Winter mountain biking on Abel Tasman’s Gibbs Hill Track

Date:  30 April 2010

Abel Tasman National Park’s Gibbs Hill Track opens for mountain biking for five months from this Saturday, 1 May.

It is the second year of a two-year winter-season (1 May to 1 October) mountain biking trial on the 10 km track between Totaranui and Wainui Bay.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is monitoring the mountain biking trial and it will be evaluated after the two-year trial period to determine whether or not mountain biking should continue on the track.

DOC Golden Bay Area Manager John Mason said there appeared to be moderate numbers of mountain bikers riding the track during last year’s winter trial period though exact numbers weren’t counted.

“A number of mountain bikers gave us feedback saying they had enjoyed riding Gibbs Hill Track and they appreciated the opportunity to do so.

“Additionally, new mountain biking opportunities have proved popular on Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve adjoining Abel Tasman National Park at the top of Takaka Hill. The Golden Bay Mountain Biking Club and DOC have together been developing a 14 km loop track on the reserve.”

The department is reminding mountain bikers that cycling is currently not allowed on any tracks in the Tasman region’s two other national parks, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi, including the Heaphy Track.

Additional facts about Gibbs Hill Tracks mountain biking:

• Gibbs Hill Track can be cycled in either direction. It is graded as an intermediate-level mountain biking track.
• Mountain bikers can ride the 10-km Gibbs Hill Track or make a 23-km round trip by also cycling on roads between Wainui and Totaranui.
• No more than eight riders are allowed in a group. Mountain bikers need to adhere to the mountain bikers’ code which includes requirement to show respect and consideration to walkers.
• Monitoring of the Gibbs Hill Track mountain biking trial is assessing mountain biking impacts including environmental effects and any impacts on other people’s use and enjoyment of the track. If the impacts are found to be minimal and acceptable then mountain biking will be allowed to continue on the track.

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