Located in Denniston area in the West Coast region
Options from 3 km to 27 km loop
Denniston Plateau is a unique environment situated 25 km east of Westport and 600 m above sea level. Responsible mountain biking will ensure these areas are cared for, and maintain access for all users.
The mountain biking tracks are not for use by other recreational vehicles.
Track surfaces vary from gravel roads to rocky tracks and some short walking sections.
All circuits have sections of track that range from Grade 2 (easy) to Grade 3 (intermediate).
Some of the more technical/hazardous sections of track are marked on the ground by yellow signs; e.g. Miners Track circuit has 4 marked technical sections.
Tracks can be ridden in any direction. Where there is a predominant direction this is noted on the map by direction arrow.
River crossings are denoted on the map with a blue dot. In normal flow most of these crossings are rideable. In flood conditions they should be avoided.
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 3 km
Time: 20 minutes
This track is a quick and gentle introduction to the type of terrain found elsewhere at Denniston. You should be comfortable riding this track if you want to enjoy riding any of the others. Follow the red way-point track markers.
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 5 km
Time: 30 minutes
This track has one marked technical section. Follow the orange way-point track markers.
Note: Between point 2.1 and 2.2 is walking only - NO mountain biking on this section.
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 7 km
Time: 45 minutes
This track has four marked technical sections. Follow the purple way-point track markers.
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 8 km
Time: 1 hour
This track has eight marked technical sections. Follow the navy blue way-point track markers.
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 5 km
Time: 45 minutes
This track has six marked technical sections. Follow the blue way-point track markers.
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 9 km
Time: 1 hour
This track has three marked technical sections. Follow the green way-point track markers.
Grade 3: Intermediate
Distance: 11 km
Time: 1 hour
This track has three marked technical sections. Follow the yellow way-point track markers.
Distance: 17 km
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes up and 45 minutes down.
This road is a 500 m vertical climb.
Distance: 27 km
Time: 4-8 hours via Cedar Creek Road.
This route is unmarked and because of the river crossings crossings must not be attempted during, or immediately after, rain. Refer Topomap sheet BR21 and route description ‘the Denniston Short Cut’ in Classic NZ Mountain Bike Rides by the Kennetts.
This route passes through private land at the Inangahua end. The current status of the gate is that it is unlocked.
These may not be marked on the ground. For more detailed track information see Buller Cycle Club website.
Denniston is 18 km northeast of Westport. From Westport, follow SH67 north for 15 km. Turn right at Waimangaroa onto the road to Denniston.
Used irresponsibly, a mountain bike can be unkind to the landscape, as well as our animals, birds and fish.
It is essential to minimise the environmental impact of mountain bikes and 4WD vehicles. We ask every rider to behave responsibly and respect the fragility of the natural environment and the needs and rights of others. If you abuse it you may lose it.
Safety is your responsibility
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoor Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details of your trip.
These mountain biking tracks can be ridden in most weather conditions, but poor conditions create extra challenges that require a higher level of navigation skill and outdoor experience. The plateau is an alpine region and is subject to very different weather from that at sea level. It frequently sits in dense mist making visibility poor. It is also subject to snow in winter while rain storms and high winds can occur at any time of year.
Do not attempt to cross flooded rivers. Rivers in this area rise extremely quickly. Use alternate routes to avoid flooded river crossings.
| Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 731 1895 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | paparoavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Postal Address: |
4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Full office details | |