There are two options for starting the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail. The first route starts in Ohakune, with just over 14km of uphill and undulations to Horopito. Most of this is on the Old Coach Road, a historic section of road that traverses a beautiful section of National Park and takes in derelict rail viaducts and a tunnel. Just on the edge of Horopito is Smash Palace, the most famous car wreck yard in New Zealand.
From Horopito, the trail follows gravelled Middle Road to the sealed, then unsealed, Rautiti Road as the trail becomes more remote. After 48km, the trail links with Mangapurua Track, and not long after you will pass the intersection with the Kaiwhakauka Track.
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