The trip offers bikers great scenery, some challenges and a couple of good huts for an overnight stay. Mountain bikers must keep to the specified route.

Grade 3 (Intermediate) to park boundary

From Mt White Road, follow the obvious track for 13 km, across river terraces and fans to reach the park boundary fence. The ride is a grunt in places. This stretch follows a 4WD track through Mt White Station and may be closed at times during the year. Respect stock and farm activities.

Grade 2 (Easy) beyond park boundary

From the park boundary fence, it is easy riding along an old 4WD track over river flats to Casey Hut on a terrace overlooking the Poulter River. 

The last 1.5 km of the track has been diverted to follow the river to the hut, rather than entering the beech forest.

Beyond the Casey Hut, cross the Casey Stream and follow another 4WD track across river flats for another four km to reach the Trust/Poulter Hut - the end point for mountain bike access.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

The Poulter River Track begins approximately 25 km along Mt White Road, at the Poulter River. Mt White Road turns off from SH73 just before the highway drops down to follow the Waimakariri, about 25 km east of Arthur’s Pass village.

If biking Mt White Road, allow approximately 2 hours from Mt White Bridge to Poulter River one way. The Mt White Road traverses along tussock flats bordering the grand Waimakariri River, with wide sweeping views up the valley. There are a couple of steep climbs on this track with 150m of elevation.

Arthur's Pass National Park is rugged, mountainous and not as developed as most other national parks.

Bikers should take a topo map (Cass BV21) and check the weather forecast before venturing out. River-crossing skills are essential.

The Poulter river has a stock exclusion fence across the lower river. This can act as a strainer for rafters or people in the river.

For more safety information, view the Tramping in Arthur's Pass brochure (PDF, 744K)

Mt White Station easement access

There is a locked gate at the start of the Poulter River access that you may need to lift your bike over. 

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely