Spoke contributor Jackson Ottman recently attended the opening weekend of the Golden Bay Bike Park situated behind the spectacular Wainui Inlet. The warm, bluebird day attracted people from all over the top of the South, determined to not miss out on what the guys at Golden Bay Hideaways had in store.
Here’s what Jackson had to say…
Bordering on the world renowned Abel Tasman National Park is the South Island’s latest gravity park addition, the Golden Bay Bike Park. Run by Lawrence and Amani McIntyre, the park is a part of Golden Bay Hideaways, an environmentally friendly accommodation outfit that has won national awards for their solar baches. The park has been developed amongst a 100 acre section located behind Wainui Inlet located at the Northern tip of the South Island, and primed for summer shredding due to the areas infamous high amount of sunshine hours.
The opening weekend of the Golden Bay Bike Park saw the christening of the 2km downhill track and jump line that snakes it’s way through the native fern forest rising above the astonishing Wainui Inlet. The promise of fresh dirt and an expertly sculpted jump line won over the temptation of over thirty riders from around the region who wanted to try their hand at Amani’s and Lawrence’s handy work.
The tractor used for the opening day’s shuttles left us with a small push to the top, however 4WD shuttle access is possible all the way to the top of the DH track. Amani plans to build more suitable grade 3-4 singletrack additions in the coming months which will help create an all round park suitable for all skill levels.
The top section of the track is a steep open firebreak, bordered with deep huge berms giving you the perfect speed leading into the jump line. The jump line features progressive table tops perfect for beginners as well as bigger booters off to the side for those wanting a bit more air time. The jump line leads right into the top of the DH track creating the possibility of one continuous run.
The DH track pumps you out from the forest nirvana straight into the campground with amenities that include a bach style shed fitted with beer fridge, fire pit, and a host of bench seats recycled from antiquated cars. The trails are free to ride for anyone staying at the Hideaway and plans are to open the park to the public in the coming months after further trail development. With the park just a two hour drive west from Nelson, it begs to turned into a great weekend away with the bikes, especially when linked in with tracks such as the Rameka and Kill Devil to round off the trip.
Lawrence and the Team at Golden Bay Hideaways would love to help get you sorted for a fun and relaxing weekend amongst Golden Bay’s finest single track and accommodation so head to goldenbayhideaway.co.nz to find out more.
ayyyy Fraser