South Island east coast riding?

[wee pirate]

I’m looking at doing an overnight trip north from Christchurch and looking for ideas to travel. What you guys got?
Lee’s valley a good start but from there I’m not sure. Does anyone know about or done anything around Clarence River? Or Gore Bay?

Cheers Guys

[clint640]

The coast roads up through Gore bay are a nice cruise. Access to the Clarence is only on set open weekends, check with DOC. Molesworth &/or the Rainbow are good, Molesworth is only open until Sunday this season. Check the DOC brochure:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/docume...h-brochure.pdf

A loop up over the Lewis pass, then the Maruia Saddle to Murchison, then the Braeburn Track, (plus Porika Track if you don't mind it a bit gnarly) then back down the Rainbow Rd would make for a good weekend ex Chch.

Cheers
Clint

[cromagnon]

Not east coast but day trip ex christchurch a trip i did over the weekend was to lake coleridge via porters pass and lake lyndon is alright with a few side tracks to explore. Can also go via the south waimak if u want to avoid the 40mins of straight road getting to the hills

[NordieBoy]

Access to the Clarence is only on set open weekends, check with DOC.

Unless you get a key from DOC. But that's more along the "small group" line.

[alane]

Other options are---

Go up to lake Sumner,although I think its locked off by grizzly farmers.But you,ll get as far as lake Taylor---a good gravel ride.
Balmoral reserve campground,just north of Hurinui,on Balmoral station Rd,
is good to stay at ,if you like space.(cheap,---toilets,---but no showers.)
Actually--I think theres a bike "do" there this weekend.
A good ride is over the Lowry Peaks range--turn R just north of Culverden,up St Leonerds road,& go over to Kaiwara road.(Great veiws)You can go through Random Spur road,which is like a farm track to Brophys /Mina Rd,towards Cheviot.Or come out on the main road @ Ethelton Rd.
Also some good gravel north of Motunau.Also chk. out Hurunui mouth & Gore Bay (surfies)
Napenape beach is pretty pristine,if your into that sort of stuff.
Happy rideing