Before you ride
Trail status
Section-by-section conditions on the Kaikōura Trail network. Our volunteer Track Team updates this page after every inspection and working bee.
Key
What this page covers
Our trails
We only look after the Kaikōura Trail network, including the Kaiterau Trail, and that’s what this page covers. The other rides on this site use public roads, 4WD tracks and conservation land that we don’t maintain, so check local conditions before you ride them.
Weather, rivers, stock and spring growth can change conditions quickly, even on our trails. Ride to the conditions and take care at entry and exit points.
Main loop
Kaikōura TrailTown, South Bay and golf course to Greenlane
Kōwhai trail
The riverbed bypass around “Mt Kōwhai” is still unavailable and needs extensive work. A new riverbed section now replaces the washed-out stretch onto the stopbank.
Kōwhai to Hāpuku
Stopbank, Postmans Rd, Luke Creek and Kōura Bay
Hāpuku trail (upper)
Whale Trail
Coastal connectionKaikōura to Middle Creek
Beach front
Middle Creek to Hāpuku
Lower trail and SH1 bridge
The SH1 bridge crossing has a widened temporary repair and a new turning circle and carpark. The last 2 km of trail and bridges further along the Whale Trail are still to be built.
Spur trails
Off the main loopBellbird trail
Postmans Rd to Mt Fyffe
Kaiterau trail
Mt Fyffe singletrack loop
From the Track Team
Progress update
The last few months have been all about two things: finishing the Whale Trail’s Lovers Lane to the Sea connection, and flood recovery. The new Whale Trail section is open and already popular with cyclists and walkers.
Flood recovery has been a real team effort: club members, volunteers from the public, local contractors supplying machinery and materials, and the Track Team pulling it all together. A huge thank you to everyone involved. We’re a little behind our usual programme, but trimming and spraying are back under way.
News from the trails
Latest updates
November 8, 2026
Track Team report October
Whale Trail’s Lovers Lane connection is finished and flood recovery is well under way. Here’s where the Track Team has been working.
Read update →July 30, 2026
CANCELLED – Working bee update — Bellbird trail, Sunday 2 Aug 9am
Luke Creek crossing is repaired, so the next working bee moves to the Bellbird trail. Note the new date.
Read update →July 25, 2026
Hāpuku trail reinstated — thanks to our volunteers
Eighteen volunteers braved the rain to reinstate the Hāpuku trail in just 90 minutes — huge thanks to everyone who turned up.
Read update →July 17, 2026
Hāpuku trail update — rebuild plan underway
Club president John Simpson reports on the Hāpuku river track review, LiDAR-guided rebuild planning, and what’s next for the trail.
Read update →Spotted a problem on the trail?
Slips, fallen trees, damage or hazards: tell us and the Track Team will check it out.
Support the trails
Enjoyed the ride?
Volunteers look after our trails, with help from local businesses and contractors. Donations and memberships go towards maintaining our trails and building new ones.