Chch Is The Best Place... The Farm Track Thread

[handy-andy]

Farm Track is actually still supposed to be closed (though considerable confusion exists about that).

but my guess would be that Farm Track is perhaps not widely noted to be a mtbike route ? (though it is definately "PH reserve" land)

That is strange, if it is indeed PH Reserve land, and I'm sure it has previously been described on the CCC Track status page as a good alternative route to access the Port Hills while Rapaki is closed. Maybe we can suggest it's status is updated on the CCC page. Especially in light of the obvious confusion that exists over whether it is currently open or closed.

[Trail]

the Farm Track is actually still supposed to be closed (though considerable confusion exists about that).

Ok, did not realise that and I was pretty sure that I saw somewhere that it was suggested as an alternative to Rapaki as well. To be honest the Farm Track feels a lot safer than Rapaki. A quick sprint through the lower section that has rocks above and then it seems pretty safe from there on up.

[handy-andy]

the Farm Track is actually still supposed to be closed (though considerable confusion exists about that).

Ok, did not realise that and I was pretty sure that I saw somewhere that it was suggested as an alternative to Rapaki as well. To be honest the Farm Track feels a lot safer than Rapaki. A quick sprint through the lower section that has rocks above and then it seems pretty safe from there on up.

I'd agree. However, part of me (the better part, i.e. my wife) might wonder what is the status of my life insurance policy if I am taken out by rockfall on a track that was 'officially' closed due to earthquake hazard

[Slim]

Have the closed signs gone from the gates at the bottom, last time I looked at it (which was a while ago) there was still signage up.

I've been riding huntsbury, from my house its about the same amount of seal riding as doing Farm or Rapaki.

[Trail]

I have not seen any closed signs on Farm Track.

[Slim]

there was one on the gate at the bottom just by the last house, guess if it's gone it's open.

[Slapheid]

Came down the Farm Track last night at about 2130hrs and there were no closed signs at top or bottom.
It was my first time on the tr4ack so got a bit lost at the top and had to search a bit before getting onto the track. Had a big moment about ¼ of the way down on a wet patch. Apart from that it was nice and dry.

Bonus of going at night is that you can’t see the crags and boulders

[swtchbckr]

One thing I did hear today is that the Valley Track between Rapaki & FT is definately a risky place to venture - I mention this because some mtbikers have been known to favour it as a singletrack climb to avoid the Rapaki highway.

is that a mildly veiled poke at me???

i've not been near Rapaki or valley, or even Farm Track for as long as i've known they were closed...

there was one on the gate at the bottom just by the last house, guess if it's gone it's open

or some random just took it off...?


Yeah, we've been riding Huntsbury now for a while. its not so bad.

[Trail]

I dont like climbing on seal, I can hear the knobs of my rear tyre being worn off with every pedal stroke

This is one reason I have been riding up the farm track rather than Huntsbury.

[swtchbckr]

yeah, hate that sound. and i used to enjoy climbing the Farm Track, to a certain degree...


just checked. last time i rode Rapaki was Christmas Day 2010...

[handy-andy]

I emailed CCC about the status of Mt Vernon Farm Track, and received a prompt reply:

Thank you for your email.

I have asked the Web Team to investigate having the track added to the website.

I have spoken to the Rangers and they have informed me the track is open, if taking a dog with you it needs to be on a lead as it is lambing season.

Regards

Customer Services Unit
Email: ccc_customerservices@ccc.govt.nz
Web: http://www.ccc.govt.nz