Nevis Valley Heartland Ride

The Nevis Valley Heartland Ride offers cyclists and bikepackers a scenic and challenging 77km backcountry route which connects two Great Rides - the Lake Dunstan Trail and the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.

The route diverts from the Lake Dunstan Trail at Bannockburn and climbs 1,040 metres over Duffers Saddle into the Nevis Valley on the Nevis Road - a public gravel road. It is one of the most remote and scenic roads in New Zealand.

The Nevis Valley is in the Remarkables Conservation Area and is listed as Outstanding Natural Landscape. It is surrounded by mountain ranges such as the Old Woman Range, the Garvie Range and the Hector Mountains.

At the southern end of the Nevis Valley, the route climbs over Nevis Saddle (1120 metres) and descends past an historic ski hut to Garston on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.

The Nevis Valley Heartland Ride can be ridden from either Bannockburn or Garston. It is closed during winter due to snow and in early spring for lambing.

For detailed route information visit https://www.nzcycletrail.com/find-your-ride/heartland-rides/nevis-valley

Need to Know

Road Conditions

Most of this route is on backcountry gravel roads, and the surface can vary especially after significant weather events. There are multiple fords to cross in the Nevis Valley, which may be unpassable after heavy rain.

This is a public road. Traffic is generally light but expect farm vehicles and the route can be popular with 4x4 enthusiasts and trail motorbikes.

Check the weather conditions prior to embarking on this ride.

Fitness & Experience

This is a challenging grade 4 (advanced) ride with over 1,000m of climbing. It is only suitable for fit, experienced and properly prepared riders.

Type of Bike

The route follows a gravel road and crosses many fords. A touring / gravel bike with wide and knobbly tyres or a mountain bike are most suitable.

E-bikers should assess whether they have sufficient battery capacity and be away of potentially deep fords which may require [heavy] e-bikes to be carried. Riders should be self-sufficient, have good mechanical skills and carry a tool kit with spares.

Maps and Navigation

This trail follows the gravel road with some NZ Cycle Trails | Heartland Ride signage. However, carrying a map or having a map downloaded to a cell phone is recommended.

Weather

This high-altitude route is closed over winter (first Monday in June to 30 September) due to snow, and during spring for lambing. There are also multiple fords to cross in the Nevis Valley, which may be unpassable after heavy rain or snow melt.

Always check the weather conditions prior to embarking on this ride. It can snow at any time of year.

Be prepared to experience ‘four seasons in one day’. The route is extremely exposed to the elements so always carry a wind and waterproof jacket, plus additional warm layers – even in summer. There is little or no shelter

Food & Accommodation

Stock up on supplies in Cromwell and have a pre-ride coffee in Bannockburn before the Duffers Saddle climb into the Nevis Valley. Garston has a food truck with a range of burgers, coffee and sweet treats.

There is accommodation available at either end in both Bannockburn and Garston.

Cell Phone Coverage

Mobile phone coverage is available in Bannockburn and Garston, however there is no cell phone coverage in the Nevis Valley. It is recommended that cyclists carry a personal locator beacon through this area.

Toilets

Public toilets are available in Bannockburn and Garston.

There is a toilet available at Old Woman Hut – a side trip off Duffers Saddle.

There is also a toilet at the Garston Ski Hut – 10km from Garston