From Coal to Iron: Denniston to the Iron Bridge

This run follows part of the Old Ghost Road Roundabout Cycle Route. By the route starting at the top of Denniston, it reduces the distance by 5.3km and cumulative vert by 556m.

From the Denniston Coalmining Parking area, follow the Denniston Carpark to Brakehead track towards the viewpoint for the Denniston Incline. On a clear day you will have a view of the Waimangaroa River where it reaches the Tasman Sea as well a view down the Historic Denniston Incline.

Retrace your steps back to the carpark area and begin to head inland along Boswell Street. After 500m turn right along a short 500m track called the Denniston Township Walk. This pops out at Whareatea Mine Road where a toilet is located. Turn left here, then right again to continue inland along Burnetts Face Road, which soon turns to gravel (rough in places) and becomes Cedar Creek Road.

Approximately 7km from the Denniston Visitor Centre and 200m after crossing a bridge (Cedar Creek), continue past the track on your right (grid ref 044 774) and keep heading north north/east. At or about grid ref 050 785, begin a 140m climb up onto the Mt William Range. Having crested the range and now travelling in a southerly direction, take a left turn and follow the main gravel road down to Stevenson Stream and then Mt William Stream.

At grid ref 086 738, turn left and climb, then drop to the Orikaka/Mackley River. Be warned: this is a big river, which can rise quickly following rainfall, and it is recommended that you take extreme care. Do not attempt to cross the river if it is fast flowing and brown. Even in dry conditions, the Orikaka/Mackley River requires wading through knee deep, albeit fairly slow-moving water. On the far side of the river, there is a very steep 1km-long climb (gaining 200m in elevation). At the top, miss the first two left turns and then a right turn. Drop down to the pylon where the wires fork.

At the pylon, turn left to follow the main gravel road. Ride down the main road that follows the pylons. The route then hits Pensini Road, turn left and follow this for 1km around the large bend in the Buller River before it meets with New Creek Road. Turn right and follow New Creek Road south east towards the Iron Bridge.