Kaiterau Trail
A one-way singletrack loop part way up Mt Fyffe: a steady climb through regenerating bush to the Kaiterau Plateau, then a swooping, bermed flow trail back down.
Distance
10 km
Climbing
390 m
Grade
Intermediate
Surface
Singletrack
Route
Loop
Conditions
The ride
The Kaiterau Trail takes you part way up Mt Fyffe to the Kaiterau Plateau, 570 m above sea level, with big views over the Kaikōura Peninsula. It’s built for riders with good intermediate off-road skills, and it’s e-bike friendly.
The climb
From the lower Mt Fyffe carpark (180 m), the singletrack climbs steadily for 7 km at a friendly 3–5 degrees through regenerating bush. Birdsong, viewpoints and beautifully bermed hairpins make the climb well worth it. The uphill trail is shared: walkers and trail runners are welcome on it.
The descent
From the plateau, the bike-only downhill swoops through the bush on well-packed dirt, with steep bermed corners and pumps, before joining the DOC walking track just above the upper Mt Fyffe carpark. There’s an exit to the DOC track about halfway down. Riders travel fast here, so the downhill isn’t safe for walking.
Photos
Gallery
Map & navigation
Route
The map shows the road route from Kaikōura out to the trail and back to Postmans Road, where you can head home or carry on along the Kaikōura Trail.
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.