custom dates (min 2 pax) - contact us.
