The Mangapurua Track, an iconic part of the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride, reopens to cyclists on Saturday 24 October with new bridges improving safety and experience for all users.
Following its seasonal winter closure to cyclists, the track is ready to welcome summer visitors into the spectacular landscapes of Whanganui National Park. The journey takes people through native forest and historic valley settlements, past dramatic bluffs and across the historic Bridge to Nowhere, before reaching the Whanganui Awa.
Previous narrow bridges were challenging to negotiate, particularly for people handling bikes, and had reached the end of their useful lives. Wider replacement structures provide safer, easier crossings for walkers and cyclists while strengthening the long-term resilience of this special backcountry route.
Department of Conservation Project Manager Louise Brown says seven new bridges were flown in fully constructed.
"It's something we're doing more often, flying in strong, lightweight truss bridges which have been built offsite.
"Despite being weather dependent, the process has been really efficient, and we're pleased to have the track open ready for all the keen cyclists riding through this summer."
The bridge replacements have been accompanied by seasonal track maintenance to prepare the Mangapurua Track for summer visitors.
Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust Kaihautū Ara/General Manager Lynley Twyman says the work has made a noticeable difference.
"I first rode the Mangapurua in 2015, and this is the best opening condition I've seen it in since then. This reflects a huge amount of hard work by DOC and the crews caring for this remote track.
"The new bridges are an important safety improvement for walkers and cyclists. They make crossings easier to negotiate and improve the flow of the journey, while retaining the backcountry character that makes the Mangapurua so special.
"Whanganui National Park offers much more than a track to travel along. The ngahere, the stories of the valleys, the Bridge to Nowhere and the connection with the Whanganui Awa make this a remarkable place to explore on foot or by bike.
"There's still more to do, but we're hugely grateful for these improvements and excited to welcome people back for summer."
The wider programme includes 15 new bridges and boardwalks across the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka tracks. Kaiwhakauka upgrades are scheduled for November and December, with bypasses planned during construction. Visitors should check for updates, allow for possible delays and follow all onsite instructions.
The Mangapurua is a remote backcountry track, rated Grade 3 intermediate for mountain biking. Walkers and cyclists out naturing will encounter exposed sections and steep drop-offs, and wet weather can make the papa surfaces slippery and difficult to negotiate. All visitors need suitable equipment and preparation, and cyclists need sound mountain biking skills.
Before every trip, walkers and cyclists should check the latest trail status at www.mountainstosea.nz/trail-status/
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