MCGB

The MCGB (Mid-Canterbury Gravel Blaster) Adventure is a full day route that includes some of the best public gravel roads in the mid-Canterbury area. It leads you right up to the High Country offering epic views over streams, lakes, and High Country valleys.

While the route has to include some tarmac to link everything up, the majority of this route is made up of the best gravel roads in the area. If you are looking for a full day adventure departing from Christchurch, and an epic High Country valley to stop for lunch, then this is a perfect option.

This Adventure is best done in good weather, as the views on a clear day are outstanding.

While this Adventure can be started at any point along the route, the natural start and finish point is Christchurch. At the start point location is a fuel station to fuel up for the day.

This route aims to have as many gravel roads as possible. While there are still a reasonable number of tarmac stretches, the volume of gravel roads should be welcomed.

All the gravel roads included in this route are Grade 1 and Grade 2. There are a number of small streams to ford but nothing that poses any challenge when the streams are running at normal flow rates. Most fords will be no greater than 1 foot deep.

345 km

164 km

The travel time for this Adventure is based on an non-loaded adventure bike, ridden at a steady pace. For more relaxed pace, group rides, or 4X4 vehicles, you'll want to add a little extra to the travel times mentioned below.

The average travel time for the entire route is 6.5 hours, but this is going to depend on how long you spend at some of the natural stopping points such as the lookouts, lakes, rivers etc. It is recommended to start this route early in the morning so that you are not rushing later on in the day.

While this route is intended as a day adventure, there is a campsite as an option for camping. It is a fairly basic campsite and doesn't have the greatest scenic appeal, however the option is there if you choose. This is detailed in the Leg 1 route notes.

No permission is needed to access the routes in this Adventure, however please note that some of the gravel roads pass through private property.

While it is legal to pass through these areas it is important to stick to the road, please leave all gates as you find them, and pass carefully around stock and farming operations.

This Adventure is recommended for fine weather. If there has been recent heavy rain then a few days should be waited before setting off. The main reason is that some of the normally small and shallow fords can become deep, rushy and potentially unfordable at times of heavy rain. Ideally you'll want to do this route when the visibility is good as the views are outstanding on a clear blue sky day.

While this is not considered a technical route, it does include a few semi-remote areas. For this reason it is recommended to carry tools and spares for any trail side repairs, and carry an emergency beacon or satellite tracking device.

Other route cautions are provided in the route notes of each leg.