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
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 €60 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
€60
18 Feb - 19 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly holiday park in Westport. Enjoy free parking, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Solid Energy Centre and Miner's ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (191 reviews)
Clean room, comfortable bed

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Westport Holiday Park And Motels
Grand Suites Murchison

Grand Suites Murchison

5 out of 5
99 Waller St Murchison Tasman
The price is €145 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
€145
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Murchison. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Boer War Memorial and Murchison Museum are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
clean spacious rooms

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Grand Suites Murchison
Mataki Motels

Mataki Motels

3 out of 5
34 Hotham Street Murchison
The price is €80 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
€80
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this ski hotel in Murchison. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Murchison Museum and Boer War Memorial ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (171 reviews)
Spotless, comfortable room. Good facilities. Nice outlook from verandah. Friendly welcome, convenient to town. Would highly recommend.

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

Mataki Motels
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.
Kiwiana Gem to enjoy in Reefton

Kiwiana Gem to enjoy in Reefton

Reefton New Zealand
Stay at this holiday home in Reefton. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Reefton Racecourse and Blacks Point Museum are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
This was an excellent option for accommodating 7 of us as a stopover on our way to a hike. Comfortable beds, very tidy, clean and well equipped. Would be a convenient base if out and about exploring the region most of the day.

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Kiwiana Gem to enjoy in Reefton
Perfect Family Getaway by the beach

Perfect Family Getaway by the beach

Hector West Coast
Stay at this beach holiday home in Hector. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a garden. Popular attraction Charming Creek Walkway is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
Fantastic house right on the beach front.Clean & tidy and had everthing we needed.Great location to explore the area from.We'll be back

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Perfect Family Getaway by the beach
Home with stunning River and Ocean views. Pet-friendly

Home with stunning River and Ocean views. Pet-friendly

Mokihinui West Coast
Stay at this holiday home in Mokihinui. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Great!
Loved the area, house was great. Would definitely come back.

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

Home with stunning River and Ocean views. Pet-friendly
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.