Trail Ride Info

Location:

The Basecamp for the Danseys Pass Trail Ride is located on Bushy Creek Road, 9km from Duntroon, via the Livingstone – Duntroon Road. Signs will clearly mark the basecamp from both Duntroon and Tokarahi from 6.30am on the 21st of March.

Price:

Registration Price

  • Adults $75
  • Junior $25

Start Time:

  • Registration: 8am at Base Paddock
  • Spark Arrestor Checking: 8.30am
  • First tracks open: 9am

Tracks close at approximately 3pm depending on the conditions on the day.

Once our track builders have completed the new tracks we will update the track descriptions for the 2026 event.

2025 Track descriptions:

The track crews have been working incredibly hard to build the longest (and best) one day trail ride in Australasia. The tracks wind through 192km of private high country farms, braided rivers, forestry, native gorge and rolling farmland in the stunning Waitaki Valley. You will not be disappointed! Please note: Longer loops mean you must to refuel after each loop. No Side by Sides or Quad Bikes allowed.

Apex Engineering JUNIOR LOOP (Purple) 6km – No Quad Bikes, No Side x Sides

The Junior Loop is included in the family loop, but is shorter and doesn’t climb as high. It is suitable for those younger or less capable riders to have a go for the day and enjoy the outing too. Remember under 16’s MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Apex Engineering FAMILY LOOP (Green) 21km – No Quad Bikes, No Side x Sides

Gentle rolling country and farm tracks with stunning views. Designed to be enjoyed by the whole family from 50cc
kids bikes and up. An adult must accompany any rider under the age of 16 years.
Follow signage – The Extreme track starts from the Family trail.

Central South Island Helicopters INTERMEDIATE LOOP (Blue) 37km – No Quad Bikes, No Side x Sides

Easy to moderate riding, from shallow river crossings with loose gravel to high country tracks on the Ben Lomond
Range. Spectacular views in all directions with the highest elevation of all tracks (1000m), so bring your camera.
Finishes with some nice windy cut trails and into an open sandier riding to finish. Warm clothing recommended.

Take the intensity up a notch or two with one or both of these advanced loops:

Bennett Transport ADVANCED TUSSOCK (Black) 53km – No Quad Bikes, No Side x Sides

Both Advanced Tussock and Advanced Trees ride out with some gravely riding into some fast single track, flowing
through trees. The trail branches off from the Advanced trees loop and opens up into expansive tussock country. This
ride features fast, flowing tracks with wide-open spaces and epic views that’ll leave you wanting more. Expect some
steep, bench-style climbs and descents that push your skills, along with rugged hills to keep you on your toes. It’s the
perfect mix of technical riding and smooth, wide trails. A real test for any experienced rider looking for adventure and
thrill.

Vetlife ADVANCED TREES (Orange) 52km – No Quad Bikes, No Side x Sides

Both Advanced Tussock and Advanced Trees ride out with some gravely riding into some fast single track, flowing
through trees. Separating from the Tussock loop you will ride some fast flowing forestry tracks and single track riding
through old gold diggings. There will be some technical rock and tree sections to test your skills. It’s a bit more free
flowing towards the end to help you make it home!!

Both advanced trails are of similar difficulty.

But wait there’s more, just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better:

Calect Electrical EXTREME LOOP (Red) 23km – No Quad Bikes, No Side x Sides

Entry to the Extreme trail is on the family trail. It leaves the family loop for some tight technical riding with challenging
downhills and climbing in the “gorge”. From here there is an open section with a variety of hill climbs and bogs, for
the final part of the trail it joins back up with the Intermediate trail.
The most challenging and difficult terrain on the Danseys Pass Trail Ride. This trail is for serious riders only, with
quality tyres and good brakes. Do not ride alone.

Please note:
Absolutely NO SMOKING out on the trails!

Cell phone reception at the base paddock may be poor, reception is available intermittently throughout the trail network.

Strictly NO Side by Sides or Quad Bikes on any tracks.

Special thanks to the ongoing support of our Land Owners & Sponsors who help make this event possible.

Central South Island Helicopters will be on site throughout the day
Bike Recovery $400-500/bike Cash or can be invoiced.
Scenic Flights will be available on the day $85 CASH to CSI.
All transactions with CSI Helicopters are separate from Duntroon School.
Cash payments

Trail riding is a fun sport filled with freedom, but it is a high risk sport

The following are our events Non-negotiable “Ride Rules”

‘Ride Rules’

    1. Fuel tanks and drinking water supplies must be FULL before every loop.

PUT BASE PADDOCK EMERGENCY CONTACT IN YOUR PHONE CONTACTS – 0274317077

CHECK TRACK STATUS/UPDATES BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT ON EACH LOOP (whiteboard at Registration Tent) Riders are only permitted on tracks once opening loop marshalls have led out, and before track closing marshalls head out. Track open and closed times will be updated on the registration whiteboard.

Tracks can be subject to temporary closures. Check whiteboard for amendments

Tracks can have permanent changes due to weather or other events.

DO NOT OVERTAKE LEAD OUT MARSHALS (Pink / Green vests) on the opening loop of the day.

RIDE TO YOUR ABILITY and vision on the trail. You must always be able to stop within half the distance you see in front of you.

STAY ON THE MARKED TRACK (Know which track you are on) If your safety is at risk, ride to the next road crossing, or wait for a marshal and follow advice given.

OBEY ALL SIGNS. The track is marked clearly with signage which includes electrical tape (bunting) pink paint, pink flags on the ground and corflute signs/arrows. (Colour blind people please ride with someone)

ALL ROADS and FARM TRACKS ARE OPEN. Road rules apply. Give way to all road traffic at road crossings.

RIDE IN CORRECT SAFETY GEAR

  • Compulsory: helmet, boots that cover the ankle (no gumboots), long sleeved top, strong long trousers and
    goggles
  • Highly Recommended: Gloves.
  • Recommended: knee pads, body armor.

The committee reserves the right to remove any rider for any reason if deemed unsafe.

SPARK ARRESTORS ARE COMPULSORY Do not lie hot bikes down on the grass.

NO SMOKING and NO ALCOHOL

UNDER 16’s MUST RIDE WITH AN ADULT and be kept within view.

10 KMPH SPEED LIMIT IN CAR PARK If you speed in the car park you may be asked to leave.

NO DRONES Air space MUST be kept clear for the helicopter.

ALL RIDERS MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND EVENT RULES AND BRIEFING, then sign the event disclaimer of liability before riding. Riders must follow the rules and act in accordance with NZ law. Failure to ride to the rules could result in being removed from the event, serious injury or otherwise and damage to property.

EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY POINT – Registration Tent

IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT/EMERGENCY/FIRE (Do NOT call 111)
Call base paddock emergency phone 027 4317077
If no reception (Radio communication)
– Ride/send someone to next point of contact with base paddock (road crossings or as marked on map)
– Wait for a marshal. NEVER ride back through other riders. Some marshals carry radios.

In case of an accident
You need 3 people to help (one to aid injured person, 1 to control oncoming bike traffic, 1 to call for help and communicate with base).

In case of fire:

  1. Alert marshals
  2. Alert as many other riders as possible
  3. Get off the track as soon as possible ( See road exits and additional fire exit and assembly points on track)

Absolutely NO SMOKING OUT ON TRAIL

Bike retrieval is your responsibility. Central SI Helicopters will help retrieve for $400-500 (depending on location)