Gold Trail

Gold Trail - Shantytown to Moana

The Gold Trail is an amazing ride through the history of the West Coast and the Gold Trails that both our ancestors and many Chinese walked in the search for their riches of the Gold of the West Coast. You will start in the historic Shantytown. This is a first-time event, and it only happens once a year.

You're going to see some of the untouched beauty of the West Coast of New Zealand. The beauty of the nature creeks, ferns, pungas, the mighty Rimu trees and natural flowing creeks, coupled with the forestry roads with plenty of surprises. If the start in Shantytown doesn't get to you, then the beauty of Moana and Lake Brunner will as you cross the Arnold River via the swing bridge into Moana, then the Lake front as you head to the Moana Hotel. What a way to finish with a Montieth's beer waiting for you?

This 40km mountain bike ride will touch every rider. The event goes up Mosquito Creek and is approximately 40km in distance (this may vary year to year due to harvesting).

Cut Off Time: The cut off time is 12:15pm on Dobson Road as you enter Elephant Road to ride around the Dairy Farm. This is approximately 27km into the ride. If you do not meet this cut off time, you will need to exit the course by continuing down Dobson Road.

Please Note: A number of roads used for this event are on private land and to access these roads you will require permission from the individual land owners. Some parts of the route may only be accessed by obtaining a "Forest Access Permit" from Ngai Tahu Forest Estates Ltd. The route from year to year may also change due to forestry work in the area. Please refrain from trying to ride the route outside of the event without obtaining the appropriate permissions.

Prize Giving: This will be 15 minutes after the last competitor has finished - approximately 1:30pm-2:00pm.

Race Packs: Remember, if it does not suit to pick up your race pack on the Friday, you can choose the optional to have this couriered out to you 9 days prior to the event.