KAIKOURA TRAIL

Local cyclists couldn't contain their enthusiasm for the mountainsto-sea routes in their backyard. The 48km mixed-grade Kaikōura

Trail is the work of passionate volunteers at the local cycle club who built and continue to maintain it. The pleasant loop skirts around the most scenic bits of the Kaikōura district, primarily on quiet country roads and a few intermediate single-trail sections. Cyclists cruise away from town along Beach Road and onto the coastal rim of Hāpuku before cutting inland for a scenic route along Hāpuku River. The latter half of the trail traverses backcountry roads along the foothills of the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, with slight but gentle hills with glimpses of the ocean and nearby peninsula. For a higher altitude, there's an optional 200m climb to the Mount Fyffe car park. The loop takes about four hours to complete and is enjoyable from either direction, starting from the Kaikōura i-Site. Alternatively, The Kōwhai Trail is a shorter, family-friendly section of the trip that takes just over two hours. Start at the i-Site and follow the signs until the trail merges with Postmans Road. Turn right on Red Swamp Road and cruise on back towards town. kaikouracycling.co.nz

Mountain bikes and e-bikes are available for hire at Coastal Sports, 24 West End. (03) 319 5028, coastalsports.co.nz