Take the scenic route all the way to Motupōhue Bluff by negotiating the pleasant, reasonably quiet roads of the Southland Traverse. Good-looking vistas come thick and fast on this two-day ride.
From the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, riders can start this route in either Mossburn or Lumsden.
Continue south slicing through the South Island’s lower region, with stunning landscapes, farmland and sparkling rivers.
Several small towns en-route offer food, accommodation and portals into predominantly pastoral history. When arriving in Motupōhue Bluff be sure to take your photo with the iconic yellow AA signs pointing out across the Foveaux Strait to various corners of the globe.
This Heartland Ride is also part of the 3000km Cape Reinga to Motupōhue Bluff route known as Tour Aotearoa. You are likely to meet weather-beaten tour riders on their final day of riding the length of the country.
This route can be started from either Mossburn or Lumsden, two towns on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.
From Mossburn, head east on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, which runs beside Highway 94.
After 13km, turn right off the cycle trail, cross the highway and ride south on Dipton-Castlerock Road. Follow the NZCT signs south, turning right at West Dipton down George Street, then left onto South Hillend-Dipton Road.
When you are 54km from Mossburn, turn right onto Hundred Line Road and shortly after, left onto Riverside Road.
When you reach Highway 96, turn left and cross the Ōreti River, then turn right on to Winton-Substation Road. A few minutes later, turn left onto Gerrard Road and ride into the centre of Winton, where there are plenty of shops.
From Winton, ride back out of town on Meldrum Street, and after 600m, turn left onto the Winton Walkway to follow a gravel path around the edge of town. Then follow Price Road, Substation Road, Calder Road, Nelson Road, Lochiel-Branxholme Road, Young Road and Ryal Bush-Wallacetown Road to Wallacetown.
There are a few shops at Wallacetown, and public toilets in the garage on your left as you enter town (only open when the garage is open).
From Wallacetown, carefully follow Highway 99 for 3.5km before turning right down Steel Road. Turn left at West Plains Road, and right at Gloucester Street. After entering the fringe of Invercargill, turn left along Bay Road, and then at the main road (Highway 6) turn right onto the signposted cycle path that crosses the Waihōpai River.
At the southern end of the Waihōpai River bridge you can turn right onto a gravel path that skirts around the edge of Invercargill. There are various places where you can branch away from the trail and into the city for supplies or accommodation.
The next section of the trail between Invercargill and Motupōhue Bluff is named Te Ara Taurapa. After crossing Tweed Street, continue following the gravel path south, around New River Estuary and south to Kekeno Pl.
From Kekeno Pl, the trail mostly follows parallel to SH1 and is sealed. It provides a fast, safe ride, to Greenhills, before skirting around Bluff Harbour and into Motupōhue Bluff. Follow the main street for another few kilometres to Stirling Point where you will find the famous yellow AA signs pointing out across the Foveaux Strait to various corners of the globe.
You may encounter fit cyclists finishing their 3000km Tour Aotearoa ride from Cape Reinga to Motupōhue Bluff. There is a restaurant just above the signs where you can relax and watch travellers come and go.
ROAD CONDITIONS
The surface of this trail is 75% sealed road, and 25% gravel road or gravel path. Most of the roads are very quiet, however, riders should expect to encounter other traffic at any time.
There is a 3.5km section of SH99 just after Wallacetown, which has much higher traffic volumes than other sections of the route. Riders should ride in the shoulder to the left of the edge line where possible and take care at intersections.
FITNESS & SKILLS
The Southland Traverse is rated Grade 4 (advanced). The route is mostly flat but due to the distance and road conditions it is recommended for fit cyclists with experience riding on the road.
TYPE OF BIKE
Although the route mainly follows sealed roads, the rougher gravel sections mean 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 ideally have basic mechanical skills and carry a tool kit.
MAPS & NAVIGATION
This trail is well-signposted with NZCT signage. However, carrying a map will ensure against wrong turns, help time your ride, and identify points of interest.
WEATHER
The trail can be ridden year-round. In winter the weather can be bitterly cold in Southland, with snowfall not uncommon.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
There is accommodation and food available at either of the starting points, Mossburn/Lumsden, and at the convenient intervals of Camp Taringatura (40km), Winton (67km), Wallacetown (90km), Invercargill (104km) and Motupōhue Bluff (137km).
GETTING THERE & AROUND
This route shadows and often intersects the popular Southern Scenic Route, a memorable road trip taking in Te Anau, Invercargill and the Catlins. Nationwide Intercity buses service this route, as do smaller local bus operators throughout the region.
CELLPHONE COVERAGE
Mobile phone coverage is available throughout the route.
TOILETS
Public toilets are located in townships along the route.
VISITOR INFORMATION
