Heaphy Track open for mountainbikers this winter

The Heaphy Track will only be open to mountainbikers during daylight hours to protect the giant snail species, who only emerge at night. Photo / NZ Herald

The Department of Conservation says the Heaphy Track will be opened to mountainbikers again this winter, but only during daylight hours to protect nocturnal giant snails.

After a successful trial last year it will be opened again to bikes from May 1 till September 30.

DOC said today that last winter some riders had underestimated the difficulty of the track and their journey times and did not make their intended stop for the night.

Riding is not permitted on the track during darkness to protect the giant powelliphanta snails and great spotted kiwi that may be crossing the track.

DOC Buller area manager Bob Dickson said mountainbikers should expect a tougher ride than on some other popular multi-day rides.

"The Heaphy Track requires advanced mountainbiking skills, being ranked grade four, rising to grade five-expert,in wet or otherwise difficult riding conditions. It is a two to three-day ride depending on fitness, skills and conditions. People should not attempt to bike the track in one day and should allow plenty of time to get to their expected destination before dark."

The 78km-long track, which starts near Karamea, can be biked over the five months in a three-year winter-season mountainbiking trial.

DOC estimates that more than 1700 people rode the track during last year's trial.

- The Greymouth Star