Rolling out the gravel carpet

kawatiri coastal trail › Westcoast

GPS

The South Island’s West Coast could easily be called the ‘Wheel Coast’ given all the cycle trails emerging recently from the depths of the rainforest. What was once a region full of national parks with few cycle paths, is now mecca for the riding multi-dayer. There seems to be something for everyone. If you are a hardened rider then The Old Ghost Road is a must, and the NZ Great Walks of the Heaphy and Paparoa Tracks are more than just a walk in the park these days as they are now dual-purpose walk and cycle trails. A gentler but equally epic ride is the West Coast Wilderness Trail which hugs the coastline and explores the wild interior. If you fancy the very latest easy trail that is full of features then the Kawatiri Coastal Trail should be on your list.

Based in Buller, the trail initially follows