Upper Buller Gorge

Travel Guide

This photo is taken on The Old Ghost Road, an 85km single track mountain bike trail and walking path in the upper South Island of New Zealand.

more info here: tinyurl.com/y9m3nkmw
Video I made about riding the trail here: tinyurl.com/y7jnk9wl

The Old Ghost Road begins at Lyell - near the town of Murchison - and it ends on the West Coast at the small settlement of Seddonville. The Old Ghost Road traverses mountains, deep river gorges, dense forest and rough backcountry. It is remote, exposed, with alpine sections above the treeline. On a clear day, there are incredible views in every direction. The steep, jagged rocks and golden tussocky peaks are spectacular. #southisland #newzealand #oldghostroad #mountainbike #bikepacking #biketrail #forest #bush
I rode a solo four-day (most do in three) 87km remote mountain bike off-road trail in the South Island called The Old Ghost Road (one of the The New Zealand Cycle Trail great rides). 

More info here:  https://tinyurl.com/y9m3nkmw
Video I made here: https://tinyurl.com/y7jnk9wl

My mountain biking skills are at best average and parts of this trail are ‘grade 5’ which is the hardest and supposed to be for experts only, something which I am definitely not. One mistake and you can end up at the bottom of a cliff, or alternately collapsed after the exertion of grinding up a long and steep mountain. I did meet a few other bikers up there who had had gnarly crashes, including one guy with a badly broken nose. But I survived unscathed and had an incredible trip, beautiful wild mountain and rugged remote countryside.

The Old Ghost Road begins at Lyell - near the town of Murchison - and it ends on the West Coast at the small settlement of Seddonville. The Old Ghost Road traverses mountains, deep river gorges, dense forest and rough backcountry. It is remote, exposed, with alpine sections above the treeline. On a clear day, there are incredible views in every direction. The steep, jagged rocks and golden tussocky peaks are spectacular. 

#southisland #newzealand #oldghostroad #mountainbike #bikepacking #biketrail #mountains #adventure
Westport Holiday Park And Motels

Westport Holiday Park And Motels

3 out of 5
31-37 Domett St Westport
The price is NT$1,906 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
NT$1,906
NT$2,192 total
Apr 8 - Apr 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly holiday park in Westport. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Solid Energy Centre and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (201 reviews)
Best thing was the staff. Welcoming and friendly

Reviewed on 2026/3/17

Westport Holiday Park And Motels
Off The Beaten Trail Accommodation & Bike Tours

Off The Beaten Trail Accommodation & Bike Tours

3 out of 5
30 Fairfax Street Murchison
The price is NT$2,718 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
NT$2,718
NT$3,126 total
Apr 4 - Apr 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this lodge in Murchison. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Murchison Museum and Boer War Memorial ...
9/10 Wonderful! (194 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 2026/3/20

Off The Beaten Trail Accommodation & Bike Tours
Grand Suites Murchison

Grand Suites Murchison

5 out of 5
99 Waller St Murchison Tasman
Stay at this motel in Murchison. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Boer War Memorial and Murchison Museum are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
Almost everything about this place was great - i even had a decent view of the mountains over the fence through my back sliding door which i liked to keep open for the fresh late summer air when in the room. I barely heard any noise from people in other rooms, including no tv noise! The primary downside ...

Reviewed on 2026/3/9

Grand Suites Murchison
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lantern Court Motel

Lantern Court Motel

3 out of 5
63 Broadway Street Reefton West Coast
Stay at this aparthotel in Reefton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Reefton Racecourse and Blacks Point Museum ...
Lantern Court Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.