Mangapurua Track on Great Ride reopens with seven new bridges
Fri, 23rd Oct 2026 (Today)
An iconic section of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride reopens to cyclists on Saturday [24 October] after seven new bridges and seasonal maintenance improved safety ahead of the summer season.
The Mangapurua Track, which crosses remote backcountry in Whanganui National Park, was closed to cyclists over winter.
Its reopening offers riders improved crossings along a route renowned for its native forest, historic valley settlements and the iconic Bridge to Nowhere.
Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust kaihautū ara/general manager Lynley Twyman said the track was in its best opening condition in years.
"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 were an important safety improvement for walkers and cyclists, she said.
"They make crossings easier to negotiate and improve the flow of the journey, while retaining the backcountry character that makes the Mangapurua so special."
Twyman said there was still more to do, but walkers and cyclists would be "hugely grateful" for the improvements.
Department of Conservation (DOC) project manager Louise Brown said seven new bridges had been flown into the remote area 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 previous narrow bridges had become challenging to negotiate, particularly for people handling bikes, and had reached the end of their useful lives.
The wider replacements provide easier crossings and improve the long-term resilience of the backcountry route.
Bridge replacements have been accompanied by seasonal track maintenance as DOC prepares for the summer influx of visitors.
The work forms part of a wider programme to install 15 new bridges and boardwalks across the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka tracks.
Upgrades on the Kaiwhakauka are scheduled for November and December, with bypasses planned during construction. Visitors are advised to check for track updates, allow for possible delays and follow all onsite instructions.
Despite the improvements, the Mangapurua remains a remote backcountry track, rated Grade 3 (intermediate) for mountain biking. DOC warns that exposed sections, steep drop-offs and slippery papa surfaces in wet weather require careful preparation.
Visitors should carry suitable equipment, while cyclists need sound mountain biking skills to tackle the route safely.
The Mangapurua Track forms part of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride, a network linking the volcanic landscapes of Ruapehu and Tongariro National Park with the Whanganui River, surrounding communities and the Tasman Sea.
The Great Ride is governed by the Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust, bringing together local government, iwi and community representatives. Its trustees include representatives of Ruapehu District Council, Whanganui District Council, Ngāti Rangi, Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, Tūpoho Trust, the Whanganui Māori Regional Tourism Organisation and the wider trail community.