The Wild Coast: Ocean Beach to Orongorongo

Explore the wild south coast.

A beautifully rugged and isolated trail, suitable for most adult riders with proper preparation.

Note this trail is very susceptible to changes due to weather, and after storms can become quite rough. Sometimes up to 2km of the trail can either become covered in soft sand or have large ruts through the shingle fans - to be conservative think of it as a combination biking / walking track, and allow extra time to complete this section compared to the rest of the trail. It can be tough, but it's worth it - we've seen orca, dolphins and seals out there, and consider it the most rewarding section of the entire Remutaka Cycle Trail.

UPDATE: Please note there is currently a large slip between Corner Creek campsite and Mukamuka valley, making this section dangerous and almost impassable. Please contact us here for the latest news and suggestions for this section.

DISTANCE FROM OCEAN BEACH TO:

Corner Creek  3km
Green Iron Gate  10km
Barney's Hut  14km
Orongorongo  18km

TRAIL SPECIFICATIONS

Click Here for detailed tech specs of The Remutaka Cycle Trail. Summary below.

Composition (varies due to exposure to weather, this is an indication) hard packed gravel 80%,  light sand / gravel mix 10%,  unrideable sand 5%,  unrideable scree / shingle 5%
Highest Point 26m
Lowest Point 1m

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Bike: any reliable mountain bike with front suspension should be fine, provided that you have appropriate tyres (as below).  Always take a pump and spare tube.
Tyres: > 2.0" wide, off-road tread, set at a low to medium pressure (helps with soft sections and to smooth the bumps)
Clothing: dress to the conditions (usually shorts and tshirt with a jersey in reserve), and always take a light jacket. Closed shoes recommended.
Other: always carry a first aid kit with you, and enough warm clothing and food to stay warm until help arrives in case of emergency. 

AMENITIES / SERVICES

Cellphones: very unreliable service - Spark (Telecom in the old language) has the best coverage, but do ensure you've communicated your plans before you leave, and ideally take an emergency beacon / gps tracker with you.
Toilets: there's a toilet in the Corner Creek campground. After that there's nothing until you get shuttled back into town.
Food: no shops at all on this section, make sure you take your own snacks when you leave your accommodation.
Water: there's no drinking water at all on this section, make sure you bring plenty with you. After that there's nothing until you get shuttled back into town.

ACCOMMODATION (click titles for links)

Corner Creek Campground a very basic DOC camping site.