St James Cycle Trail
- Grade: Easy to Advanced
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Total Length: 64km
- Location: Canterbury
St. James Cycle Trail offers challenging, mixed riding through stunning scenery of mountain peaks, crystal clear waters, high country lakes, alpine meadows, subalpine beech forest, and expansive grassy flats. In spring the alpine meadows are in full bloom while summer offers long evenings and the chance to see the famous St James wild horses. This was the first of the Great Rides to open in November 2010. It passes through the iconic St James Station, near the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs. The 64km trail offers a mix of riding grades through stunning and diverse scenery. The St James Cycle Trail is an enthralling and challenging journey through some of New Zealand's most spectacular and historic high-country, a true mountain biking experience to be proud of, and one you will never forget!
The St James Cycle Trail is located near Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury. The nearest airport to Hanmer Springs is a ninety minute drive away in Christchurch. You can drive or catch a bus from Christchurch.
There is no mobile phone coverage beyond Jacks Pass. You are on your own unless you take a satellite phone, mountain radio or PLB. There are toilets at the start and finish of the trail and at all the huts along the trail. Drinking water is accessible at many points along the trail, but its purity cannot be taken for granted. We recommend you boil, filter or treat your water.
For more information, view the St James Cycle Trail page provided by NZ Cycle Trail.
Hanmer Springs
Find out more about the Hanmer Springs region by following the links below:
- Hanmer Springs Accommodation
- Hanmer Springs Attractions and Activities
- Hanmer Springs Cuisine and Dining
- Hanmer Springs Tours
- Hanmer Springs Transport
- Hanmer Springs Visitor Information
All Hanmer Springs Accommodation can be booked online.
