Suggested day rides

Cycle alongside the Grey River to it's mouth. You will pass many features along the Greymouth floodwall and the picturesque lagoon that often has many of the boats from the local fishing fleet mooring. The detour out to the breakwater is highly recommended. You will then turn south and follow the dramatic Tasman Sea coastline to Paroa. It is just a short side trip off the main trail to this iconic heritage park where history abounds along with steam train rides, gold panning, a cafe and bar and much more.

Immerse yourself in some of the most spectacular landscapes along the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Create truly memorable experiences as you ride amidst majestic native forest, pedal through a stunning mountain-ringed valley, cross crystal-clear rivers and then discover one of New Zealand's most picturesque lakes, Kaniere. The trail then plunges back into the bush for a fun cruise along an historic water race and then down the sweeping tree-lined pathway known as the Pipeline. Take a breath while you meander down peaceful Kaniere Road towards Hokitika before the final leg along the historic Kaniere Tramway and the banks of the Hokitika River.

Optional side trip

• Canoe Cove (walk & swim)

5km return off the trail. Allow 2 hours in all.

Follow in the footsteps of the old prospectors as you ride down historic stagecoach routes and alongside canals and reservoirs that are a legacy from the days when gold fever struck. The area is dotted with many mining relics and traces of old workings. This ride can be enjoyed in either direction.

Optional side trips

• 1930s Heritage New Zealand Category 2 listed Kumara Swimming Baths off SHW 73

• Londonderry Rock

• Shantytown Heritage Park

It's hard to imagine a ride with so much diversity and beautiful scenery being right on your doorstep but this Mahinapua trip certainly delivers. Just a few easy kilometres from Hokitika the trail joins the Mahinapua Walkway before crossing an elevated board walk through stunning wetlands, home to many species of waterfowl and other birdlife. You may even spy the graceful kotuku (white heron), a particularly special treat for nature lovers. Leaving the wetlands the trail then connects with the historic Mananui Tramway through the Mahinapua Scenic Reserve with its remnant forest giants that once grew in abundance on the West Coast. A 15-minute walking detour leads to Picnic Point where there are great views of beautiful Lake Mahinapua. The short, final leg along Woodstock–Rimu Road leads to the West Coast Treetop Walk, Tower Zipline and Café from where riders can be collected by shuttle, return the same way, or return via Rimu, Woodstock and Kaniere.

Optional side trips

• West Coast Treetop Walkway, Cafe and Zipline

Detour: TREETOP WALK, TOWER ZIPLINE & CAFE

An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Situated only a few hundred metres off the trail the Treetop Walkway is a great place for a coffee stop or lunch. (Allow 1 hour to do the walkway)

Meander down the historic Kaniere Tramway following the Hokitika River until you reach the Kaniere Township. Then follow the trail as it heads out to the lake through picturesque bush and up the Kaniere spiral and a short on-road section before following the Kaniere Water Race out to one of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes, Kaniere.

Optional side trips

• Sunny Bight picnic and swimming area and Kahikatea walk (700m, 10 minutes)

• Canoe Cove (walk & swim)

• Hans Bay picnic and swimming area