Ride 800 m up the 4WD road to the start of Wots up Doc, a well graded climbing track that climbs to 1000 m before rejoining the 4WD road. Climb the steep but rideable road to 1300 m to the start of Maitland Ridge Track where you emerge from the bush onto open tussock.
From here you can either continue up the 4WD road to Beebys Hut with an option of going another 5 km beyond the hut before returning the way you came; or go to Red Hills Hut following the Maitland Ridge mountain bike track, which starts in the last patch of bush on your right that’s close to the road.
The Maitland Ridge Track is an expert level, technical single track, narrow with some steep descents. Allow 4–6 hr for the loop.The Maitland Ridge Track offers a series of descents and climbs passing through beech forest and clearings with views of the Rainbow and Wairau Valleys.
A graded climb brings you to a rocky knoll and joins the 4WD track that leads down to Red Hills Hut at 917 m a.s.l. From the hut follow the road down to the locked gate beside the grassy flats at the bottom then follow the orange triangle markers south-west to the Six Mile car park. Ride back up the road to the Tophouse Road to return to the start.
Turn off SH63 onto the southern end of Tophouse Road, around 8 km from St Arnaud.
Follow the road to the DOC sign beside the locked gate indicating the start of Beebys Knob track.
These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
There is no reliable water supply on this ride so take plenty.
This is high, remote country so carry warm clothing and spare parts.
Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
Phone: | +64 3 521 1806 |
Email: | nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: | View Road St Arnaud 7072 |
Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |