Experienced cyclists will soon find it easier to travel between Central Otago and Southland's Great Rides, with the formal opening on Friday (15 Nov) of the new 77km Nevis Valley Heartland Ride.

The ride follows an existing 4-wheel-drive track and links Central Otago's Lake Dunstan cycle trail - at Bannockburn - with Northland Southland's Around the Mountain cycle trail - at Garston.

While the route promises spectacular views and a chance to see relics of the gold-mining era, its gravel tracks, multiple fords and challenging 1275 metre elevations justify its advanced grade-4 status.

Southland District Council's Around the Mountain Cycle Trail manager Susan Mackenzie said the new ride was really exciting because it linked the two regions and showed people that there was also cycle trails in Southland that they could enjoy.

"We're always trying to draw those people who have completed those cycle trails in Otago, down to Southland, and we see it as a good link between the two."

Heartland Rides are seen as links between New Zealand's Great Rides, which included both the Lake Dunstan and Around the Mountain cycle trails, Mackenzie said.

Climb to Duffers. Photo: J Kennett

However the new Nevis cycle trail would be challenging and may not suit the average cycle trail rider.

"I guess you need to be quite sort of courageous and ready to go through fords and over big mountains and be really fit," Mackenzie said.

The Nevis route is already used by participants in the annual Sound to Sound bikepacking ride, a 1500km cycle journey involving up to 25 riders who travel from Marlborough's Queen Charlotte Sound to Milford Sound, she said.

It is hoped his addition to the existing Otago and Southland cycle trails network will encouraging longer visits and economic benefits for local communities.

The trail has had new signage erected but limited cell phone coverage. It will also be subject to seasonal closures due to weather or farming activities

.