Be Prepared - Check out the questions that we are most often asked...
What level of fitness is required to complete the Trail?
This is a Grade 1 Cycle Trail, which is the easiest level cycling experience, with no tight bends or steep inclines. If you or some of your group have not been on a bike for some time it would be a good idea to take a few weeks to get bike fit. The more accustomed you are to a bike seat the more you will enjoy the trip. :-)
There are plenty of places to stop and read about the history along the trail and take your photographs. The trail is a compacted gravel pathway although in some short sections you may experience some loose stones.
The trail is wide enough for cyclists to ride side by side if they wish and there is no congestion at all as you enjoy a wonderful experience amongst spectacular scenery.
There are e-bikes , kid tows and adaptive bikes available for hire from the Cycle Operators.
Is there water available along the Trail?
Take plenty of water with you, and purchase more along the way. Be sure to fill your water bottle at your place of accommodation before you start your trip each day. There are some towns along the way where water can be restricted in the summer months.
There is a tap at the Ranfurly and Oturehua Station sites. There is also a tap at Hyde close to the picnic table.
What extra gear will I need to take with me?
Bring sunscreen, first aid kit, bike repair kit and clothes for all seasons. You may also like to bring a torch for the tunnels along the way.
Do I have to wear a cycle helmet on the Trail?
Yes, you need to wear a helmet. It is compulsory for all cyclists on New Zealand roads to wear cycle helmets. In legal terms the definition of a road includes a street, a motorway, a beach and a place to which the public have access whether as of right or not.