Ahuriri Conservation Park mountain biking tracks
Track category
Mountain bike - Easy
Mountain bike - Expert
Description
These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Respect public access easements through private land: Stay on the track, leave gates as you find them, do not disturb stock.
Shamrock Hut
Stopping to admire the view in Ahuriri
River valley
Grade 2: Easy
Distance: 5 km one way
There is an established track through tussock land to Shamrock Hut. The hut sleeps two people; donations are welcomed. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping en route to Shamrock Hut or around the hut itself.
Hagens Hut
Grade 2: Easy
Distance: 6 km from Shamrock Hut
Another 6 km up the valley past Shamrock Hut lies the Hagens Hut which is accessible to mountain bikers. However reaching this hut does entail crossing the Ahuriri RIver. The track is well marked and Hagens Hut sleeps four people. Keen riders could continue on to Top Hut (two bunks) but the track is not as well formed so riders may find some sections easier to walk.
Avon Burn
Grade 2: Easy
Distance: 9 km one way
This ride starts from a car park approximately 11 km along Birchwood Road. The track is a public access easement through private farmland and traverses two short, steep terraces before crossing the Avon Burn. A well-formed track then passes beside the Avon Burn gorge and climbs to grassy flats near Tin Hut (private).
Melina Ridge Track
Grade 5: Expert
Distance: 35 km
Melina Ridge Track is a long ride and starts from the Avon Burn and climbs up toward Mt Melina. The track negotiates a zigzag descent into Lindis River and continues on into Smith Creek. Bikers will encounter many river crossings so care is required. The track finishes at State Highway 8 on the Otago side of Lindis Pass.
Getting there
The Ahuriri River valley is reached via State Highway 8 south of Omarama. It is a very long river valley entailing a 33 km (approximately) drive up to Canyon Creek carpark. A four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary from Ahuriri Conservation Park boundary to the Canyon Creek carpark. Non 4WD vehicles can be parked at the Ahuriri Conservation Park boundary and mountain bikes used for the last 12 km to Canyon Creek carpark.
Activities
Mountain biking and cycling
Mountain biking and cycling
Track descriptions
Places to stay
There are numerous camping spots in the area but DOC asks all campers to adhere to the Environmental Care Code particularly with respect to burying human waste (well away from waterways) and carrying out all rubbish.