This Heartland Ride links two Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand - the Lake Dunstan Trail at Bannockburn to Around the Mountains Cycle Trail at Garston.
The route using the existing gravel road leaves the Lake Dunstan Trail at Bannockburn and climbs 1040m over Duffers Saddle into the Nevis Valley. This is one of the largest road climbs in Aotearoa New Zealand and provides the same allure as the famous climbs in the European Alps.
The Nevis Valley, which is in the Remarkables Conservation Area, 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. It is one of the most remote and scenic roads in Aotearoa New Zealand.
At the southern end of the Nevis Valley, the route climbs over Nevis Saddle (1120m alt) and descends past an historic ski lodge to Garston on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.
This high-altitude route is closed over winter (first Monday in June to 30 September) because of snow, and during spring for lambing. There are also multiple fords to cross in the Nevis Valley, which may be unpassable after extreme storms.
For your safety please check the weather conditions prior to embarking on this ride.
This route can be started from either Bannockburn or Garston.
Here are the directions and distances below from Bannockburn (credit: Sounds to Sounds Guide Book by the Kennett Brothers):
0km - from the general store, continue south on Bannockburn Rd
4.9km - veer right onto the famous Nevis Rd
7km - follow the road as it curves to the left, ignoring the rough 4WD track straight ahead
14.8 km - the top of the climb at 1,270m above sea level! Go straight ahead to descend into Nevis Valley
22.2km - continue straight ahead towards Ben Nevis Station
22.5km - cross the Nevis River bridge. This valley is listed as an Outstanding Natural Landscape
24.1km - pass Ben Nevis Station
27.2km - enter the Remarkables Conservation Area
30.4km - lower Nevis
36.8km - pass Whisky Creek (there is a bottle hidden in the creek above the road)
57.6km - start climbing out of Nevis Valley
58.2km - farm gate at the boundary of Hector Mountains Conservation Area
62.8km - climb over Nevis Saddle and leave Nevis Valley behind
64.1km - pass the historic Garston ski hut (eight bunks, four mattresses)
70.3km - slow down for a farm gate at the bottom of the hill
72.4km - at SH6, turn left and ride along the highway to Garston
74.1km - Garston village (New Zealand’s most inland town). It is beside the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.
On arrival in Garston, you will find tasty treats and coffee at the food truck, gallery treasures, a honey shop, lodge, public toilets and a park.
ROAD CONDITIONS
The route uses very quiet country roads, and travels through an area designated as an Outstanding Natural Landscape. There are multiple fords to cross in the Nevis Valley, which may be unpassable after extreme storms. For your safety please check the weather conditions prior to embarking on this ride.
FITNESS AND SKILLS
This is a challenging and hilly grade 4 (advanced) ride on a mainly gravel road with many fords to cross. It is suitable only for fit, experienced riders.
TYPE OF BIKE
The route follows a gravel road and crosses many fords. A touring bike or mountain bike with wide road tyres or knobbly tyres are most suitable. E-bikes, with sufficient battery capacity, are also acceptable. Riders should have good mechanical skills and carry a tool kit.
MAPS AND NAVIGATION
This trail follows the gravel road with some NZCT signage. However, carrying a map will ensure against wrong turns, help time your ride, and identify points of interest.
WEATHER
This high-altitude route is closed over winter (first Monday in June to 30 September) because of snow, and during spring for lambing. There are also multiple fords to cross in the Nevis Valley, which may be unpassable after extreme storms. For your safety please check the weather conditions prior to embarking on this ride. It can snow at any time of year.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Bannockburn is a beautiful small village for pre-ride coffee and breakfast before tackling the legendary Duffers Saddle climb into the Nevis Valley. Garston has a food truck with a range of burgers, coffee and sweet treats. Be sure to try a cheese roll.
There is accommodation available at either end. (Bannockburn and Garston). As needs must, cyclists can stay in the historic ski hut on the last descent to Garston. The ski hut has eight bunks.
Welcome Rock, a high-country farm located 3km east Garston, has hut and cabin accommodation options. The Garston Lodge (previously the Garston Hotel) reopened in 2022, and offers a range of rooms to stay in.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Many people cycling this route would do so as part of a longer trip, such as the Sounds to Sounds, a loop of Otago and Southland, or a north-south expedition of Te Waipounamu.'
Bannockburn is close to Cromwell, which is serviced by Intercity buses. There are smaller local bus and tour operators in the region shuttling cyclists around the Central Otago trails including the Dunstan Cycle Trail.
Garston is a popular stopping point for buses travelling between Queenstown and Invercargill. Catch-Bus-South operates a regular service.
CELLPHONE COVERAGE
Mobile phone coverage is available in Bannockburn and Garston, however there is no cellphone 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 shoot off from Duffers Saddle.
There is also a toilet at the Garston Ski Hut – 10km from Garston.
VISITOR INFORMATION
