posted Apr 22, 2013, 2:30 AM by The Old Ghost Road
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updated Apr 22, 2013, 2:37 AM
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The newest 25 kilometres of The Old Ghost Road will open on Saturday 27th April, 2013. This section of the trail starts near Seddonville (48 kilometres north east of Westport) and follows a restored historic pack track through the Mokihinui River Gorge before wandering on new trail through the forested river flats of the Mokihinui River 'South Branch'. "This section is a perfect contrast to the Lyell section we opened in February,” says Phil Rossiter, chair of the MLBT. “While the Lyell section climbs steadily to alpine tops, the northern Mokihinui section stays true to the river. The views are fantastic and the thousands of hectares of ancient forest traversed are pure magic.” The Mokihinui Gorge has a colorful gold mining history. Jonathan Kennett, New Zealand mountainbike guidebook author and project manager for the New Zealand Cycle Trail, describes says “the historic trail up the Mokihinui Gorge is New Zealand’s most spectacular tribute to the pioneer track builders of the 19th century. The fact that it has been reopened, is also a tribute; to some of the most determined and talented track builders of the 21st century.” The MLBT will also open the newly constructed 'Specimen Point' hut 16 kilometres into the trail from the northern end. This hut complements the existing and recently refurbished Mokihinui Forks Hut 4 kilometres further up river. Reservations for new huts along the trail can be made here. Three bridges have been constructed across the infamous 'Suicide Slips' as well as two key creek crossings. Further bridging is planned for additional creeks. Users still need to exercise due caution with creeks that require fording. The section opening will be celebrated with a ride and walk organised by the Buller Cycle Club, and Ultimate Descents NZ is offering an exclusive preview of its exciting new range of bike/hike and raft products on the Mokihinui River with the option of an exhilarating return journey down the Mokihinui Gorge by raft.
In May, the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust aims to open the “Rocky Tor” section of the Old Ghost Road along with another new hut settlement at 'Ghost Lake'. For further information: |
posted Feb 19, 2013, 12:06 AM by The Old Ghost Road
Thank you to the hundreds of smiling and happy folks that made the opening of The Old Ghost Road such a success, both at Lyell on Saturday 2nd February and in Westport for the ceremonial component on Sunday 3rd February, 2013. Your feedback and engagement validated years of hard work.
For those that were unable to attend the ceremonial opening, you can view aspects (or all!) of the ceremonial opening below: |
posted Jan 8, 2013, 11:29 PM by The Old Ghost Road
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updated Jan 8, 2013, 11:40 PM
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The Ghost Awakens! February 2nd and 3rd, 2013 mark the official opening of the first section of The Old Ghost Road. A 25 km section at the southern end of the trail will be open on Saturday 2nd February for riders and walkers who wish to get their first experience of The Old Ghost Road. This section of trail starts at the picturesque Lyell Historic Reserve (110 metres above sea level) in the Upper Buller Gorge (SH6 between Murchison and Inangahua) and ascends to the Lyell Saddle (home to new hut accommodation purpose-built for trail users) and then on up to lofty heights of the Lyell Range at just under 1300 metres above sea level. The section of trail being opened terminates at Mt Montgomery. The map insert below shows the opening section of trail (trail shown in red).  Helibike and helihike options will be offered on Saturday 2nd February at Lyell from 9am to 11am
(weather allowing) for a special one-off price of $99 per person. Bookings are
essential and can be made from 9am on January 14th 2013 by calling the Department of
Conservation Buller-Kawatiri (Westport) office on 03 788-8008 and quoting The Old Ghost Road helibike or helihike promotion. Places are
limited to 60 and are on a first come-first served basis. The heli-offer will take riders and hikers to the end of the opening section of trail at Mt Montgomery. For those wishing to take up this offer, please ensure you are capable of returning to Lyell (25km) under your own steam! Any cancellations required by weather (or other) will be advised on this website by Friday 1st February 2013.
An official ceremonial opening will be held on Sunday 3rd February commencing at 10am in
the NBS Theatre, Westport. All interested persons are welcome. Morning tea will be provided and
will be accompanied by live music, an information booth, merchandise sales (cash only!) and
prize draws, dignitary speeches and previously unseen footage and images of the
Old Ghost Road. Please show your support and come along. |
posted Dec 8, 2012, 1:28 PM by The Old Ghost Road
Construction activity has continued to focus on the northern end of the trail in the Mokihinui Gorge and in the Mokihinui River South Branch. Four critical bridges that will secure access across the infamous 'Suicides Slips' and Specimen Creek are close to being finished. Specimen Creek Bridge
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posted Dec 8, 2012, 1:17 PM by The Old Ghost Road
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updated Dec 8, 2012, 1:26 PM
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posted Sep 22, 2012, 9:29 PM by Phil Rossiter
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updated Sep 22, 2012, 9:31 PM
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Trail construction moved down from the lofty heights of the Lyell Range in June and July and for the last few months has been focussed on the northern end of the trail in the Mokihinui Gorge and Mokihinui River South Branch. Trail has been formed for almost 11 km's up the iconic Mokihinui Gorge and is currently just upstream of Jones Creek. An example of the excellent work being done is shown in the 'before' and 'after' photographs below. Rock Slip - Before Trail Restoration 
Rock Slip - After Trail Restoration 
Whilst on-the-ground interest and support is appreciated, users should be aware that some sections of the trail are yet to be completed in their final state and should take note of signage and respect the need to maintain a safe distance from the trail construction activities. Enjoying a Ride on Restored Section of Trail - Mokihinui Gorge 
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posted May 21, 2012, 7:53 AM by The Old Ghost Road
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updated May 21, 2012, 8:02 AM
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Trail construction efforts have continued, focussing on the high part of the trail along the Lyell Range. Progress has been steady, and approximately 2km's remains to complete a continuous trail between Lyell and the stunning setting of Ghost Lake - now supported by a new 12-bunk hut (attached pic is of the hut's interior).
This alpine section of trail still requires considerable work and users should be aware of ongoing construction activity and incomplete sections.
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posted May 11, 2012, 8:32 AM by The Old Ghost Road
The Kennett Brothers have updated Spoke readers on the OGR in the May 2012 issue (#46). The article describes the brilliant efforts in January of 40 volunteers who helped open up 11km of the Mokihinui Gorge track the old-fashioned way (pick, shovel and chainsaw). Subtitled 'Reviving Ghosts of a Trail Past,' it reviews the rich history of Lyell and pays tribute both to those hard men who constructed the original track in the 1880s, and our track crew's current efforts.
Say the Kennetts: "...the battle to create New Zealand's greatest multi-day ride has just jumped from granny gear into the middle ring." Spoke Magazine is available in bookshops and online. |
posted Apr 23, 2012, 2:00 PM by The Old Ghost Road
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updated Apr 23, 2012, 2:08 PM
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Many thanks to Gareth, Wayne and Phil, who dodged the weather and got some great footage of the track and huts as of mid-April 2012. |
posted Jan 19, 2012, 6:34 PM by Phil Rossiter
Trail construction efforts are advancing beyond the Lyell Saddle up the forested flanks of Bald Hill - the destination being the open tops of the Lyell Range. This section is under construction and is not recommended for walking or riding.
The current objective is to significantly advance - if not complete - the section of trail from the Lyell Saddle up onto the Lyell Range and along before the onset of this winter. Periodic updates will be posted here.
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