Yankee Zephyr
Named after the movie ‘The Race for the Yankee Zephyr”, a tale of a mad hunt to find an American WW2 Bomber full of gold bullion that purportedly crashed in remote New Zealand wilderness. This trail is true treasure!
Key Information:
- Grade - Advanced
- Distance - 2.1km
- Estimated Time - 30mins
- Direction - One way
- Trail Type - Singletrack
The single track uphill scythes its way up through Douglas Fir at a nice gradient. The trail passes the junction to Tank trail. After this intersection the trail steepens slightly through Japanese Larch, rolls into a native bush section which crosses above and below two small waterfalls. From here you head back through more larch before popping out into the open with amazing views south across the Hanmer Basin.
One last short pitch climb will lead you to the top…. Stop…. Drink…. Photo…. Lower the seat…. Set the shocks…. Yeh Ha!!! The downhill blisters along across the hill, rolling into compressions which in turn feed un-weighted pops of air. Ride the rock drop if you dare and hang on as you rattle around the hill as fast as your “bottle” will allow. The last section snakes between fir trees descending through the natural half pipe gully for well over a dozen “no pedalling required” gravity fed plunges and rolling corners. When you finally get this trail dialled you will be totally amping!
From the bottom cross the road & make a right on to take you back up to the top of Swamp Trail via single track climbing and sets you up for various other trail options.
The trail is dual use walking and biking.
Check out the Hanmer Springs Mountain Bike Trail Map online or pick one up from the Hanmer Springs Information Centre and Gift Shop.
