Mountain bike trial
Mountain biking is now being trialled for three years (till the end of 2013) in Kahurangi National Park on part of the Kill Devil Track, as shown on the map below.
Kill Devil Track map
Track grade
The Kill Devil is a "there-and-back" one day or overnight ride for advanced (Grade 4) and expert (Grade 5) riders, starting and finishing in Upper Takaka, Golden Bay. It is technically challenging, on rough, remote terrain, and you may need to walk or carry your bike at various points.
Mountain bike track grading system
The ride
Camp Creek (off Uruwhenua Road, Upper Takaka) to Skeet Creek (13.3 km)
This part of the track is on a former stock route (unformed legal road outside the national park). It is mostly of benched construction with a rock base. Climbing up to the Lockett Range the track is mostly in good condition with minor areas of erosion.
Skeet Creek to Waingaro Forks Hut (5.4 km)
On the Lockett Range the track is characterised by rough rocky sections mixed with short lengths of smooth packed dirt. The track is generally well drained and follows a mixture of moderate to steep gradient along the ridge top. It is a technically challenging ride for an experienced mountain biker with a high level of fitness.
The track can be ridden in a day or you can overnight at either Riordans Hut or Waingaro Forks Hut. Riordans Hut and the branch track to it are on conservation land outside of the national park.
There are spectacular views from the ridge tops of the Lockett Range including west towards the Devil River Peak, Devil Range and down into the Waingaro River Valley. One of the features of the track is the historic huts and shelters which have been or are being restored using techniques sympathetic to the character of the original structures.
The rules
You can ride mountain bikes on part of the Kill Devil track (as identified above):
- all year round during the trial period (to the end of 2013);
- in a group, provided there is no more than six riders in the group;
- at any time of the day.
You are not permitted to take a mountain bike:
- into or out of the national park by helicopter;
- into any huts or shelters;
- beyond the Waingaro Forks Hut;
- off the formed and designated route.
Signs and other markers clearly identify where mountain bikes can be ridden and where they are not allowed. At the Uruwhenua Road end there are several side roads and tracks coming off the legal road across private land. Please stay on the marked track and respect private land.
Please park your motorised vehicle at the designated vehicle parking area off Uruwhenua Road (see the map for the exact location). There will be clear on-site signage indicating vehicle parking areas.
Please remember
Please remember that this mountain biking track is shared with walkers and trampers, and with other bikers who may be coming the other way.
It should be ridden in accordance with the Mountain Bikers Code.
Comments
If you have any comments to make about this mountain biking trial you can email mbtrialsnm@doc.govt.nz. Or you can contact the Department of Conservation directly.
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