Update on MtB Tracks in National Parks
Hi
A local newsletter just arrived in my inbox with this information
Thought it may be of use to those considering a trip "downunder"
Raven
The new mtb friendly General Policy National Parks has finally been signed off by the NZ Conservation Authority. Wahoo. The Policy allows seasonal access for mountain bikes on selected tracks in National Parks - but any suitable tracks must be specified in each park's management plan. MTBNZ will shortly be putting a proposal to the Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board for the Kahurangi Management Plan to be reviewed. DOC is already working with MTBNZ on the Able Tasman and Arthurs Pass National Parks' management plans. Good stuff. In the meantime patience will continue to be a mountain biking virtue while we hold off from riding tracks like the Heaphy.
Tracks continue to breed in Taupo’s Wairakei Forest Park. Among the additions is the Ground Effect Grinder. It’s a gut-buster but at the top you’re rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Tauhara and the surrounding forest. Ground Effect’s ‘Slush Fund’ has purchased a scrub bar to help the elves in their toil. The plethora of new tracks has made navigation challenging - so score yourself one of the new waterproof maps. Just two bucks from the Corner Shop, Cycle World, the Information Centre, the Huka Falls Café or Rifle Range Bike Hire.
The ‘Slush Fund’ also procured a scrub bar to help with the development of Coromandel’s Whitianga Bike Park. Take the sealed bike path to the end of Moewai Road near the airport. 6 km’s of singletrack awaits, with room to grow. As always, it’s lusty volunteers on the end of grubbers and shovels who create these playgrounds so flick the ‘Bike Man’ an email at thebikeman@xtra.co.nz to sign up for a work party.
Another 4 km is currently being added to the singletrack traversing Christchurch’s Port Hills. This latest section from the top of Mt Pleasant Road to Evans Pass will leave just three short stretches to complete the full off-road traverse from Worsleys Spur to Godley Head. Also under construction is a connecting-track linking the top of Captain Thomas with the new track in Greenwood Park and the existing Godley head track. Work should be complete by the end of the June.
