The Grandview Ridge Track is an undulating four wheel drive track that wonders along the crest of the Grandview Range which towers 700 metres above Wanaka, Hawea and the river terraces of the Clutha and Hawea Rivers. The views of the valley and the Southern Alps to the west are stunning on a fine day.
Three four wheel drive tracks climb up onto the south end of the range - the Deep Gully Track, the the Eastern Hills Track and the Long Gully Track. How to get to these tracks is described in the "Directions to Trailhead" section.
Although there are DOC signs and orange poles to guide you you'll still need a topo map or a GPS app such as Back Country Navigator with downloadable maps. There are quite a few four wheel drive tracks to lose you up on the rounded tops of the Grandview Range - and that's after you find your way up there...
The Long Gully Track offers the least painful ride up to the Ridge Track. Don't go up the Deep Gully Track which starts from the Sandy Point car park. That track is the one described in the DOC brochure "Wanaka Outdoor Pursuits" under the heading "Grandview Range Track". But it's the worst way up for bikers - even if you're very fit and strong you'll end up walking much of it. The Eastern Hills Track is not a nice climb either but it's better formed with a more even gradient despite the surface which is loose and jittery for some of the way. So go up the Long Gully Track even though it's longer and involves a bit of highway riding.
Ride along the top of the range until you've had enough then turn back. None of the access tracks offers a rewarding ride back down into the real world below. Choose which ever one takes your fancy. The Eastern Hills Track is perhaps the best choice - not least because it is the easiest to navigate back to the Sandy Point car park.
Don't confuse this ride with the "Grandview Creek Track" which is at the other (north) end of the Grandview Range starting near Hawea.
The thing about the Grandview Ridge Track is that you have to get up there before you can ride it! Your best bet is to park at the Sandy Point car park, ride along to Long Gully Farm and go up from there. Afer your ride along the crest of the range and back, go down either Deep Gully Track or the Eastern Hills Track which both terminate at the Sandy Point car park.
This is a ride you do to build your character, take in the expansive panoramas and get away from the trivial world below. Expect it to be challenging and satisfying rather than fun!
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