Where is the Wānaka Trail Ride?

The trail ride starts at Base Paddock located on Long Gully Station, off Jolly Road. Jolly Road is a loop road and the entrance points will be clearly sign posted

Coming from Wānaka there will be a sign from the Red Bridge, and then at the SH8a (Luggate-Tarras Rd.) turn off onto Jolly Rd.  From there it’s approximately 2.5km to the base paddock turn off.

There will also be a sign from SH8 (Tarras-Cromwell Rd.) onto Jolly Rd.  From there it’s approximately 4.2km to the base paddock turn off.

Click here for a printable LOCATION MAP

Trail Map:

We will have the trail map for Wānaka Trail Ride 2023 ready to go the week before the ride. Make sure you’ve signed up to our mailing list or Facebook page to see the map when it’s released. You can take a look at 2021’s trail map here.

Click here for the 2023 TRAIL MAP

What time do the trails open and close?

We aim to open the trail at 8:30am. Gates will be closed at 3:30pm

What time does rider registration and sign-in start?

You can register online up until 11pm Thursday 30th March 2023.  You can still register with the registration team at the Wānaka Primary School office, 7 Ironside Drive, Wanaka – between 4-7 pm on Friday 31st March.

If you pre-register you have the option to collect your rider pack at the Wānaka Primary School office between 4-7 pm on Friday 31st March, and if you can’t make it then your pack will be available at the registration tent on event morning.

PLEASE NOTE: Registrations will be limited to 1000.  If adverse weather causes track closures limiting the number of riders we can have out on the hill, then pre-registered riders will be given priority to ride the tracks that remain open.

Rider registration on the day will commence from 7:30 am onwards.

There is no cut off time for rider registration – you can register at any time during the day.

For more information check out our registration page.

What time are the safety briefings?

A safety briefing is included in your rider pack and will also be on display at the registration tent on the day. Make sure you have met all safety requirements before entering the tracks. You can also view the briefing here SAFETY BRIEFING VIDEO

On the day of the event, there will be a safety checklist available in the registration tent.

What vehicles are allowed to enter? Are ATV’s permitted?

How long is each trail?

The Wānaka Trail Ride has a combined total of approx 100kms of trails, consisting of:

> Family trail – approximately 15 kms  You can combine this with the intermediate trail, approximately 45kms

> Intermediate trails – approximately 20 – 45kms total but at the top station (half way) you can choose to continue on or loop back to the family trail

> Advanced and expert trails – 16 advanced and expert loops ranging from 2 to 10km each.

If you are riding the Advanced and Expert trails we recommend you have a full tank of fuel before leaving the base paddock.

Do you have EFTPOS facilities?

NO THIS IS A CASH ONLY EVENT

Where is the entrance to the base paddock?

The base paddock is located on Long Gully Station, off Jolly Road. Jolly Road is a loop road and the entrance points will be clearly sign-posted from the Red Bridge, and the SH8 and SH8a turn-offs.

Will there be food and drink available to purchase on the day?

• Hot food is available from 11 am – onwards
• Drinks and light snacks available all day
• Coffee van onsite from very early.
• BRING CASH – No EFTPOS

Are Spark Arrestors compulsory?

Yes! Spark Arrestors are compulsory and we will have materials available for purchase on the day if you arrive without a spark arrestor.

Due to dry conditions at the trail ride, there is a high risk of fire. Please ensure you consider the fire risk at all times. Ensure your spark arrestor is fitted correctly, do not lie hot bikes down on the grass, and no smoking at any time.

What is the scrutineering process on the day?

We will have a rolling audio safety briefing that all riders are required to listen to.

All riders will be provided with a briefing sheet which will also have our safety briefing and a copy of the Trail ride map when they sign in. Safety information will be clearly signposted at the entrance to each track. It is the rider’s responsibility to adhere to Wanaka Trailride’s safety and riding rules and ensure that equipment is in good working order.

What if I break my bike or run out of fuel on the track?

If there is a problem with your bike and you have to leave it on the course we will use our best efforts to help you retrieve your bike.

However, some areas will only be accessible by helicopter. The cost of helicopter retrieval is $250 and must be paid before your bike is recovered from the course.  See the registration tent for payment.  Base paddock contact details will be available on your rider booklet.

Is there a pee wee track?

A pee wee track will be set up for all junior riders who are not riding the main tracks. The track will be open from 10 am to 3:30 pm and every child on it needs to be supervised by a parent. Access to the track is free although you are welcome to make a $5 donation at the registration tent on the day.

What do I need to bring on the day?

• Approved safety helmet
• Spark Arrestor
• Clothing for all weather conditions
• Sturdy boots (motorbike boots preferred)
• Extra fuel
• Cash

What is your Refund Policy?

Given the variety of factors involved, refunds will be considered on a case by case basis by the organising committee.  Please contact info@wanakatrailride.org if you’d like to request a refund.

How secure is my registration/payment information?

Check out our Security Information page for details.

What is the age of a junior rider and what is the policy around junior riders?

Any child under the age of 16 years old as at 31st March 2023 is classed as a junior. All junior riders are required to be supervised by an adult rider at all times.

Can I camp at the Trail Ride the night before?

Sadly, no camping is permitted on-site, however, there are loads of camping (paid and unpaid) options in the Cromwell & Wanaka region – Dr Google can help you out.

Exclusions
Wānaka Trail Ride will not be liable for any loss, damage, costs (for instance incurred in accepting or redeeming a prize) or any injury whatsoever suffered by an entrant as a result of or in connection with the giveaway, including any inability to enter, complete or continue the competition or giveaway due to equipment or technical malfunction.

Wānaka Trail Ride reserves the right to amend or change these Terms and Conditions at any time at its sole discretion, including extending, postponing or cancelling the giveaway.