"Who knew that a 4min ride in that 'Squirrel' would deliver us to the most fun Enduro stage I've ever had the pleasure of racing." - Adam Craig, international pro mountain biker, NZ Enduro
Described as one of New Zealand's and the world's greatest natural mountain bike trails, The Wakamarina is one to be reckoned with.
Be prepared for fantastic downhills and some seriously tough climbs. But it's oh so worth it.
To get there, drive to Onamalutu Reserve on the Northbank Road, which runs along the edge of the Wairau River.
A climb through the Mt Richmond Forest Park takes you up to Fosters Clearing, where there is a DOC hut then down to the Wakamarina Valley, via Devils Hut, to Butcher's Flat, near Canvastown on SH6.
A popular option to get your group to Fosters Clearing is to charter a helicopter to take you from Butchers Flat, then bike back to where you began.
1-2 days, 45km
Advanced
From Blenheim:
Turn off State Highway 6 on to Northbank Road 6 km north of Renwick – 16 km from Blenheim.
Follow Northbank Road for 5 km, then Onamalutu Road for 11 km
Continue past Onamalutu Domain, to Flowers Creek ford.
A final 5 km up Kiwi Road leads to the car park at the start of the track.
1. Keep left.
2. Cyclists should let pedestrians know when they are approaching by politely calling out or ringing a bell when approaching from behind.
3. Cyclists should pass on the right, when possible – unless the pedestrians are on the right in which case pass them in the safest way possible.
4. Cyclists should ride defensively and cycle at a speed that does not put others at risk.