How long does the Old Ghost Road trip typically take?

Depending on your pace and stops, completing the 85km trail can take anywhere from a full long day to several days if camping or exploring historic areas.

Is the trail suitable for beginners?

This trail is challenging and best suited for experienced mountain bikers or hikers with a good fitness level and familiarity with backcountry terrain.

Are there any guided options available?

Gravity Nelson provides organized transfers and support at the trip start; guided trips may be offered—contact them directly for current options.

What kind of wildlife might I encounter?

Expect to see native birds like the kea or tui, and occasionally forest mammals native to New Zealand’s backcountry.

What safety precautions should I take?

Carry adequate water, dress for sudden weather changes, and tell someone your itinerary—cell coverage is limited in the gorge.

Can I visit the ghost towns along the route?

Yes, you can visit several historic mining remnants, but it’s important to respect the sites and avoid disturbing artifacts.

Old Ghost Road Mining Adventure with Gravity Nelson | Guided Tour | History Tour

Set against the rugged backdrop of New Zealand’s South Island, Gravity Nelson offers a rare gateway to the Old Ghost Road—a compelling 85km stretch of single track weaving through the Upper Buller Gorge. This isn’t just a trail; it’s a cycling and hiking corridor through time, threading together dense native forest, winding river valleys, and the eerie remains of once-thriving gold mining settlements. Starting from Nelson, adventurers are transported into this historic landscape where the echoes of the 19th-century gold rush linger in rusted equipment and weathered old buildings.

The Old Ghost Road trail navigates steep hillsides and narrow ridges carved from ancient greywacke rock formations, offering panoramic views of the West Coast’s untamed wilderness. The region’s pronounced geological features, including deep gorges and fast-flowing streams, create dynamic terrain that showcases both challenge and beauty. Throughout the journey, native flora such as silver beech and nikau palms bend with the hearty mountain winds, while quiet encounters with native birdlife punctuate the ride.

Gravity Nelson’s trip begins with a transfer from the artsy city of Nelson, setting you on course for a journey that fuses physical endurance with historical discovery. The experience stands out in New Zealand’s outdoor scene by marrying vigorous backcountry adventure with cultural storytelling—a connection few other trails offer at this scale. Riders and walkers don’t simply pass through wilderness; they trace the footprints of miners who shaped the region’s rugged character.

This trip is ideal for those seeking both adrenaline and context, where every pedal stroke reveals new chapters of natural wonder and human endeavor. Gravity Nelson’s guided start ensures logistical ease and local insight, making it a standout entry point for anyone ready to engage deeply with New Zealand’s outdoor heritage.