This is a 15 km, 3 hours, one way ride to the Wharfedale Hut. The track is both grade 2 and 4.

The track sidles and gently climbs through beech forest to the saddle. It is then mostly downhill to the hut which is close to the Dobson Stream. Dogs are allowed, under control.

For full information about these trails and to check on conditions check with the Department of Conservation website 

This track follows on from the Wharfedale Track. It will take you a further 8.5 km on a grade 2 track.  Permission from Lees Valley Station is required for access to the Townshend Track as the track crosses private land. Email Lees Valley Station with at least one week’s notice: themuster@grasslands-llc.com 

About half an hour after leaving Wharfedale Hut, the track opens out and follows a 4WD track over grazed flats coming out at Lees Valley Road. This track crosses the Townshend River twice and may be impassable if river levels are high.

9.5 km one way. Grade four.  This is a three-hour trip uphill, hence being called the Blowhard Track.

This track is shared use track for trampers, mountain bikers and horse riders.  Find out why they call this track the Blowhard Track.  You need to get permission to access the track from Maori Road.

It’s a challenging ascent once you enter the forest. The track is steep and rough in places and bikes may need to be carried at times. It then flattens out as you follow the ridgeline to the trig at the summit of Mt Richardson. Return the same way.

Mountain biking is not permitted on Richardson or Bypass Tracks.

Dogs on a lease only.

For full information about these trails and to check on conditions check with the Department of Conservation website