Black Forest Station is a private access road that runs over the sheep station of the same name. Access is requested by phoning the station where they will advise if the road is currently open and if so they will give you a security code for the locked gate at the southern end, and advise what the current access fee is, as of 2015 the access fee has been raised to $20. The southern access gate is off the viewing platform on the far side of the dam and you pay your access fee at the Station homestead at the North end of the road and it’s money well spent.
The views over Lake Benmore and beyond on the southern half of the track are stunning, from altitudes of nearly 900 metres you look down at Lake Benmore and surrounds. The northern half of the track is more in the hills and you make your way through rugged landscape.
Black Forest station gets it’s ‘Experienced’ rating for big bikes due to it’s steep ascents and descents combined with very tight corners and the track can be rock strewn in the steeper sections. Due to the significant altitude variation and exposed nature temperatures and wind could vary dramatically and quickly so riders should be prepared for all conditions.
There are also a number of gates on Black Forest Station and they should be left as found which is usually closed. Most of the gates are in the northern 1/3 of the ride, with one not far from the southern end.
Black Forest Station now also offers accomodation on the station which can be booked online through the Holidayhouses.co.nz website.
Black Forest Station can also be used as a nice loop with Hakataramea Pass.
Contact details for Black Forest Station: http://blackforeststation.co.nz/Contact.html
Access to Black Forest Station is at risk due to riders abusing the privilege of access by either not paying the fee, leaving the track and ripping up adjacent land, disturbing stock, or sharing the gate code allowing unauthorised access.
Don’t be the dickhead who gets access withdrawn for everyone, pay the access fee and ride with respect of the station rules.
Contributed by: @eddieb
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Bumpy, Loose, Steep
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Experienced
River crossings? Yes
Black Forest Station have advised that the road is closed all of October for lambing. Please wait until November for access to resume, and make sure you seek permission first.
We had the chance to go through here on the 06/02/2023. Wonderful views and not to difficult to ride. Myself had a fully loaded KTM 990 Adventure R and my mate had a BMW GS1200 fully loaded as well. Great ride!! See attached a few videos that we made.
https://youtu.be/22mjlBgLpT0
https://youtu.be/C0X67AOWxoQ
https://youtu.be/bWYSLL0Q3RM
Black Forest Station have advised that station access is closed for the month of October 2023 due to lambing.
Black Forest station is closed for the month of October 2024 due to lambing.