The descent is the middle part of the Whites Bay Loop Track. Be prepared for a steep climb up, then hang on as you go down. It’s fast and furious, with lots of roots and rocks to spice things up.
To get there, park at Whites Bay and bike 2.5km north up Port Underwood Road. Just past the crest, turn left onto the Whites Bay Loop Track road, which turns into a track. Head up for about an hour until you get to a signposted fork, turn left towards Whites Bay, strap on your knee pads and have some fun.
The Loop Track ends back on Port Underwood Road south of Whites Bay. Turn left and bike back along the road to Whites Bay and finish off with a well-earned swim at the white sand beach.
When wet, much of this clay track is unrideable.
12km
(21km if you extend the ride to include the top of Mt Robertson)
Intermediate to advanced
Follow SH1 to Tuamarina (9 km north of Blenheim or 20 km south of Picton). Turn off and head east via Hunter, Pembers and Rarangi Roads to Rarangi, before climbing steeply over rugged hills to where a short side road leads down to the cable station.
Whites Bay is 15 km from Tuamarina. Alternative access involves a 41 km drive from Picton along the historic and spectacular but winding and unsealed Port Underwood Road.
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.