Around the Mountains Cycle Trail facts for kids
The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail is an amazing bike path in the wild south of New Zealand. It's about 186 kilometers (115 miles) long. You can start riding from Kingston or Walter Peak. Most people take three to five days to finish it at a relaxed pace. This trail is one of New Zealand's 22 "Great Rides."
The trail offers incredible views of mountains and clear waters. You'll see the beautiful Mavora Lakes, which were even featured in The Lord of the Rings movies! You can also cycle next to the Oreti River and Mataura River. The path goes through native grasslands and real high-country farms. A cool part of the trip can be a ride on the old coal-fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw.
Where Does the Trail Go?
Many cyclists begin their adventure at Walter Peak Station. This spot is right by Lake Wakatipu. You can get there by taking a boat trip on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship.
- From Walter Peak, the trail follows different roads like Mount Nicholas Road and Mavora Lakes Road.
- At Centre Hill, a special bike path begins. It follows the south side of the Oreti River all the way to Mossburn.
- From Mossburn, the trail continues to Lumsden.
- After Lumsden, you'll pass through small towns like Five Rivers, Athol, and Garston.
- The trail finishes back at Lake Wakatipu in Kingston.
How Easy is the Ride?
The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail is mostly a Grade 2-3 ride. This means it's good for beginners and families. Most of the path is easy to ride.
- About 90 kilometers (56 miles) of the trail are specially built. These parts are mainly Grade 2, which is quite easy.
- Some parts of the trail use existing roads. These sections are considered Grade 3.
- There is one challenging part: the 2.5-kilometer (1.5-mile) Von Hill climb. If it's too hard, you can always walk your bike up this section.
How the Trail Was Built
The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail was built with help from the New Zealand Cycle Trail project. In 2009, the Prime Minister at the time, Sir John Key, announced funding for new trails. This helped make the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail possible. The Southland District Council got the money needed to create this amazing path. It goes through some of New Zealand's most beautiful places.
- Work on the first part of the trail started in June 2013. This section went from Kingston to Mossburn.
- New bridges were built over the Mataura River and Eyre Creek.
- This first part officially opened on November 1, 2014. The Deputy Prime Minister, Bill English, was there for the opening.
- More money was approved in 2014 for the second part of the trail. This section went from Mossburn to Walter Peak.
- The second part was finished in 2017. It used existing quiet roads to connect Centre Hill to Walter Peak Station.
- In April 2019, more funding was approved. This money was used to add 28 special signs along the trail. These signs share the unique history of the local areas. Bike stands and water tanks were also added to rest stops. All of this was finished by December 2019.
- In February 2020, there was some flooding. Money was approved to fix the trail and make improvements. This work started in August 2020. It helped make sure the trail stayed at a Grade 2 standard.
Managing the Trail
The Southland District Council has a special manager just for the trail. They also work with local businesses to help support the trail and visitors.
