12km, 1–1.5 hours

November 2024 - the October storms have severely scoured the western side of maling Pass Track, from 8.5km to 10.5 km - Strong advise walking this section and it is unliely to be passable by 4WD

Those with a sense of adventure will feel pretty excited as they head off on the 4WD track into instantly big-hitting vistas. There are glimpses of Lake Tennyson as the trail winds steadily around the foothills of the St James range, climbing 250m over 6km to reach Maling Pass.

A pretty big reveal from the highpoint (1308m) grows ever greater on the descent, which winds down through alpine tussock and beech forest, and passes an 1889 rabbit-proof fence long-since breached by the bunny brigade.

On the floor of the valley, the 4WD track levels out and comes to an end along the east bank of the Waiau River. If you’re not wowed by now, there’s no hope for you!

15.5km, 1.5–2.5 hours

This section of the trail starts out on a purpose-built cycle track that soon emerges into wide river terraces near the junction with the sidetrack to Lake Guyon.

With the McArthur Bridge removed, it’s well worth riding the extra 20 minutes or so each way (5km in all) to Lake Guyon hut, as it takes in different vantages of the incredibly pretty lake and surrounds. The old hut is also a particularly nice spot for a break from the bike with the opportunity for a cooling dip – even if it’s just a toe.

Back on the main trail, riders follow the old stock and farm tracks meandering down-valley over the grassy river flats, passing by Little Lake and Muddy Lakes before arriving at the spectacular Saddle Spur Bridge.

A herd of wild horses inhabit this area and can often be seen grazing the river flats.

Currently no access across the Waiau – McArthur Bridge has been removed

14.5km, 2–3 hours

This is the most challenging section of the trail, with 240 metres of climbing made all the more testing by some rocky and uneven terrain. Some narrow downhill sections and steep drop-offs require particular care, especially as any uncontrolled dismount may see you plough headlong into thorny matagouri.

Having crossed to the river’s western side via the bridge over a stunning rocky gorge, riders are faced with the push over Saddle Spur. Down the other side, the track meanders another 5km or so to Pool Hut – micro-sized and a little bit mousey but well positioned around the middle of the trail.

The McArthur Bridge has been removed due to storm damage – the only access to the trail over Charlies Saddle involves crossing the Waiau, a major river subject to floods and only possible at low flow levels.

An old farm track up a series of terraces gives access to the winding steep trail to Charlies Saddle. The changing views are to die for; the climb you will survive.

An invigorating descent leads to a bridge over the Edwards River and the hunters’ haven, Scotties Hut.

17km, 1.5–2.5 hours

A 4WD track leads up the meadow-lined Edwards Valley, with the terrain generally smooth save for short stretches of the rocky riverbed and four unbridged stream crossings. A worthwhile 10-minute detour leads to Cow Stream hot springs.

The trail makes its final sizeable climb out of the valley to reach Peters Pass, from where an easy downhill run wends down the smaller but no less beautiful Peters Valley. A series of farm fences signals the approach to St James Homestead, which appears straight out of the pages of New Zealand’s high country farming history. Be sure to nosy around the old farm buildings before you leave.

For current trail status and any alerts – such as temporary track closures and detours – check DOC’s trail website.

The trail is best suited to fit, experienced mountain bikers, the most eager of whom can complete the trail in one long (6–9 hour) day. A two-day trip, stopping overnight in campsites or one of three huts, will allow much greater appreciation of the scenery along with a chance to enjoy a starry night and the early morning light in this special environment.

While the first and final sections of the trail are grade 3 (intermediate), some grade 4 (advanced) terrain around the middle serves up rocky and uneven surfaces, narrow stretches with steep descents and sheer drop-offs, and thorny matagouri bushes to contend with. Riders may need to push or carry their bikes in places.

A ship-shape mountain bike is essential. Riders should ideally have basic mechanical skills and carry a tool kit, too.

Trail length and elevation gain are on the cusp of many pedal-assist e-MTB battery capacities and there are no charging facilities along the trail – riders need to plan and provision for spare battery capacity

Carrying/lifting and/or pushing e-MTBs may be required in places – riders must be physically capable of this

The St James Cycle Trail is only suitable for rugged (all-mountain) e-MTBs – sit-up/urban style e-bikes are considered unsuitable

Responsibility for e-bike use on the St James remains with the individual rider.

Although the trail is well signposted, carrying a map will guarantee against taking a wrong turn and help with ride timings and identification of major landmarks. While DOC’s map will suffice, a detailed topographical map will be much enjoyed by geography geeks – there are some very shapely landforms to look at.