Mountain biking in and around Arthur's Pass
Mountain biking is generally only permitted on formed roads within national parks. Opportunities therefore are limited, but some unsealed access roads can provide a scenic and pleasant ride.
Mountain bike trial
Cyclists are allowed to ride mountain bikes up the Poulter valley in Arthur's Pass National Park as part of a three-year trial.
The trip offers bikers great scenery, some challenges and two good huts for an overnight stay. Mountain bikers must keep to the specified route. Exploring the bush track beyond Casey Hut or areas beyond the Trust / Poulter Hut by bike could result in access being foreclosed. Bikers are asked to follow the bikers' care code and be considerate of trampers and others they meet in the valley, as many have supported this trial.
Note: Arthur's Pass National Park is rugged, mountainous and not as developed as most other national parks. Bikers should take a topomap (Dampier L33) and check the weather forecast before venturing out. River-crossing skills are essential. For more safety information, read the Tramping in Arthur's Pass brochure.
For more information about the trial: mountain bike trial
Mountain bikers care code
- Respect others
- Respect the rules
- Respect the track
Help us keep didymo out of the national park - please 'clean, check, dry' your bike before doing any of these trips that involve river crossings.
Mt White Road
Grade: 1
Distance: 25 km
Time: 2 hr
Other users: vehicles
The Mt White Road traverses along tussock flats bordering the grand Waimakariri River, with wide sweeping views up the valley. Approximately 25 km of unsealed road, allow approximately two hours from Mt White Bridge to Poulter River one way.
Mt White Road turns off from SH73 just before the highway drops down to follow the Waimakariri, about 25km east of Arthur’s Pass village.
Poulter valley
Grade: 3 to park boundary, 2 beyond park boundary.
Distance: 27km
Time: 3 hr 20 min
Other users: trampers, hunters
Track description
A mountain-biker explores the Poulter
Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park
From Mt White Road, follow the 4WD track for 13km, across river terraces and fans to reach the park boundary fence. The ride is a grunt in places. This stretch follows a legal road that goes through Mt White Station, so respect stock and farm activities.
From the park boundary fence, it is easy riding along an old 4WD track over river flats and through the bush to the Casey Stream and Hut.
Beyond the hut, cross Casey Stream but DO NOT take the track through the beech forest. Instead, the route for bikers ventures out into the Poulter riverbed for 2 km, crossing the river twice - please take care. Follow another 4WD track across river flats for another four km to reach the Trust/Poulter Hut - the end point for mountain-bike access.
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