St James Cycle Trail - Ride The Big Country
Maling Pass - St James Homestead
59km - 1–2 days - CURRENTLY NO BRIDGE AT 36 Km
An important travel route for early Māori, the remote St James Cycle Trail is a challenging journey through magnificent high country complete with soaring peaks, broad river valleys, and rustic farming heritage.
Centered on the vast Clarence and Waiau valleys, the whopping 78,000-hectare St James Station was one of New Zealand’s largest high country farms, dating back to 1862. When it passed into the care of the Department of Conservation in 2008, it became the setting for one of the country’s finest mountain bike trails.
A testament to the farm’s former glories, well-preserved buildings, and fences add a human element to landscapes of overwhelming natural grandeur. Vast valleys flanked by rugged mountain ranges usher riders through golden meadows and sweet beech forest, over crystal clear rivers, into hidden lakes, and past a series of rustic huts offering shelter from the elements. A two-day trip is highly recommended.
Please note – 2023/24 season, there is no bridge access across the Waiau at kilometre 36 – the McArthur Bridge has been removed – A new bridge is planned for construction in autumn 2024 and opening by September 2024
While fit riders can complete the St James Cycle Trail in one day, an overnight trip is highly recommended as it allows more time to linger in places like Lake Guyon and enjoy the simple pleasures of camping or rustic huts. Sunset and sunrise are big-time bonuses.
It’s a 13km drive from Hanmer Springs to the St James Conservation Area and Homestead, site of the trail’s main car park and the common end-point for what is essentially a loop. The road over Jacks Pass is a narrow and windy shingle road – allow plenty of time. If you are riding – check out the GPX here
While it’s possible to ride the extra 25km from there to the official trailhead at Maling car park (along Tophouse Road), it’s more common to get shuttled to Maling car park (with the shuttle meeting you at the Homestead or driving you all the way in from Hanmer Springs).
While the trail can be ridden in either direction, the Maling start offers more downhill overall along with favourable prevailing winds
Experienced backcountry bike-packers should also note that the St James can be linked with The Rainbow and Molesworth Muster rides for much longer and even more challenging adventures. The ride also connects with the on road Hurunui Heartland Cycle Ride route (Kaikoura to Christchurch) with a short 33km section on SH7 and SH7a.
Maling Pass car park—Waiau 4WD Road End
12km, 1–1.5 hours
Those with a sense of adventure will feel pretty excited as they head off on the 4WD track into instantly big-hitting vistas. There are glimpses of Lake Tennyson as the trail winds steadily around the foothills of the St James range, climbing 250m over 6km to reach Maling Pass.
A pretty big reveal from the highpoint (1308m) grows ever greater on the descent, which winds down through alpine tussock and beech forest, and passes an 1889 rabbit-proof fence long-since breached by the bunny brigade.
On the floor of the valley, the 4WD track levels out and comes to an end along the east bank of the Waiau River. If you’re not wowed by now, there’s no hope for you!
Waiau 4WD road end—Lake Guyon and onto Saddle Spur Bridge
15.5km, 1.5–2.5 hours
This section of the trail starts out on a purpose-built cycle track that soon emerges into wide river terraces near the junction with the sidetrack to Lake Guyon.
With the McArthur Bridge removed, it’s well worth riding the extra 20 minutes or so each way (5km in all) to Lake Guyon hut, as it takes in different vantages of the incredibly pretty lake and surrounds. The old hut is also a particularly nice spot for a break from the bike with the opportunity for a cooling dip – even if it’s just a toe.
Back on the main trail, riders follow the old stock and farm tracks meandering down-valley over the grassy river flats, passing by Little Lake and Muddy Lakes before arriving at the spectacular Saddle Spur Bridge.
A herd of wild horses inhabit this area and can often be seen grazing the river flats.
Saddle Spur Bridge—Scotties Hut – Not recommended for 2021/22 Season
Currently no access across the Waiau – McArthur Bridge has been removed
14.5km, 2–3 hours
This is the most challenging section of the trail, with 240 metres of climbing made all the more testing by some rocky and uneven terrain. Some narrow downhill sections and steep drop-offs require particular care, especially as any uncontrolled dismount may see you plough headlong into thorny matagouri.
Having crossed to the river’s western side via the bridge over a stunning rocky gorge, riders are faced with the push over Saddle Spur. Down the other side, the track meanders another 5km or so to Pool Hut – micro-sized and a little bit mousey but well positioned around the middle of the trail.
The McArthur Bridge has been removed due to storm damage – the only access to the trail over Charlies Saddle involves crossing the Waiau, a major river subject to floods and only possible at low flow levels.
