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Experience the Old Ghost Road in new safety video

10th November 2022|3min 
Media Release | For immediate release

New Zealand’s incredible multi-day mountain biking and hiking adventure has been brought to life in a new safety video that aims to help mountain bikers prepare for the epic West Coast backcountry trail, the Old Ghost Road. 

The new ride-through safety video, launched today, was produced by the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) in collaboration with the trail’s creator and operator, the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust. The video guides visitors through the amazing trail and is packed with advice on how to get the best experience out of the Old Ghost Road. 

One of the esteemed Great Rides of New Zealand, the 85km-long Old Ghost Road is Aotearoa’s longest single-track backcountry trail, and one of the most incredible multi-day backcountry experiences in the country. The adventure takes riders and trampers back in time along a shared-use and long-forgotten goldminers’ road. 

This impressive trail weaves through ancient forests and diverse rugged alpine environments. Combined with the infamous West Coast weather; frequent heavy rain, strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures, even in the height of summer, means the Old Ghost Road is a true adventure. 

The new video highlights the varied conditions mountain bikers can expect, covering important tips including how to pack a balanced bike, a suggested packing list, the common risks and hazards, and key decision-making points and pit stops.  

The video complements MSC’s award-winning Tramping Video Series showcasing 19 tracks that provide track-specific advice, all produced by Quite Nice Films and support from key partner organisations. 

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley said the new mountain biking video was the first of what MSC planned to deliver as part of a growing library of backcountry mountain biking video resources.  

To deliver the stunning cinematography and capture the essence of the trail required a new filming approach and very careful planning and preparation, he said.  

“We’re incredibly excited to launch this video and support riders as they tackle what is a truly spectacular, but hazardous, backcountry adventure.”     
 
Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust chair Phil Rossiter said the new video significantly extends the tools and resources available to help users plan for their trip. 

The Trust was set up in 2008 by volunteers who wanted to bring the Old Ghost Road to life, and now having done that, it acts as the entity that operates and maintains the trail.  

The Old Ghost Road, a Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail Great Ride, is a destination trail with many unique elements that draws in an average of more than 6500 riders and 5000 trampers each year. 

Rossiter said that as mountain bikes and equipment-carrying options advance, multi-day mountain biking trips are becoming more achievable and more enjoyable. 

There is one key underlying theme that draws mountain bikers and trampers to the trail, Rossier said.  
“It’s the rejuvenation of the soul and mind that comes with time immersed in nature and stunning landscapes away from distractions and noise of everyday life and made all the better by the physical exertion required and the company the experience is shared with.” 

“Video is a more powerful way of communicating information than just written text. The ability to combine important safety and preparation details with actual imagery from on the trail is a very helpful step forward and combined with the professionalism and quality of the safety videos that the MSC produces, it wasn't a difficult decision to get on board.” 

MSC would like to acknowledge and thank Ngati Waewae for filming in their Takiwa.

Plan My Walk by MSC can help those planning to tackle the Old Ghost Road as it includes the new video any relevant weather alerts, a weather forecast, and bikers can use the gear list and then create a trip plan to share with a trusted contact.  

ENDS 

Notes to journalists: 

Media Release