Hurunui Heartland Ride

Kaikoura Trail
Kaikoura Trail
Kaikoura Trail
Kaikoura Trail
Kaikoura Trail
Kaikoura Trail
Kaikoura Trail
Kaikoura Trail
Hurunui Heartland Ride
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Hurunui Heartland Ride

Sealed & Gravel Roads
Intermediate
204km

2465m Elevation

Trail Grade 3

The Hurunui Heartland Cycle Ride is an on-road route that you can ride to your desire, either a multi-day explore or an epic one-day trip.

Newly established (opened April 2019) by Trails Coordinator Mark Inglis, the Hurunui Heartland Ride can be ridden in either direction.

The ride crosses a diverse range of landscapes and passes a variety of significant historical sites and attractions. From south to north (Amberley to Kaikōura), highlights include vineyards, limestone outcrops, large pastoral farms, tussock land, creeks and rivers and into the mountain ranges at Lyford, then continuing down the Inland Road to the rugged and beautiful coast at Kaikōura, the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range towering over your left shoulder. Relax and catch your breath in the scenic seaside town of Kaikōura and explore the Kaikōura trail.

A 36km detour takes you to the Hanmer Springs alpine village with hot pools and access to magnificent high country cycling routes.

The roads are generally quiet, but care should be taken as vehicles could be encountered at any time. Tailor the journey to your level of fitness and skill; significant climbs and gravel sections require reasonable fitness and skill. The ride is grade 3 (intermediate).

Download Hurunui Heartland Ride Map – Amberley to Kaikōura.

PDF map download.

Download Hurunui Heartland Ride Map – Kaikōura to Amberley.

PDF map download.

  • Diverse scenery; large North Canterbury plains, mountains and all the way down to the ocean
  • Interesting historic attractions
  • Follows a historic inland road
  • Low traffic country roads
  • Ride through small country communities
  • Accommodation; campsites, B&Bs, farm stays, motels and hotels
  • Cafes and shops in the towns on the ride
  • Connect with Hanmer Springs for the St James Cycle Trail, Molesworth Muster and Rainbow Trail
  • 20km of gravel riding
  • Some large climbs
  • Norwest headwind can be challenging
  • Be aware of traffic; trucks and tractors need a lot of room
  • Be courteous around stock being moved on the road
  • long descents
  • A sturdy touring type bike is best suited
  • Limited cellphone cover north of Amberley and through the Inland Road (Mt Lyford to Kaikoura).
  • There are cafes and shops in all the towns on the ride. The longest stretch with no facilities is the 61km between Mt Lyford Lodge and Kaikoura