THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the historic trails of Ohakune on a mountain bike, with hassle-free shuttle service from Dempsey Buses. Experience stunning scenery and rich history on this celebrated Kiwi route.
Discover the historic trails of Ohakune on a mountain bike, with hassle-free shuttle service from Dempsey Buses. Experience stunning scenery and rich history on this celebrated Kiwi route.
Book with Dempsey Buses
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Dempsey Buses · Ohakune, North Island
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Ohakune is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, famed for its vibrant mountain biking scene and breathtaking landscapes. The highlight for thrill-seekers is the historic Ohakune Old Coach Road, a meticulously preserved trail that winds through lush forested valleys, historic bridges, and rugged terrain. This trail is steeped in history, once serving as a vital route for horse-drawn coaches connecting pioneering settlements, and now a favorite for mountain bikers and hikers alike.
At Dempsey Buses, they elevate the experience by offering seamless shuttle services that transport riders to the trailhead at Horopito, ensuring hassle-free access to this iconic route. The trail itself spans approximately 14 km, with a gentle climb that transitions into exhilarating descents, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and native flora. Its surface alternates between gravel, packed earth, and historic railway formations, which add a distinct character to the ride.
What makes this adventure uniquely appealing is its perfect combination of natural beauty and historical charm. Riders traverse through dense native bush, past restored bridges, and alongside the Taranaki River, with every pedal stroke revealing a new scenic vista. The trail’s gentle gradient makes it accessible to intermediate riders, but its technical sections of loose gravel and sharp turns keep even seasoned bikers engaged.
Dempsey Buses’ commitment to convenience allows visitors to focus on the thrill, making booking a pickup simple and reliable. Whether you're in Auckland, Wellington, or Rotorua, the nearby city options are plentiful, but it’s the trail’s rugged charm that keeps core adventure travelers coming back. After riding, many enjoy local eateries and hot springs in Ohakune, rounding out a day packed with history, nature, and adrenaline.
For anyone chasing a uniquely Kiwi biking experience, the Ohakune Old Coach Road delivers an accessible yet compelling journey into New Zealand’s rugged wilderness and rich past, with Dempsey Buses making it all effortlessly reachable.
moderate.
2–3 hours.
Moderate fitness recommended; focus on endurance and bike handling skills
Yes, the trail’s gentle sections make it suitable for intermediate riders, but some prior biking experience is recommended.
Most tours include bike rental, but custom arrangements can be made for personal bikes.
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Yes, but weather conditions can affect trail accessibility, especially in winter.
Bookings are made through Dempsey Buses’ website, with options for guided or self-guided rides.
Yes, scenic spots and historic bridges serve as natural rest points and photo opportunities.
The Old Coach Road was built in the early 20th century to connect remote settlements, playing a key role in regional development.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve native flora and fauna along the trail, with a focus on sustainable tourism.
Dempsey Buses provides shuttle and pickup services for outdoor adventures in the Ohakune and Tongariro areas. The operator runs a set of tailored transfers that support hikers, mountain bikers and skiers with practical transport between trailheads, parking points and skifields. Services include pickups for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from locations such as Ohakune, Raetihi and National Park, daily shuttle operations to the Ohakune Old Coach Road start/finish at Horopito, and transfers to the Turoa skifield using vehicles adapted for alpine conditions. Dempsey Buses offers group-friendly options that remove the hassle of bike transport by providing bike-friendly pickups and shuttle space for gear. Several trips feature concise travel times—some pickups described as approximately 30 minutes—so clients can focus on the hike, ride or ski rather than logistics. The operator emphasises safety: services run only in favourable weather and track conditions for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and related trails. Drivers are described as skilled in winter operations for secure skifield transfers. For trail access, Dempsey Buses includes shuttle stops at historic and scenic points such as the Old Coach Road when transporting riders to the Te Hangaruru trailhead or Horopito. The combination of designated pickups, adapted alpine vehicles and clear safety conditions makes Dempsey Buses a practical transport option for visitors planning day trips on local trails and slopes.
Book with Dempsey Buses