Why Cycle the Tussocks to Dune Trail?

The Gorges to See is a new cycle trail being developed by a group of enthusiasts in the central North Island’s Rangitikei District. The River Valley version, called Tussock to Dune, follows the general route of what will be the Gorges to See Cycle Trail.

The 200 km trail starts at the highest point (960 metres) on the scenic Taihape – Napier Road, essentially the main divide in this area between the east and west coasts. It then follows a network of rural back roads, paper roads and farm tracks before finishing at the seaside community of Koitiata, beside the mouth of the Turakina River.

The North Island does not have many examples of the classic long distance point-to-point type of trail, such as those found on the South Island, especially one that covers several hundred kilometres.

What is the reasoning behind developing this trail?

There is no doubt that worldwide, cycle tourism is on the increase. This growth is fueled by many factors, including an aging population still looking for adventures, progression in bicycle design, especially e-bikes, a proliferation of businesses servicing trails and the development of routes for most riding abilities.

In areas that have developed good trails, there have been many benefits for the often small towns along the way. Businesses have been established to support riders directly with bike hire, shuttles, and bike maintenance. In tandem, cafes, country pubs and accommodation providers have either started up or, in the case of existing businesses, enjoyed the increase in patronage.

Of course, many of the other benefits are not easy to quantify. Where the trail goes through a small rural town, it has often led to the rejuvenation of the local community, with employment and business opportunities. Dare I say it, but cycle trails give these communities hope.

The Gorges to See Cycle Trail route goes through several small towns in the Rangitikei District. For many riders, Taihape will be the place to stay the night before the first day on the Trail. Subsequent nights may be in Mangaweka and Hunterville or places in between.

Of course, for riders, other than enjoying a warm welcome, it may not be about the benefits to small rural towns, though no doubt there is a feel good factor in this. Instead, it is about the scenery, the places of interest along the way, the feeling of accomplishment, and, not least, the camaraderie that you can enjoy with others.

The Gorges to See has all these.

River Valley and the Gorges to See Cycle Trail

We have been a part of developing this trail concept since the inception of the idea, and while the trail is not yet ready for the general public – some of the route goes through farmland, and there is some infrastructure, such as fencing, that will be required so that cyclists can safely ride these sections without harm to themselves or livestock – we can offer guided tours until the trails official opening, which may as yet be quite some time in the future.

What has been the feedback to date?

We have had four departures on the Tussock To Dune to date. Each group had a full complement of eight riders (one actually had nine riders). The overall feedback was very positive. The feedback from the first two groups last autumn gave us the confidence to set five departures for this 2024/2025 season. It has been hugely gratifying that we have filled all five departures, with another partly full.

The available departure is from the 30th of March to the 3rd of April, with only a few places left. However, if these dates don’t suit you and you have a group of six or more with a different date in mind, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will see what we can do. Accommodation en route can be the limiting
factor.

Hoping to see you on the trail.
Brian Megaw