The Old Ghost Road
The Old Ghost Road, Westport: Address, Phone Number, The Old Ghost Road Reviews: 5/5
The Old Ghost Road
The Old Ghost Road
5
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5.0
343 reviews
Excellent
341
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Richard Kempthorne
1 contribution
May 2022
This was a wonderful experience. There was quite a variety of types of mountain biking with solid uphill, reasonably technical downhill, "The Steps", the Graveyard and wonderful West Coast bush forest to enjoy. The highlight was the open shower at the Rough and Tumble Lodge and pizza at the end of the ride.
Written 9 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cashmerebay
Timaru16 contributions
Apr 2022
What an amazing piece of history and fantastic effort by the OGR Trust to get this track open and what a fantastic experience to walk it. The scenery is sublime and there is such variation, in topography and plantlife. The huts were perfect, the track was good going and the weather was a mixed bag, but never wet enough to dampen our spirits.
Bizarrely enough, everyone in our group said theyd happily walk it again.
Great track.
Bizarrely enough, everyone in our group said theyd happily walk it again.
Great track.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gordy
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
What a stunning two days on the Old Ghost Road.
In my veiw every self respecting walking kiwi has to walk the Mildord and every self respecting kiwi mountain biker has to bike the Old Ghost road.
It is a true testament to what can be achieved with heaps of guts and determination. I think a modern day parallel in many ways to the old timers and what they achieved on the Coast over 100 yrs ago.
And the scenery is outstanding. Absolutly beautiful and unfortunately a camera just cant nail it. So you have to go and see it for yourself.
Massive cliff faces towering over some of NZs most beautiful bush. Its no wonder its won world aclaim.
Please take a bow Phil Rossiter and all of the crew who i know put so much into creating something so special.
Fourth time through and im still buzzing after the experiance.
And riden with a great bunch if guys.
In my veiw every self respecting walking kiwi has to walk the Mildord and every self respecting kiwi mountain biker has to bike the Old Ghost road.
It is a true testament to what can be achieved with heaps of guts and determination. I think a modern day parallel in many ways to the old timers and what they achieved on the Coast over 100 yrs ago.
And the scenery is outstanding. Absolutly beautiful and unfortunately a camera just cant nail it. So you have to go and see it for yourself.
Massive cliff faces towering over some of NZs most beautiful bush. Its no wonder its won world aclaim.
Please take a bow Phil Rossiter and all of the crew who i know put so much into creating something so special.
Fourth time through and im still buzzing after the experiance.
And riden with a great bunch if guys.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
susan h
Auckland Central, New Zealand5 contributions
Apr 2022
Not a day passed without our group declaring each one a “favourite” - even the one day it rained, drenching us between Ghost Lake Hut and Stern Valley Hutt. But with every Hut so well stocked with kindling and firewood, within minutes we were hanging sodden jackets on racks suspended above a toasty fire, drinking hot chocolate, wrangling bunks and deciding on the night’s dehydrated feast. This winding, up hill, down dale, ladder stepping, tree sheltered, sometimes river accompanying tramp while challenging, isn’t the “toughie” it might read. With well equipped kitchens and super clean toilets the absence of a hot shower is barely an issue. We were a group of 5. We walked 5 days, overnighting 4. We started out smiling and finished with big happy grins.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jost-Pauline S
Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand381 contributions
Mar 2022
We recently walked the Old Ghost Road (three trampers, retired, North Island) and found this adventure on of the best on offer in the South Island at present.
The fact that it is a shared mountain bike and tramping track did not create any problems. During the week we would have met an average of up to five bikes per day - and maybe the same number of trampers. The benefit of the mountain biker presence is that the track quality is akin the Great Walks standards, with quite well compacted surfaces, plenty of bridges and sufficiently wide to not getting caught up by branches and protruding hill sides.
The four huts built by the Trust running the adventure are in great locations, built to a high standard and allow for privacy of individual groups, including the option to sleep in separate cabins (4 people max). The huts are fitted out well, have insect screens, are well insulated, have plenty of gas hobs and even an outside shower facility. Additionally there are two DOC huts on offer in between - to reduce travel distance of the longest day.
The walk needs to be booked in advance and the cost is a bit higher than DOC huts - but well justified. On-line booking and e-mail confirmation are straight forward and include a lot of handy tips.
The variety of landscapes is mind blowing ranging from river walks, bush walks, mountain tops and even including a 300+ stair section to overcome the challenges of the at times difficult landscape.
For anyone, reasonably fit, wanting to experience an extraordinary outdoor adventure the Old Ghost Road must move to the top of your list - just make sure you go there when the weather forecast is good
I would also recommend staying in one of the DOC huts, as this reduces a 25 km day walk into an 11 and 14 km section. Admittedly it means taking some cooking gear per party - but this is probably a wise strategy anyway - as weather or situations in these remote parts can be unpredictable.
