st-james-cycle-trail

Trail Vision Funding Approval

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:54:54 GMT

Funding approval for 3 new trail sections

The long-term vision for the iconic St James Cycle Trail is set to become a reality, with significant new trail developments confirmed through funding support from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails/MBIE contestable fund.

Opened in 2010 as the very first of New Zealand’s 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides, the St James Cycle Trail has become one of the country’s premier backcountry mountain biking adventures. The 60km trail traverses dramatic mountain passes and remote high-country river valleys, delivering riders a unique and authentic alpine experience.

While 37 kilometres of the original trail were purpose-built for mountain biking, the remaining sections utilised existing 4WD station tracks inherited from the former high-country station. From the outset, the vision for the trail was to progressively move riders off the steeper and more challenging 4WD sections and onto purpose-built single track better suited to the riding experience.

Following years of route scoping and planning, that vision is now moving forward.

The St James Trails Trust, acknowledged managers of the trail, have worked closely with DOC project staff over several years, spending extensive time in the backcountry mapping and refining new routes designed to create a world-class Grade 3 mountain biking experience.

Three major new trail sections are now planned:

Maling Pass Descent – A flowing Grade 3 downhill trail descending the western slopes of Maling Pass to the Waiau Uwha River, connecting seamlessly with the existing single track at the current 4WD road end.
‘Ball Bearing Hill’ Bypass – A new Grade 3 climbing trail at kilometre 38 that bypasses the steep and challenging “Ball Bearing Hill”, linking the lower and upper river terraces downstream of the spectacular new McArthur Bridge, opened in August 2025.
Charlies Saddle Single Track – A purpose-built Grade 3 trail climbing from the Waiau Uwha Valley over Charlies Saddle before descending into the Edwards Valley at Scotties Camp.

Once completed, only approximately 10 kilometres of the trail will remain on existing shared 4WD tracks.

In addition to the trail upgrades, the St James Trails Trust is also investing in improved accommodation infrastructure for riders and walkers.

With support from a family bequest, the Trust will construct two new eight-bunk accommodation units at the current Pool Hut site. The existing heritage hut will be upgraded and repurposed as a communal gathering space. The redeveloped area will become known as Poolies Camp , named in honour of Brian Pool, a respected local identity with a deep connection to the St James area.

The combined projects represent a major investment in the future of one of New Zealand’s most iconic mountain bike journeys, ensuring the St James Cycle Trail continues to offer an exceptional backcountry experience for generations to come.

Riding with Natalie

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:05:02 GMT

Adaptive bikes on the Homestead

It was a privilege to have trail accessibility advocate Natalie Gauld out on the Homestead Run. Natalie uses a Motom etrike to get out onto the trails - where there is a will, there is a way!

Ride GPS

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:16:22 GMT

Dean's adventure

The gentians are in full display - follow the link to ride with Dean and experience mountains, rivers and the big country

https://ridewithgps.com/ride_reports/12225-st-james-trail-new-zealand

RNZ chat

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:40:27 GMT

Check out RNZ Nine To Noon

This morning, Friday 12 December, Mark had a chat to Kathryn around the 'stitching together' of our amazing trail

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019016636/bringing-st-james-cycle-trail-back-to-its-glory

Mountain Film Festival

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:23:10 GMT

NZ Mountain Film Festival Fundraiser

If you are in Hanmer Springs on the evening of Saturday 25 October - come along and be motivated, inspired and entertained

7.30pm at the sports pavilion (next to the tennis/netball courts)

See you there to support the work of the St James Trails Trust

Labour Weekend

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:56:48 GMT

A wild Labour Weekend for 2025

Tuesday, 21 October

Well it sure is a bit breezy and damp out on the trail, over 120mm of rain in last 2 days, the Waiau Uwha running at above mean flood level and still more to come on Thursday, including snow and winds to over 150km/hr and stronger

As with last years storm, Labour Weekend will see extreme conditions on trail with the few trees we have likely to have dropped branches and definitely significant washouts to be expected

Take care

If you are in Hanmer Springs Saturday night (25 October) then come along to the Mountain Film Festival, a fundraising event for the St James Trails Trust - see you there at the Sports Pavilion 7.30pm - be inspired and motivated for that next adventure!

A bridge has been 'reborn'

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:22:17 GMT

The new McArthur Bridge is now open

After 4 months of a challenging build, the Abseil Access team have completed this amazing build, after 4 years of getting your feet wet, the trail is now open

There is always a 'but' though - we are experiencing severe winter conditions currently, plan your ride for later in September for the best experience - let us do some trail work

St James Trails Trust AGM

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 22:20:52 GMT

AGM time

The St James Trails Trust will have it's AGM at 1pm, 18 August 2025, venue will be at the conference room at the Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park

The McArthur Bridge 'grows'

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 01:23:20 GMT

The bridge is well underway

The rain events of 26 and 29 October 2024 have severely scoured the western slope 4WD track, from about 9km to 10km in.

Remedial work will be done during November but at this stage be prepared to walk your bike both down and up it

The track is unsuitable for most 4WD's - be aware

McArthur Bridge Build

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:38:31 GMT

April 17 - The build of the new McArthur Bridge is underway

The first loads being flown in to the new bridge site. Watch this space, in a few months we will have a fully connected trail!

Maling Pass Track Damage

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 23:38:04 GMT

October storm damage

The rain events of 26 and 29 October 2024 have severely scoured the western slope 4WD track, from about 9km to 10km in.

Remedial work will be done during November but at this stage be prepared to walk your bike both down and up it

The track is unsuitable for most 4WD's - be aware