An old farm track up a series of terraces gives access to the winding steep trail to Charlies Saddle. The changing views are to die for; the climb you will survive.
An invigorating descent leads to a bridge over the Edwards River and the hunters’ haven, Scotties Hut.
Scotties Hut—St James Homestead
17km, 1.5–2.5 hours
A 4WD track leads up the meadow-lined Edwards Valley, with the terrain generally smooth save for short stretches of the rocky riverbed and four unbridged stream crossings. A worthwhile 10-minute detour leads to Cow Stream hot springs.
The trail makes its final sizeable climb out of the valley to reach Peters Pass, from where an easy downhill run wends down the smaller but no less beautiful Peters Valley. A series of farm fences signals the approach to St James Homestead, which appears straight out of the pages of New Zealand’s high country farming history. Be sure to nosy around the old farm buildings before you leave.
TRAIL STATUS & ALERTS
For current trail status and any alerts – such as temporary track closures and detours – check DOC’s trail website.
FITNESS & SKILLS
The trail is best suited to fit, experienced mountain bikers, the most eager of whom can complete the trail in one long (6–9 hour) day. A two-day trip, stopping overnight in campsites or one of three huts, will allow much greater appreciation of the scenery along with a chance to enjoy a starry night and the early morning light in this special environment.
While the first and final sections of the trail are grade 3 (intermediate), some grade 4 (advanced) terrain around the middle serves up rocky and uneven surfaces, narrow stretches with steep descents and sheer drop-offs, and thorny matagouri bushes to contend with. Riders may need to push or carry their bikes in places.
TYPE OF BIKE
A ship-shape mountain bike is essential. Riders should ideally have basic mechanical skills and carry a tool kit, too.
- Trail length and elevation gain are on the cusp of many pedal-assist e-MTB battery capacities and there are no charging facilities along the trail – riders need to plan and provision for spare battery capacity
- Carrying/lifting and/or pushing e-MTBs may be required in places – riders must be physically capable of this
- The St James Cycle Trail is only suitable for rugged (all-mountain) e-MTBs – sit-up/urban style e-bikes are considered unsuitable
- Responsibility for e-bike use on the St James remains with the individual rider.
MAPS & NAVIGATION
Although the trail is well signposted, carrying a map will guarantee against taking a wrong turn and help with ride timings and identification of major landmarks. While DOC’s map will suffice, a detailed topographical map will be much enjoyed by geography geeks – there are some very shapely landforms to look at.
WEATHER & RIDING SEASON
Spring is a good time to ride, when the alpine meadows are in full bloom. November to April is the most popular, when longer days allow maximum exposure to rich high country colours. (The writers of this text rode in May when there were very few people around a crunchy morning frost to start the second day. It was both invigorating and utterly stunning.)
It must be stressed that this trail travels through a remote, alpine environment subject to weather extremes, flooded rivers and avalanches.
It is recommended that riders check in with the local Department of Conservation office for the latest track conditions and weather forecast, and let someone know their intended route and return date. If there is any doubt whatsoever about potential river levels, riders should bring sufficient food and equipment for an unscheduled overnight stay.
Riders should also carry appropriate clothing for all eventualities, including wet-weather gear.
FOOD & WATER
This trail heads through seriously remote country with no food supplies, so be sure to carry in all necessary provisions allowing sufficiently for an unplanned night (or extra night) on the trail.
Water is available at various points along the trail, most easily accessible near the huts; note that boiling or treating it is recommended. Be sure to carry plenty, particularly in high summer.
CAMPSITES, SHELTERS & TOILETS
As detailed on the DOC website and map, camping areas and toilets are provided at St James Homestead, Lake Tennyson, and numerous other spots along the trail. Overnight shelter is offered at the three huts. Pool and Scotties huts are basic (free) with bunks allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Lake Guyon Hut is a standard hut ($5/adult/night; $2.50/night for youth). Purchase hut tickets before you leave from any DOC office/visitor centre or the Hanmer Springs i-SITE.
CELLPHONE COVERAGE
Cellphone coverage is lost once you go over Jacks Pass from Hanmer Springs. Due to the remote nature of the trail, riders should consider taking a personal locator beacon (PLB) or hire one from Christchurch – there is no hire option in Hanmer Springs.
Trail Map
survey
NO CELLPHONE COVERAGE: Cellphone coverage is lost once you go over Jacks Pass from Hanmer Springs. Due to the remote nature of the trail, riders should consider taking a personal locator beacon (PLB) or hire one from Christchurch – there is no hire option in Hanmer Springs.
Check out the other Nga Haerenga Great Rides of. New Zealand at Great Rides
