Gibbs Hill Track winter mountain biking to continue

Media release

19 April 2011

Gibbs Hill Track winter mountain biking to continue

Mountain bikers can again ride Abel Tasman National Park's Gibb's Hill Track for five months from Sunday 1 May, having been given continued winter access to the track after a two-year trial.

The Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board has approved mountain biking continuing on the track during the 1 May to 1 October winter season following the trial.

The 10-kilometre Gibbs Hill Track runs between Wainui and Totaranui. People can just ride the track or make a 23-kilometre round trip by also cycling on roads between Wainui and Totaranui.

Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board chair Ross Hall said the track was enjoyed by mountain bikers as an easily-accessed, pleasant winter ride.

"It is steep so biking can be strenuous, requiring reasonable fitness, but it is otherwise not too-difficult and the track provides spectacular views of Tasman and Golden bays."

Gibbs Hill Track, graded an intermediate-level mountain biking track, can be cycled in either direction. No more than eight riders are allowed in a group. Mountain bikers need to adhere to the mountain bikers' code which includes requirement to show respect and consideration to walkers.

Approval was given to mountain biking continuing on the track after a Department of Conservation evaluation of the trial found it had little impact on the track surface and on other track users.

Three-year mountain biking trials are taking place in nearby Kahurangi National Park until the end of 2013. A five-month winter-season mountain biking trial on the Heaphy Track also starts on Sunday 1 May and will run until 30 September. Year-round trials are running on the Flora Saddle to Barron Flat and Kill Devil tracks.

An event is to be held in Nelson on Monday 2 May to mark the start of the Heaphy Track mountain biking trial which Nelson MP Nick Smith will speak at. The Department of Conservation is inviting the public to the event starting at 7.15am at the DOC Nelson Regional Visitor Centre, Millers Acre Centre, Taha o te Awa, 79 Trafalgar Street. Those intending to attend are asked to contact Jazz Scott at DOC before Thursday 28 April for catering purposes, ph (03) 546 3152, email jscott@doc.govt.nz .

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