Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park mountain biking tracks
Track category
Mountain bike - Easy
Mountain bike - Intermediate
Description
These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Trig M
Trig M can be accessed by routes starting from Coach Stream or Starvation Gully, about 4.5k m apart on SH 73. From Trig M there are panoramic views over Lake Lyndon. The recommended route for mountain biking is to start from Starvation Gully and finish at Coach Stream. Return to Starvation Gully via SH 73.
Starvation Gully to Trig M
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 3.2 km
Time: 1 hr 30 min (uphill)
Other users: walkers
From the signpost on SH 73, climb the marked track amongst diverse shrublands, traversing open ridges to reach Trig M. About half way up, the track from Coach Stream joins this track from the southeast.
Trig M to Coach Stream
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 5.5 km
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (downhill)
Other users: walkers
The Coach Stream Route branches off approximately 1.5 km down from Trig M. The route sidles alongside a ridge before passing through a gate to follow a farm track through part of Ben More Station. A gate at the end of the 4WD track leads back into public conservation land. Follow SH 73 over Porters Pass back to Starvation Gully (an additional 4.5 km). Note: Part of this route is an easement passing through Ben More Station and is closed for lambing from 1 October to 20 November each year. Dogs are not allowed in this section.
Avoca Homestead (hut)
Grade 2: Easy
Distance: 25 km
Time: 2-4 hr
Other users: Vehicles, horse-riders, trains (crossings)
Access to Avoca Homestead is via Craigieburn Road which turns off SH 73 near Cass. This is a gravel road which provides 2WD access to within 30 minutes walk of the homestead. There are at least six railway crossings along this road with no warnings of oncoming trains. There are also numerous gates across the road. Leave all gates as you find them.
From the 2WD car park, it is possible to continue along a track to Broken River which must be forded to reach the Avoca homestead. Access may not be possible when the river is high.
The homestead was built in 1906 and has recently undergone extensive restoration to preserve its heritage value. It features six bunks, three bedrooms, a lounge and kitchen. Category: standard (1 hut ticket/night).
From the Avoca homestead there are a few tracks behind the homestead suitable for mountain biking day trips.
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Getting there
Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Park is centred on the Torlesse and Big Ben ranges around Porters Pass, about 80 km from Christchurch on the Great Alpine Highway (SH73) towards Arthur's Pass.
Activities
Mountain biking
Mountain biking
Track descriptions