Wakamarina

This is another of our absolutely epic rides into really remote and pristine New Zealand back country. This is a full day of technical riding on some of the country’s best technical track. A big descent on some challenging switchbacks and a variety of terrain make this an ideal ride for those looking for a challenge both physically and mentally.

We start off with a very scenic flight out across the peaks of the Mount Richmond Forest Park, flying over some stunning back country to eventually land at Fosters Hut which is at the top of the initial climb, leaving you full of energy for the rest of this amazing track. After taking in the views out over the Wairou Valley we start our first descent down to Fosters Creek. This section presents some unique challenges on a mixture of rocks and root through high canopy native forest.

To earn our second BIG descent we first have to pay our penance with a tough climb and a bit of a push up to the top of the saddle and on to the highest point, but you soon forget this once you start down the face. The roots challenge you at first but then its into dreamland with large ferny switchbacks intermixed with some neat drops and white knuckle runs, you just don’t want it to end, but end it must. At the bottom of the big descent we come out at Devil Creek hut where we regroup before a fun and flowy run back down the river to the tracks end. There are a couple of sections along here that will keep you honest too, so there is no chance of boredom!

Once out at the bottom with a grin on our faces we return to Nelson by road stopping off on the way at one of our favorite watering holes for a “Debrief” and to raise a glass to an absolutely great day out.

Above images also feature the New Zealand MTB Rally.