13.4 miles
Distance
3,431 ft
Climb
-3,419 ft
Descent
4,353 ft
High Point

Overview

The singletrack is a natural surface through sub-alpine native bush with many technical challenges including two sets of climbing switchbacks. There are two or three sections some people may have walk, including a steep section dropping through a number of switchbacks. This section is chock full of roots and small drop-offs to a saddle. An overlook provides extensive views down the Wairau Valley.

Need to Know

There is no water along the route until Red Hills Hut. This is an alpine route in remote country where cold temperatures can be experienced at any time of the year. Be prepared with warm clothing and wet weather gear. Be sure to grab some great coffee and pizza at the Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud after the ride.

Description

Park at the Upper Six Mile Creek Carpark off Highway 63 and ride west up the hill, turn right on Tophouse Rd for 800m then right up the signposted 4wd track to Beebys Knob. It starts with a challenging 600-metre climb on the 4wd road to the start of 6 miles of singletrack at 1300m elevation. Alternatively take the new climb track, which can be easily spotted at the sides of the 4WD track. The trail (Maitland Ridge) is marked with a cairn and a large orange triangle on the right where the 4wd track emerges from the bush into open tussock country.

The Maitland Ridge singletrack starts with a 2.5km descent to 1030m through sub-alpine beech forest to a saddle, then climbs in a series of switchbacks to a gently climbing ridge. The track passes through several tussock clearings offering views out to the surrounding country before climbing another set of switchbacks to 1202m through "Lord of the Rings" type forest.

From here, the track descends ever steeper, culminating in a technical section of steep, rooty switchbacks before reaching another saddle at 1000m. An easy graded climb through bush and low scrub is followed by a fun, rocky 120m descent through stunted mineral belt scrub to Red Hills Hut.

The Maitland Ridge singletrack ends at the Red Hills Hut where a rocky 4wd road takes riders down to the valley floor. Simply follow the orange trail markers, which will lead to another 1500 metres of rooty, challenging singletrack back to the starting point at the carpark.

History & Background

Parts of the track follow an old survey line that forms the boundary between Nelson and Marlborough. Several old wooden survey pegs placed in 1916 were found in good condition when the track was being built. They were put in by the then District Surveyor, H Maitland.

Detailed Description
Maitland Ridge Track is a 13 mile moderately popular expert route located near St Arnaud. This mountain bike only route. This route climbs 3,431 ft with a max elevation of 4,353 ft then descends -3,419 ft.
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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Black Diamond
  • Bike type
    AM, XC, Fat
  • Ridelogs
    2
More Stats for Maitland Ridge Track mountain bike route
  • Altitude change
    11 ft
  • Altitude min
    1,810 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,878 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,890 ft
  • Grade max
    -88.9%
  • Grade min
    77.9%
  • Distance climb
    7 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,054 ft
Avg: 5 (1 votes)
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