The fact that it is a shared mountain bike and tramping track did not create any problems. During the week we would have met an average of up to five bikes per day - and maybe the same number of trampers. The benefit of the mountain biker presence is that the track quality is akin the Great Walks standards, with quite well compacted surfaces, plenty of bridges and sufficiently wide to not getting caught up by branches and protruding hill sides.
The four huts built by the Trust running the adventure are in great locations, built to a high standard and allow for privacy of individual groups, including the option to sleep in separate cabins (4 people max). The huts are fitted out well, have insect screens, are well insulated, have plenty of gas hobs and even an outside shower facility. Additionally there are two DOC huts on offer in between - to reduce travel distance of the longest day.
The walk needs to be booked in advance and the cost is a bit higher than DOC huts - but well justified. On-line booking and e-mail confirmation are straight forward and include a lot of handy tips.
The variety of landscapes is mind blowing ranging from river walks, bush walks, mountain tops and even including a 300+ stair section to overcome the challenges of the at times difficult landscape.
For anyone, reasonably fit, wanting to experience an extraordinary outdoor adventure the Old Ghost Road must move to the top of your list - just make sure you go there when the weather forecast is good
I would also recommend staying in one of the DOC huts, as this reduces a 25 km day walk into an 11 and 14 km section. Admittedly it means taking some cooking gear per party - but this is probably a wise strategy anyway - as weather or situations in these remote parts can be unpredictable.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
familyfunny
Costa Rica8 contributions
Apr 2022
This is an astounding walk. Long yes, but not arduous. I have rarely walked through such diverse beauty - from alpine to beech to rimu and other podocarps, along the beautiful Mohikinui river, around rocky 'boneyards' and ghostly lakes. To top it off, all gas, pots, cutlery, cups and plates and even coffee plungers are provided meaning that my pack was light. If you do walk it, finish off at the Rough and Tumble for the night - the warmest hospitality (thanks Shelley) and delicious food.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ben
Rome, Italy7 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Great trail and fairly well maintained - well worth splitting this into atleast 2 days to make the most of the trip and experience.
Booked as private hut and would do again for the convince (it was better than my Air BNB).
Old Ghost Road time guide were a little long in my experience - expected to take a full day to get to Ghost Lake Hut but was only the morning so had lunch on arrival.
Booked as private hut and would do again for the convince (it was better than my Air BNB).
Old Ghost Road time guide were a little long in my experience - expected to take a full day to get to Ghost Lake Hut but was only the morning so had lunch on arrival.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bel
12 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Varied and dramatic scenery. Well maintained track and huts. Meeting like minded people. Everything was perfect. So much work has gone into this track and facilities I hope many many more get to reap the benefits because it's absolutely incredible
Written 9 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
clarebs
West Coast79 contributions
Mar 2022
Walking the Old Ghost Road last week was truly amazing, my favourite walk of all time.
I walked with five women friends ranging between 50 to 76 years old.
The track was fabulous, a real engineering feat, the scenery couldn't be beaten. Huts were good, each one unique and not like DoC huts. Also, composting toilets were better than they might have been.
Gas and cooking and eating gear in the huts was also a big plus.
I'd do this walk again in a minute.
I walked with five women friends ranging between 50 to 76 years old.
The track was fabulous, a real engineering feat, the scenery couldn't be beaten. Huts were good, each one unique and not like DoC huts. Also, composting toilets were better than they might have been.
Gas and cooking and eating gear in the huts was also a big plus.
I'd do this walk again in a minute.
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CHPG
Wellington, New Zealand10 contributions
Mar 2022
We took our time over 5 days and enjoyed every minute of the OGR. Superb scenery and tracks, great friendly huts and accomodation.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bethny U
Auckland, New Zealand4 contributions
How are the beds/mattresses in the huts?
My hipbone always hits the planking on the standard DOC hut mattresses. They can be almost intolerably narrow too!
Anthony s
Sydney, Australia11 contributions
No beds are fantastic in every way, width is fine, foam is firm...u will love the huts!!
Kim L
new plymouth6 contributions
Hi was just wondering what the water situation on the track and at the Hutts is at the moment we are doing it next week? Thanks
Mischale C
Christchurch, New Zealand115 contributions
Hi - Sorry I cant answer your question as such. When I was there the water was plentiful but thats November. I suggest you contact the Old Ghost Road site where you book the accommodation on the track as they are likely to have more day to day info, you can phone them - I did and they couldnt be more helpful (but that was for an accommodation matter). There is no water to be had on the track as such - you take what you want to drink from the hut in the morning when you leave to drink on the way till you get to your next hut. There are taps in the huts themselves - so its pretty easy. I boiled my water out of habit but others didnt and didnt seem to have any issue - think they recommend you do boil it just in case. Have a great time - Im doing it again in April!
