Nevis Valley – New Heartland Ride Opens

Bannockburn, Central Otago to Garston, Southland
77km | 1 day | Grade 4 - Advanced | Remote Backcountry

The Heartland Rides of New Zealand are aimed at cyclists and bikepackers, and are mostly on existing, quiet rural roads through scenic landscapes and small towns which connect with the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand.

The Nevis Valley Heartland Ride will offer cyclists a scenic and challenging 77km backcountry route and will connect two Great Rides - the Lake Dunstan Trail and the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail. The newly announced Heartland Ride will build on the amazing diversity of cycling experiences offered in both Central Otago and Murihiki Southland.

The route diverts from the Lake Dunstan Trail at Bannockburn and climbs 1,040 metres over Duffers Saddle into the Nevis Valley via the Nevis Road - an existing public gravel road. It's a remote and spectacular backcountry adventure for experienced cyclists and bikepackers.

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 New Zealand.

At the southern end of the Nevis Valley, the route climbs over Nevis Saddle (1,120 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 click button below:

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 for the entire route 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 including spares. Carry sufficient water for a full day's riding. Treat any water collected from creeks or streams.

Maps & Navigation
This trail follows the gravel Nevis Road with some NZ Cycle Trails | Heartland Ride signage. However, carrying a map or having a map downloaded to a cell phone is recommended. (Top tip: NZ Topo Maps has an excellent app which can be downloaded and used offline on mobile devices). 

Weather
This high-altitude route is closed over winter (first Monday in June to 30th 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. Expect 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 from the weather and so sun protection is also essential.

Food & Accommodation
Stock up on supplies in Cromwell and have a pre-ride coffee or breakfast 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 of the Nevis Road in both Bannockburn and Garston.

There are no services between 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 from Duffers Saddle.
There is also a toilet at the Garston Ski Hut – 10km from Garston.