Richard P
22 contributions
I am looking to do the OGR with a mixture of bike and walk.
I’m not a mountain biker but I can ride and quiet confident, I am and do hike and can confidently hike 6 or 7 hrs if needed.
My question is would I be able to do it as a mixture and what are the difficulties in doing it this way. I want to ride the easy sections to gain time and then walk the technical / scary sections.
The plan would the 3 night 4 day bike route on the website.
I really want to take on the challenge and experience the country but I don’t want to put myself at risk.
What would happen if I got half way and decided I’d had enough “don’t think so but ask anyway”
I would appreciate some good sound advise please
Thanks
Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust
Westport, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi Richard, I believe I have just responded to your email, but I just wanted to note that bikes and packs can absolutely be dropped into/transferred along the track by helicopter. People have used this as a way to bike some parts of the trail and walk others in the past. Cheers, Rimu.
Hello. I am an intermediate biker and was wondering if it will be ok for me to do this on a bike? is it too dangerous for a bike? will I fall down clif and die? thank you!
Daring2Go
Christchurch, New Zealand430 contributions
An Intermediate biker should be able to bike this track.
However, do note that there are exposed sections of track, where there is a steep cliff below, where you are advised to walk your bike.
HKinsey
Paraparaumu, New Zealand739 contributions
I see some people say there are "serious drop offs" How many and how much of the track is like that please?
I want to do the walk but am scared I might throw a wobbler!!
FushNChips
Christchurch, New Zealand195 contributions
The track is very clear and obvious, you would have to be in a very serious daydream for anything to happen! Any risk of falling over I would think would be very minimal.
Dinny K
2 contributions
What favilities are imthe huts? Cutlery, crockery?
zhuhai2007
Christchurch, New Zealand48,761 contributions
The huts are fantastic- yes gas burners, "matching" crockery, cutlery pots & pans. At least one (Lyall Saddle) had a gas BBQ which I used. They all have a "heath-robinson-type" of outdoor shower which you fill with a bucket or saucepan from the kitchen - provided there is enough water at the hut (very dry when I did it in Feb).
Cass J
1 contribution
Hey guys,
We are helibiking and will be dropped at Ghost Lake hut and have to ride back to the cars at the Lyell car park. How technical is the track to get back down?
Wayne H
8 contributions
nothing to worry about at all. your biggest issue will be watching track as scenery is great. most of the track is well defined and well graded although sometimes narrow. from Lyell hut to lyell it was the original bullocks track so smooth and fast . you'll love it. next time do the whole thing from Lyell to seddonille as whole thing is sensational. pretty cool from ghost hut heading west too
Sarah S
Bismarck, ND
How long did it take for you to bike the whole trail?
Nick R
Lower Hutt, New Zealand6 contributions
We stayed in huts on the trail for three nights. But we were only able to start on the first day after 1.30pm because we drove down from Karamea that morning - we had cycled the Heaphy the previous two days. We could probably have stayed at Rough and Tumble lodge on the last night but appreciated not being in a rush and being able to enjoy the scenery.
Next time we would stay in Murchison and have the first night at Ghost Lake Hut for the sunset and the sunrise the next morning.
Karen T
Auckland Central, New Zealand24 contributions
Hi there. We are not up to cycling the whole trail but wondering about getting a one day taster of it on our e mountain bikes (no haters please). Plan would be to cycle from Lyell to either Lyell Saddle hut or Ghost Lake hut (using our motors to help with the ascent which would otherwise kill me) then descend back down the same way the same day. My main question is how technical is that part of the trail as we have hard tail e mountain bikes and they won't cope with big rocks and stuff. Thanks for any advise (and we can't afford the heli option before anyone suggests it).
Derrick M
Kampong Cham, Cambodia148 contributions
Hi
From Lyell to Lyell hut is pretty easy it’s a very long hill. Not very technical however the trail to GH is gnarly.
It’s not impossible to ride but if your lacking confidence and some trail experience I’d give it a miss.
Lyell hut is still an awesome experience
Good luck and enjoy the trail
Derrick
Adam L
Brisbane, Australia7 contributions
hi there riding this trail in mid november 3 day and 2 night staying at the alpine huts along the way - how much water is recommended for the 3 stages?
Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust
Westport, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi Adam
There are water tanks at each of the hut sites as well as a number of tributaries along the length of the trail, you should never be too far from a water source. I hope this answers your question.